Disney has officially unwrapped one of the most anticipated announcements for holiday travelers, revealing that the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth will return to Walt Disney World from November 27 through December 30, 2026.
The annual celebration, which begins the day after Thanksgiving, transforms EPCOT into a festive showcase of holiday traditions, seasonal entertainment, international cuisine, dazzling decorations, and unforgettable family experiences. From celebrity narrators and Christmas carolers to holiday storytellers and specialty food booths, the month-long event has become one of Walt Disney World’s most popular seasonal offerings.
For travelers hoping to experience Disney during the most magical time of the year, now is the time to begin planning.
“Christmas at Walt Disney World is something every Disney fan should experience at least once,” said Natali Bohm, owner of Axis Travel Group. “The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays combines everything people love about Disney with holiday traditions from around the world. It creates an experience that’s festive, educational, entertaining, and incredibly memorable for families.”
Holiday Magic Returns to EPCOT
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays celebrates holiday traditions from countries across the globe through storytelling, food, music, decorations, and interactive experiences throughout World Showcase.
While the festival takes place at EPCOT, holiday celebrations can also be found throughout Walt Disney World Resort, including all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and Disney resort hotels.
Disney officials are encouraging guests to begin planning now, as theme park tickets and resort reservations are already available for the 2026 holiday season.
Holiday Storytellers Bring Global Traditions to Life
One of the festival’s signature experiences is the return of the beloved Holiday Storytellers, who share the customs, legends, and seasonal celebrations unique to their countries.
Throughout World Showcase, guests can experience:
- Mexico Pavilion — Las Posadas Celebration
- Norway Pavilion — A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
- China Pavilion — Chinese Lion Dancer and Si-Zhu Trio
- Germany Pavilion — Adventskalender
- Italy Pavilion — La Befana
- Japan Pavilion — Daruma Storyteller
- Between the Morocco and France Pavilions — Hanukkah Storyteller
- France Pavilion — Père Noël
- United Kingdom Pavilion — Father Christmas
- Canada Pavilion — Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
These presentations allow guests to learn how cultures around the world celebrate the holiday season while preserving traditions passed down through generations.
“One of the reasons families love this festival is that it’s so much more than Christmas decorations,” Bohm said. “You get to experience holiday celebrations from around the world and learn about traditions you may never have known existed. It’s one of the most unique experiences Disney offers.”
Santa Claus Returns to Spread Holiday Cheer
Guests hoping to share their holiday wishes with Santa won’t be disappointed.
Throughout the festival, Santa Claus will make appearances around World Showcase, greeting guests and spreading Christmas cheer. Visitors can also enjoy holiday-themed character experiences, including:
- Père Noël in the France Pavilion
- Barn Santa in the Norway Pavilion
- Santa Claus greetings inside CommuniCore Hall
- Goofy dressed as Santa Claus at The Odyssey for festive photo opportunities
EPCOT Transforms Into a Holiday Wonderland
From the moment guests enter the park, they’ll be surrounded by seasonal décor designed to celebrate holiday traditions from around the world.
Twinkling lights, garlands, ornaments, and beautifully decorated trees will fill every corner of EPCOT, creating picture-perfect backdrops throughout World Showcase.
A returning fan favorite is the Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display presented by Citizen, a culinary masterpiece inspired by EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere.
Guests can also enjoy the Celebration Countdown presented by CITIZEN, which takes place every 15 minutes and features dazzling holiday-themed light shows synchronized to festive music.
“It’s impossible not to feel the holiday spirit when you’re walking through EPCOT during this festival,” Bohm said. “The decorations, music, lights, and atmosphere create a truly magical experience.”
Candlelight Processional Returns to America Gardens Theatre
One of the most beloved traditions of the holiday season at Walt Disney World is the return of the Candlelight Processional.
Held nightly at the America Gardens Theatre, the production features celebrity narrators recounting the Christmas story accompanied by a mass choir and full orchestra.
