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Your Ultimate Guide to Epcot's

International Festival of the Holidays

Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays is a beloved event that transforms the World Showcase into a global celebration of seasonal traditions. From storytelling and music to iconic culinary delights, it’s a feast for the senses. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know, including pro tips and secrets.

Running from late November through December, the festival celebrates holiday customs from around the world. The heart of the event is the Holiday Kitchens (food booths), the Storytellers in each pavilion, and the magnificent Candlelight Processional. The entire World Showcase Lagoon is adorned with a “Holidays Around the World” overlay for the Epcot Forever nighttime spectacular.

The Crown Jewel: The Candlelight Processional

This is a can’t-miss event. It’s a moving retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a massive 50-piece live orchestra and a full choir made up of Cast Members.

The 2025 Narrators

The list of narrators changes annually, but it typically features a mix of beloved actors, musicians, and public figures. Past narrators have included:
  • November 28–29: Constance Wu (NEW)
  • November 30–December 2: Jordan Fisher
  • December 3–4: Susan Egan (NEW)
  • December 5–6: Ashley Eckstein
  • December 7–8: Ralph Macchio
  • December 9–10: Leslie Uggams (NEW)
  • December 11–13: Marlee Matlin
  • December 14–15: Henry Winkler (NEW)
  • December 16–17: Lauren Daigle (NEW)
  • December 18–19: Gary Sinise
  • December 20–22: Brendan Fraser
  • December 23–24: Luis Fonsi
  • December 25–26: Joel Smallbone (NEW)
  • December 27–28: Brie Larson (NEW)
  • December 29–30: Sheryl Lee Ralph (NEW) 

Hacks for Getting a Good Seat (With or Without a Package)

The Candlelight Processional is immensely popular. There are three performances nightly, and securing a seat requires strategy.

The Gold-Standard Hack: The Candlelight Processional Dining Package

This is the single best way to guarantee a seat and is the “good investment” you asked about.

  • How It Works: You book a prix-fixe lunch or dinner at a select Epcot restaurant (see list below). For your meal, you pay a set price and, in return, you receive a voucher for guaranteed seating at a specific performance of the Candlelight Processional on the same day.

  • Why It’s a Good Investment:

    • Guaranteed Seating: This is the primary benefit. You bypass the standby line and enter a reserved section of the America Gardens Theatre. You still need to arrive about 20-30 minutes before your showtime, but you are not waiting in a 90-minute standby line.

    • Saves Time: On a busy day, the standby line for a popular narrator can form 2+ hours before the show. The package reclaims that time for you to enjoy the rest of the festival.

    • Excellent Meal: The participating restaurants are among Epcot’s best (e.g., Biergarten, Le Cellier, Via Napoli). You’re essentially paying for a fantastic meal and purchasing peace of mind as part of the package.

    • Convenience: It bundles two major activities (a nice meal and the show) into one seamless reservation.

  • Participating Restaurants (Typical List):

    • Tier 1 (Highest Price): Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada), Rose & Crown Dining Room (UK).

    • Tier 2: Biergarten Restaurant (Germany), Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy), Garden Grill Restaurant (The Land Pavilion), Chefs de France (France).

    • Tier 3 (Lunch-Only, Often Best Value): Regal Eagle Smokehouse (American Adventure), Spice Road Table (Morocco).

Hacks for the Dining Package:

  • Book the lunch package for a lower price.

  • Reserve the latest dinner seating and then go to the last Candlelight Processional show of the night, which is often less crowded.

  • Book your dining package as soon as your 60-day advance booking window opens—they sell out fast for popular narrators.

Hacks for the Standby Line (No Package):

  • Aim for the Last Show: The 8:30 PM show is almost always less crowded than the 5:00 PM or 6:45 PM shows, as many guests with young children have left or are watching the nighttime spectacular.

  • Be Early, Very Early: For a narrator like Neil Patrick Harris, the standby line may need a 90-minute to 2-hour wait. For less popular narrators, 45-60 minutes might suffice.

  • Bad Weather is Your Friend: A chilly or drizzly evening discourages crowds. The show goes on in all but the worst weather.

  • Consider the “Splash Zone”: The reserved seating is in the center. The standby line fills in the sides and the rear. You will still get a decent view and can hear everything perfectly, even from the back..

Exclusive Ride Overlays & Holiday Enhancements

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

While Epcot doesn’t have full ride overhauls like Haunted Mansion Holiday, it features one iconic overlay and enhanced atmospheres.

Living with the Land – Overlay: “A Merry Merryride”

This is the festival’s signature ride overlay and a must-do for any fan.

  • What It Is: The classic boat ride through Epcot’s greenhouses is infused with a subtle, educational, and beautiful holiday spirit.

  • The Details: As you cruise through the biomes, you’ll find:

    • Themed Topiaries: Plants are pruned and shaped into festive figures like Mickey Mouse, stars, and presents.

    • Hidden Holiday Characters: Keep a sharp eye for “Mikey” the giraffe and other plush animal figures tucked amongst the foliage, celebrating in their own way.

    • “Fruit & Vegetable Art”: This is the highlight. Cast Members use the greenhouse’s own produce to create stunning murals and scenes. You might see a turkey made of chili peppers, a Christmas tree crafted from herbs, or a Santa Claus formed from beans and seeds. These are unique, living works of art.

  • Why It’s Special: It’s a perfect blend of Epcot’s educational mission and holiday whimsy. The overlay is different every year, making it a new discovery on each visit.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Holiday Atmosphere

  • While the ride itself is unchanged, the pre-show queue often features a special holiday-themed intergalactic transmission from the Nova Corps, wishing you a “Celestial Holiday.” It’s a small but delightful touch that ties the attraction into the season.

