 is an annual event that takes place at Epcot World Showcase. This year the festival runs from November 25 through December 30, and the festival is included...&media=//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0092/8340/3835/articles/MG_5601_grande.jpg?v=1634332591)
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (formerly Holidays Around the World) is an annual event that takes place at Epcot World Showcase. This year the festival runs from November 25 through December 30, and the festival is included with the price of your admission.
This festival features food, drinks, and performers from around the world, and more. Here is what you can expect if you visit Epcot during the holidays:
Candlelight Processional
This is an incredibly popular show held at the American Gardens Theater in the American section of the World Showcase. The show consists of a choir and 50-piece orchestra. A celebrity narrator then reads The Christmas Story.
The show is free of charge, but because it is an extremely popular show, you will definitely want to plan ahead if you would like to attend. Lines start hours ahead of time for seating, and even if you are in line you are not guaranteed a seat.
The best way to make sure you get seating for this show is to book a Candlelight Dining Package. You have the option of booking lunch or dinner packages that include your meal guaranteed seats for one of the 3 shows on that day.
Reservations can be made on Disney's website, and will be posted closer to the festival date.One of the reasons this show has such a large draw is the celebrity narrators who participate. The 2022 line up is as follows:
-
Simu Liu
November 25 and 26, 2022 -
Edward James Olmos
November 27 through 29, 2022 -
Raul Esparza
November 30 and December 1, 2022 -
Whoopi Goldberg
December 2 and December 3, 2022 -
Isabella Rossellini
December 4 through December 6, 2022 -
Daymond John
December 7 and December 9, 2022 -
Josh Gad
December 10 through December 12, 2022 -
Gloria Estefan
December 13 and December 14, 2022 -
Neil Patrick Harris
December 15 through December 18, 2022 -
Mariska Hargitay
December 19 and December 20, 2022 -
Cal Ripken Jr.
December 21 through December 23, 2022 -
Marie Osmond
December 24 through December 26, 2022 -
Courtney Vance
December 27 and December 28, 2022 -
Angela Bassett
December 29 and December 30, 2022
Read more about the Candlelight Processional here.
Shopping
The Festival will offer holiday merchandise throughout the parks. This year the merchandise will feature Olaf and Sven from the Frozen movies. You can find these limited items at the Creations Shop, Port of Entry, and other World Showcase stores. The collection includes:
- Adult Sherpa Spirit Jersey
- Adult tee
- Youth tee
- Beanie
- Throw
- Mug
- Ornament
- Candy dish
- Water bottle
- Cookie jar
- MagicBand
- Festival logo trading pin
- Disney Vacation Club Member trading pin
- Annual Passholder trading pin
- Annual Passholder adult pullover hoodie
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt
Kids can go on a scavenger hunt to find holiday traditions that Olaf has gathered (watch Olaf's Frozen Adventure to get the joke here). You can purchase your scavenger hunt map and stickers for $9.99 plus tax from Port of Entry, Creations Shop, and World Traveler in EPCOT.
You'll use the stickers on your map to mark the tradition that Olaf has found in each Pavilion of World Showcase. When you complete your expedition you can bring the map to Disney Traders, Creation Shop, or World Traveler to redeem your map for a gift.
Holiday Kitchens
The kitchens for 2021 are:
American Holiday Table – American Adventure Pavilion
Enjoy a seasonal salute—dig into traditional dishes reminiscent of grandma’s cooking at the American Adventure Pavilion.
Bavaria Holiday Kitchen – Germany Pavilion
Willkommen—help yourself to heartwarming holiday dishes and refreshing beverages at the Germany Pavilion.
Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen – Near Port of Entry
Join in on the festivities when you visit this new location offering cinnamon-glazed nuts and holiday beverages.
The Donut Box – Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
Enjoy a classic dessert dressed up in a little holiday cheer when you try one of our seasonally-themed donuts!