Disney has not yet announced the 2026 celebrity narrator lineup, but guests can expect multiple performances each evening and future details regarding Candlelight Processional Dining Packages.
For many guests, the Candlelight Processional is considered a must-do holiday tradition during a visit to EPCOT.
Holiday Entertainment Throughout the Festival
In addition to the Candlelight Processional, guests will enjoy several returning entertainment offerings.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
This energetic performance celebrates Christmas and Kwanzaa through a blend of gospel, jazz, R&B, and contemporary holiday music. The uplifting performances have become a guest favorite and offer a unique musical perspective on seasonal traditions.
Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers
The popular Voices of Liberty return as the Dickens Carolers, dressed in Victorian-era costumes while performing classic holiday songs and carols with their signature harmonies.
Holiday Kitchens Bring Seasonal Flavors From Around the World
Food has become one of the festival’s biggest attractions, and Disney is once again bringing back its popular Holiday Kitchens.
Located throughout World Showcase, these seasonal food booths serve festive dishes and beverages inspired by holiday traditions from various countries and cultures.
Guests can expect everything from comforting holiday classics to globally inspired specialties, creating an opportunity to snack their way around the world while celebrating the season.
Disney is expected to release its annual Disney Eats Foodie Guide closer to the event with complete menu details.
The Holiday Cookie Stroll Returns
Another guest favorite making its return is the Holiday Cookie Stroll.
Guests can purchase five qualifying cookies from participating Holiday Kitchens and collect stamps in their Festival Passport. Once all five stamps have been collected, participants can redeem their completed passport for a special holiday treat.
The Cookie Stroll has become a tradition for many returning festival guests and offers a fun way to explore the various food locations throughout the park.
Holiday Overlays and Seasonal Experiences
Several EPCOT attractions and experiences will receive special holiday enhancements during the festival.
Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses
The popular boat ride receives a seasonal makeover with festive lights and decorations throughout the attraction’s greenhouses, creating a peaceful and beautiful holiday experience unlike any other at Walt Disney World.
Spaceship Earth Holiday Lighting
As evening falls, Spaceship Earth transforms into a dazzling display of holiday colors and animated lighting effects that illuminate the park’s iconic centerpiece.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt
Families can join Olaf on a holiday-themed scavenger hunt throughout World Showcase as he discovers traditions from around the globe. Guests who complete the activity receive a special holiday keepsake.
Scentsy’s Festive Fragrances: A Sensory Wonderland
Returning for its third year, this interactive experience invites guests to explore an enchanting garden of snow globes featuring all-new fragrances inspired by celebrations around the world, including Noche Buena, Diwali, and other holiday traditions.
The experience is located along the walkway between the Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase.
Why Travelers Should Book Their Disney Vacation Early
With holiday travel demand continuing to grow, Disney vacation experts say waiting too long to plan can mean fewer resort options, limited dining availability, and higher travel costs.
“The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World,” Bohm said. “The earlier guests start planning, the more options they’ll have for Disney resorts, dining reservations, special events, and overall vacation flexibility.”
Axis Travel Group specializes in Disney destinations and provides personalized vacation planning services, helping families navigate resort choices, ticket options, dining reservations, park strategies, and customized itineraries designed around each traveler’s needs.
“Our goal is to take the stress out of planning so our clients can focus on making memories,” Bohm added. “Whether it’s your first Disney vacation or your tenth, having an experienced Disney travel advisor can make a huge difference.”
Start Planning Your Disney Holiday Vacation Today
With the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays running November 27 through December 30, now is the perfect time to begin planning your Walt Disney World holiday getaway.
From Holiday Storytellers and Candlelight Processional performances to festive food booths, Santa sightings, holiday décor, seasonal overlays, and family-friendly experiences, EPCOT’s most festive celebration promises another unforgettable season of Disney magic.
Ready to experience the holidays at Walt Disney World? Fill out the quote request form below this article and one of Axis Travel Group’s Disney vacation specialists will contact you shortly to begin planning your magical Disney holiday vacation.
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