2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Details & Why You Don’t Want to Miss It!

Out of the four festivals, guests can find at EPCOT, there is something very special about the Festival of the Holidays. This celebration of global holidays comes to life with immersive experiences throughout World Showcase and beyond as guests savor international cuisine, enjoy live entertainment, and engage in family-friendly activities while enjoying the beauty of holiday traditions from around the world. This festival is now open and runs through December 30, 2023. Learn more about the festival below and why you don’t want to miss it!

1 – The Candlelight Processional

One of the most popular offerings at EPCOT is the Candlelight Processional, a cherished Disney Parks tradition. Every night at America Gardens Theatre, celebrity narrators retell the Christmas story, accompanied by the Voices of Liberty a capella ensemble, a resplendent 50-piece live orchestra complete with herald trumpets, and the melodic voices of a massed choir featuring Disney cast members and local community groups.

Audiences will be treated to a star-studded experience this year as the celebrity narrator roster shines with award-winning actors, singers, and television personalities. This year’s lineup features nine new talents as well as beloved returning voices:

• • Chrissy Metz (NEW): Nov. 24-25
  • Luis Fonsi (NEW): Nov. 26-27
  • Ann-Margret (NEW): Nov. 28-29
  • Simu Liu: Nov. 30-Dec. 2
  • John Stamos: Dec. 3-5
  • Neil Patrick Harris: Dec. 6-8
  • Marlee Matlin: Dec. 9-11
  • Brendan Fraser (NEW): Dec. 12-14
  • Eva Longoria (NEW): Dec. 15-16
  • Joey McIntyre (NEW): Dec. 17-18
  • Sterling K. Brown (NEW): Dec. 19-20
  • Jordan Fisher (NEW): Dec. 21-23
  • Steven Curtis Chapman: Dec. 24-26
  • Audra McDonald (NEW): Dec. 27-28
  • Lisa Ling: Dec. 29-30

*Guests looking to ensure a seat for their preferred performance are encouraged to book Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. For more information, including pricing and availability, visit EPCOTHolidays.com.

Learn more about the Candlelight Processional by clicking here. 

2 – Visit With Santa Claus

To sprinkle even more yuletide joy, from November 24-December 24, Santa Claus spreads merry magic at the Odyssey Pavilion. Guests are invited to capture joyful snapshots and share their dearest holiday wishes.

3 – Holiday Traditions from Around the Globe

Throughout World Showcase, the tapestry of global customs unfurls with mesmerizing storytellers sharing tales of holiday traditions from around the globe. Unique presentations include Las Posadas Celebration featuring Mariachi Cobre at the Mexico pavilion, the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs in the Canada pavilion, a Hanukkah storyteller along the promenade between Morocco and France, and other delightful holiday storytellers in France, Italy, Japan, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

4 – More Live Entertainment

“JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season,” a stirring and uplifting performance of music in celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa, returns to the World Showcase Plaza Stage with multiple performances daily. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.

Also, be sure to check out Voices of Liberty during the festival at the American pavilion. Dressed up as Dickens Carolers, Voices of Liberty sing original renditions of seasonal favorites! Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.

5 – Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt

Guests of all ages can partake in the joy of Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt. The journey commences with the purchase of a map and stickers, available at various festival merchandise locations, which lead guests on a delightful quest for traditions that Olaf has discovered in every pavilion.

6 – Indulge in Yuletide Treats

More than fifteen Holiday Kitchens cook up treasured recipes and festive drinks from around the globe, including slow Roasted Turkey with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce.

The Holiday Cookie Stroll offers sweet treats to satisfy even the biggest sweet tooths. Cookie connoisseurs can purchase cookies to earn a matching stamp in their Festival Passport. When guests reach the magical number of five, they can visit the Holiday Sweet & Treats Holiday Kitchen and relish a specialty cookie.

7 – Deck the Halls with Gifts Galore

For those eager to complete their holiday shopping lists, there are plenty of festival merchandise items to enjoy. From the Festival of the Holidays Mug and CORKCICLE® Tumbler to the Cookie Stroll Cookie Jar, a treasure trove of options awaits every visitor. Look for items throughout the park in locations such as Creations Shop in World Celebration.

8 – Living with the Land Holiday Overlay

A fan-favorite attraction overlay returns once again with Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses. A ride aboard this classic EPCOT attraction offers guests a peaceful cruise to view twinkling holiday light displays throughout the greenhouses. The greenhouses are all lit up and decorated for the holidays. It’s a really great addition to the land!

9 – Disney100 Celebration

Visiting EPCOT during the festival will also give guests a final opportunity to experience the Disney100 Celebration. EPCOT is the heart of the celebration at Walt Disney World now through December 31, 2023. In addition to festive décor marking the special occasion at the park’s entrance, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse don their platinum-best attire to greet guests in the Imagination! pavilion, Spaceship Earth lights up each night with a colorful lighting display accompanied by the Disney100 anthem, an original version of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” Guests can also indulge in celebratory dishes and drinks at four Holiday Kitchens: Char & Chop, Wine & Wedge, Bubbles & Brine and Swirled Showcase.

Note that to experience any in-park offerings, guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on the type of admission and date of visit. The ability to visit a theme park is subject to the park’s capacity limitations.

Entertainment offerings are subject to change without notice.