https://disneytips.com
Menu
Home » The Parks

8 Festive Reasons to Love EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays

Posted by: Rebekah Tyndall Burkett November 30, 2024 Comments Off on 8 Festive Reasons to Love EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays

A bustling parking lot with numerous vehicles, with the iconic EPCOT geodesic sphere visible in the background against a clear blue sky.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Christmas time at Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida is a truly magical experience unmatched by any other holiday destination. Celebrating the season at EPCOT during the International Festival of the Holidays is a delightful way to immerse yourself in festive fun while exploring the world. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, EPCOT offers countless reasons to make it your holiday celebration destination.

Let’s dive into eight reasons why EPCOT is a must-visit during the holidays and why the International Festival of the Holidays deserves a spot on your Disney bucket list.

8. Admission Is Included

Unlike separately ticketed events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the International Festival of the Holidays is included with the price of your one-day or multi-day EPCOT ticket. This makes it an ideal choice for families and groups, as everyone can join in the holiday cheer without the need for extra expenses. With so much included, you’ll feel the magic of the season without breaking the bank.

7. A Holiday Celebration Spanning Weeks

EPCOT’s holiday festivities offer an extended celebration, making it easy to fit into any busy holiday schedule. With events running from mid-November through December, visitors have plenty of time to soak in the season’s spirit while accommodating school or work commitments. The flexibility means you can choose the best time to visit, whether you want to kick off the holidays early or celebrate closer to Christmas.

A nighttime scene at Epcot with a family of four wearing Mickey Mouse ears admiring the large, illuminated Spaceship Earth. The geodesic sphere is lit up with bright, colorful patterns, primarily in red and white, creating a festive atmosphere.

Credit: Disney

6. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree

Looking for a family-friendly activity to enhance your EPCOT visit? Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree is a playful and interactive scavenger hunt. For just a small fee, purchase a map and stickers at participating EPCOT shops. As you journey through the World Showcase, keep an eye out for Chip ‘n’ Dale gathering ornaments for their tree.

Once your map is complete, redeem it at Disney Traders for a special holiday surprise. It’s a fantastic way to engage kids and adults alike while exploring the park.

5. Holiday Kitchens for Festive Feasting

The Holiday Kitchens are a food lover’s dream, bringing seasonal flavors to life with dishes inspired by holiday traditions from around the globe. Sample roast turkey and pork tenderloin at the American Holiday Table, enjoy Caribbean-inspired delicacies at the Feast of the Three Kings, or savor sweet treats at the Holiday Sweets and Treats kiosk.

For a unique twist, head to the Mexico pavilion for carnitas tacos while enjoying live mariachi performances. With so many culinary options, you’ll find flavors to satisfy every craving.

4. Candlelight Processional

One of the most beloved traditions at EPCOT, the Candlelight Processional, is a stirring retelling of the Christmas story. Celebrity narrators bring the story to life, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a choir. Past narrators have included stars like Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, and Trace Adkins.

The combination of music and storytelling creates an unforgettable experience, making it a highlight of the season.

Candlelight Processional EPCOT

Credit: Disney

3. A Special Holiday Twist on EPCOT’s Nighttime Spectacular

During the holidays, EPCOT’s iconic nighttime spectacular gets a seasonal makeover. Holiday greetings in multiple languages from around the globe take center stage, and the show concludes with a heartfelt performance of “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” This special addition to the nighttime show offers a beautiful message of unity and hope, leaving guests with a warm holiday glow.

2. JOYFUL! A Celebration of Holiday Music

Music is at the heart of the season, and JOYFUL! A Celebration of Holiday Music brings it to life with an energetic mix of gospel, jazz, R&B, and traditional holiday tunes. Performed several times daily at the World Celebration Fountain Stage, this uplifting show is included with your EPCOT ticket. The soulful performances are sure to get you singing along and feeling the joy of the season.

1. Festive Decorations Around the World Showcase

EPCOT’s World Showcase is transformed into a dazzling holiday wonderland, with each pavilion showcasing its unique holiday traditions and decorations. From twinkling lights to elegant garlands, every pavilion offers a glimpse into the festive customs of its represented country. Learn how Christmas and other holidays are celebrated around the world while enjoying the immersive, beautifully decorated settings.

This is a perfect way to experience the magic of the holidays through a global lens.

A large white geodesic sphere, known as Spaceship Earth, stands prominently in the background at Epcot theme park in Disney World. The foreground features a calm body of water reflecting the sphere, with buildings and trees on the shoreline under a partly cloudy sky.

Credit: Reinhard Link, Flickr

Why EPCOT Is a Must-Visit During the Holidays

The International Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT is more than just a seasonal event—it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and Disney magic. Whether you’re indulging in holiday feasts, marveling at the Candlelight Processional, or exploring the dazzling decorations, EPCOT offers something for everyone.

Even if the parks are a bit crowded during the holidays, the joyous atmosphere and carefully curated experiences make it all worthwhile. With admission included in your ticket, a variety of entertainment options, and festive cheer around every corner, it’s no wonder EPCOT has become a favorite holiday destination for Disney fans.

Whether it’s your first visit or a cherished annual tradition, EPCOT during the holidays is sure to create memories that last a lifetime. So, pack your holiday spirit and prepare for an unforgettable adventure at Walt Disney World’s International Festival of the Holidays!

About Rebekah Tyndall Burkett

Rebekah grew up in Forney, Texas and lives just outside of Dallas. She’s been a Disney superfan since childhood, experiencing the magic at Walt Disney World for the first time at the age of 11. Journeys to Neverland are at least a yearly occurrence for her, her husband and her four children (the Fab Four). When they go to the parks, they stay in Florida for three weeks at a time. Rebekah loves exploring the history of the parks, the genius behind the Magic in the person of Walt Disney, and she is intrigued by all things Disney World and Disney Imagineering. When in the parks, Rebekah and her husband Scott make the most of their time by enjoying every minute with their Fab Four, by delving deeper into Walt’s vision for the parks and into the history behind the Walt Disney World Resort, and by photographing the many different types of architecture at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and on the World Showcase at EPCOT. When she’s not in the parks, Rebekah is excitedly setting travel dates and planning her family’s next adventure to their happy place deep within the Sunshine State. On breaks from planning her next trip, Rebekah is a writer, journalist and children’s author, penning children’s books about kids with special needs that she affectionately calls “believement-achievement” stories. Her hobbies include creative writing, paper crafting and interviewing Imagineers. She is also an advocate for Autism Awareness and for children with developmental disabilities of all kinds.