Holiday Hearth Desserts – Near Port of Entry
Discover the hearth you’ll call home, with holly jolly desserts, hot cocoa and so much more.
Holiday Sweets & Treats – Near Port of Entry
Rock around the Christmas tree with tasty desserts and festive sips sure to top the “nice” list.
L'Chaim! Holiday Kitchen – Between Morocco and France Pavilions
Propose a toast to life—sink your teeth into classic deli noshes with a side of New York flair.
Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen – France Pavilion
Feast on très magnifique fare, wine and specialty cocktails from the France Pavilion.
Mele Kalikimaka – Near Port Of Entry
Savor the flavor of fabulous, festive food and beverages from the islands of Hawa i‘i.
Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen – Mexico Pavilion
Feliz Navidad—celebrate with mariachi dancing and south-of-the-border fare at the Mexican Pavilion!
Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen – Japan Pavilion
Please your palate with an array of festive dishes and drinks served at the Japan Pavilion.
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina – Morocco Pavilion
Travel to the Morocco Pavilion for delicious kebabs and cocktails.
Tuscany Holiday Kitchen – Italy Pavilion
Mangiare—savor a seasonal take on some of the world’s best-loved food and beverages at the Italy Pavilion!
Yukon Holiday Kitchen – Canada Pavilion
Jingle your bells with delightful dishes and libations from the Great White North—at the Canada Pavilion.
Additional Locations
Funnel Cake – Between the American Adventure Pavilion
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a holiday classic: Pumpkin Pie Funnel Cake.
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company – Throughout EPCOT
Salute the season with the usual selection of coffees, plus a tasty holiday-themed treat!
Refreshment Outpost – Between the China and Germany Pavilions
Chow down on this year’s holiday surprise: Coconut-Pineapple Cake with DOLE Whip. (Sorry, guess it’s not a surprise now.)
Refreshment Port – Showcase Plaza
Savor the flavor of holiday poutine and toast the season with specials like Coquito Soft-serve, also available with Spiced Rum.
Chip and Dale's Christmas Tree Spree
This is a fun scavenger hunt that kids will love. You can pick up a map for $6.99 at most shops around Epcot. You will then search for special ornaments around The World Showcase. Once you find an ornament you put a sticker on your map. Once you find all of the special ornaments, you turn your map in at Disney Traders and you'll get a special treat.
Holiday Cookie Stroll
There will be Cookie Stroll booths available around the World Showcase where you can purchase cookies. For each cookie you try you'll get a stamp. Once you collect 5 stamps you'll get a free cookie and a glass of milk.
The Cookie Stroll locations for 2021 are:
-
Yukon Holiday Kitchen
SNICKERS®-Doodle Cookie made with SNICKERS® bar pieces -
L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen
Black and White Cookie -
American Holiday Table
Chocolate Crinkle Cookie made with DOVE® Dark Chocolate -
Bavaria Holiday Kitchen
Linzer Cookie -
Holiday Hearth Desserts
Gingerbread Cookie
Holiday Storytellers
Typically the holiday storytellers are performers you'll find in each of the pavilions. They bring each country's traditional holiday to life by sharing holiday stories and performances.
Here is what you could expect at each country's pavilion in years past. This should give you an idea of what we might see in 2022:
- Canada: Holiday Voyageurs sing seasonal songs
- United Kingdom: Father Christmas shares holiday traditions
- France: Pere Noel tells stories of children leaving out shoes for Christmas
- Morocco: Hear about Moroccan festivals and traditions
- Japan: Hear about Japanese New Year, O Shogatsu.
- America: Hear the story of Kwanzaa and Hannukah and see Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Italy: Hear the witch La Benafa tell the story of the Epiphany
- Germany: Hear the origin story of the Nutcracker.
- China: Dragon dancers perform and celebrate the New Year
- Norway: Hear the srory of the gnome Julenissen
- Mexico: Hear mariachi singers play festive holiday music
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See you at the parks,
-Julie
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