Spaceship Earth – Enhanced Narration

  • The ride’s concluding segment, which shows your “future,” is often accompanied by a gentle, festive musical score instead of the standard theme, providing a warm and hopeful end to the journey through time.

Meeting Santa Claus & Other Holiday Figures

This is a premier character experience, with multiple opportunities to meet the main man himself and his global counterparts.

The “Main” Santa Meet-and-Greet

  • Location: The American Adventure Pavilion. Specifically, inside the Heritage Manor Gifts shop, which is transformed into a cozy, Victorian-style “Santa’s Study.”

  • The Experience: This is not a rushed photo op. The setting is detailed with books, a fireplace, and a large chair. Santa spends genuine time with each child (and adult!), listening to wishes and creating a magical memory. The backdrop is one of the most beautiful photo opportunities in all of Disney World during the holidays.

  • Pro Tip: Use the My Disney Experience App to check wait times. Lines can be long but are often shorter during the first Candlelight Processional or during the Epcot Forever fireworks.

International Santas & Holiday Icons

You don’t just meet one Santa; you can meet his cultural counterparts from around the World Showcase. Check your Festival Passport for times, as they appear for scheduled “storyteller” sessions, not for continuous meets.

  • Père Noël (France): Dressed in a long, elegant cloak and often carrying a walking staff, he shares charming French Christmas traditions.

  • Father Christmas (UK): Resplendent in a long green robe, he tells tales of a traditional British Christmas, often with a touch of Shakespearean flair.

  • Santa Claus (USA): The classic, red-suited Santa appears for storytelling sessions on the stage outside The American Adventure, in addition to the indoor meet-and-greet.

  • Other Non-Santa Figures:

    • La Befana (Italy): A kindly witch who delivers gifts to children on the Eve of the Epiphany.

    • Hanukkah Storytellers (Multiple Pavilions): Learn about the Festival of Lights from cultural representatives.

    • The Julenisse (Norway): A playful Christmas elf who shares Norwegian folklore.

FIRST LOOK: The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Merchandise Collection is Here!

The holiday season is already sparkling on the horizon, and we have a first peek at the merchandise collection coming to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays for 2025! This year’s lineup brings back a fan-favorite pattern in exciting new ways.

Leading the collection is the return of the incredibly popular Figment’s Holiday Sweater design. After the human-sized version was a fan favorite last year, this beloved pattern is making a stylish leap to a must-have accessory.

Here’s a first look at what we know is coming:

  • Figment Sweater Ear Headband: The iconic sweater pattern is now featured on a new ear headband, complete with a cozy, white sweater-like bow. It’s the perfect festive topper for your holiday park days!

  • Figment Holiday Ornament: Bring the magic home with an exclusive ornament featuring an excited Figment wearing his holiday sweater. The figure hangs from a placard proudly reading “EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.”

  • Figment Holiday Crossbody Bag: Figment soars across a crossbody bag shaped and styled like EPCOT’s own Spaceship Earth. This unique, geometric purse is sure to be a standout piece for any park outfit.

Be sure to check back for more updates as they become available! This is just the beginning of the festive fun, and we’ll share more details on merchandise release dates and additional items soon.

In-Depth Food & Beverage Offerings

NOTE:

The 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays menus have not yet been announced, we'll update this page when they are.

The Holiday Kitchens are the culinary heart of the festival. The offerings are a mix of traditional comfort food and adventurous international dishes.

How to Approach the Food:

  • Get the Festival Passport: It’s your menu guide and map to all the kitchens.

  • Use a Snack Credit Strategy: Many items at the booths are eligible for the Disney Dining Plan as a snack credit, making them an excellent value.

  • Share Everything: The portions are designed for sampling. Split items with your group to try more without getting too full.

Standout & Returning Favorite Offerings (by Pavilion):

  • American Holiday Table (The American Adventure):

    • Food: Slow-roasted Turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans. A classic, done well.

    • Treat: Classic Pumpkin Pie.

  • L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between Morocco & France):

    • Food: Pastrami on Rye with house-made pickles and deli mustard. The Sufganiyot (Jelly-Filled Donut) is a Hanukkah staple and a must-try.

  • Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France – Permanent Location, but with Holiday Items):

    • Treat: The Bûche de Noël (Yule Log) is a masterpiece of French patisserie, available in multiple flavors like chocolate and coffee.

  • Holiday Sweets & Treats (Near Port of Entry):

    • Treat: The featured cookies for the Cookie Stroll are often found here. Don’t miss the Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie.

  • Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany):

    • Food: Roast Pork with potato dumpling and red cabbage.

    • Dessert: The Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake) is incredibly authentic.

  • Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada):

    • Food: Wild Turkey Pot Pie is a hearty and delicious fan favorite.

    • Food: Turkey Poutine – a fantastic Canadian-fusion dish.

The Cookie Stroll – A Delicious Challenge

  • How It Works: Purchase five specific cookies from five designated Holiday Kitchens. Get your passport stamped at each location. Once completed, take your stamped passport to the designated redemption location (e.g., Holiday Sweets & Treats) for your FREE completion cookie (often a special sixth cookie like a Snowman Sugar Cookie).

  • Pro Tip: You do not need to eat all the cookies in one day. Buy them, get the stamp, and save them for later. This allows you to “complete” the stroll without a sugar overload.

By understanding these layers—the exclusive ride experience, the multiple Santa encounters, the sought-after merchandise, and the strategic approach to the global food—you can craft a perfect, deeply immersive day at Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays.

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