Your Guide to the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season, EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays should absolutely be on your must-do list. This festival brings together seasonal food, cultural traditions, holiday storytellers, and unique entertainment from around the world. It feels warm, welcoming, and filled with the kind of Christmas magic that EPCOT does best.
Whether you’re planning a week-long trip or are simply stopping by for a day of holiday cheer, this guide walks you through what to expect, what to taste, and how to make the most of your time.
The Best Way to Begin Your Festival Day
EPCOT looks stunning the moment you walk in. Glittery poinsettias line the entrance. Cool weather mixes with warm sunshine. The entire park feels ready for a celebration. Even early in the morning, the front of the park is alive with entertainment, music, and friends gathering. Be sure to grab a Festival Passport as soon as you enter the park. It’s loaded with details that’ll help you navigate during your Festival of the Holidays visit.
If you want a small jump start to the day, Joffrey’s is offering a Holiday Cookie Latte. You can order it with dairy free modifications if needed. The sprinkles and sweet flavors are festive, and it pairs perfectly with a stroll toward World Showcase.
Holiday Kitchens You Shouldn’t Miss
La Posada Holiday Kitchen
The Tostada de Carne is flavorful and filling, with tender braised beef and black beans on a crisp tortilla shell. It’s balanced, hearty, and an easy win if you love savory dishes.
Shanghai Holiday Kitchen
The Vegetable Spring Rolls with citrus sauce taste fresh and bright. The citrus dipping sauce adds the punch they need, and when they’re served hot, they’re delicious. This booth is a quick favorite for guests who want something light but flavorful.
American Holiday Table
Don’t miss the Blackened Catfish with Hoppin John. This dish is tender, generously seasoned, and more filling than many festival items. The black eyed peas, rice, and collard greens bring a rich Southern comfort flavor that feels perfect for the season. It’s also marked safe for several common allergies. I know that fish might not be the first you think of when you’re strolling around the World Showcase, but trust me when I say that this dish is worth a stop.
Shiwasu Holiday Kitchen in Japan
The Strawberry Bun is a soft, lightly sweet bao filled with strawberry cream and a simple coconut sauce on the side. It smells amazing and is one of the more surprising sweet treats of the festival.I loved it.
L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen
If you want a reliable classic, the Potato Latkes continue to be a festival standout. Warm, crisp, and comforting; you can enjoy them with plant-based sour cream or smoked salmon depending on your preference.
The Holiday Cookie Stroll
Each year, the Cookie Stroll provides a fun way to explore five classic cookies across the festival. One of the cookies this year is the Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie, which is plant-based and coated in edible glitter. While visually striking, it’s a simple oatmeal cookie that some guests may enjoy more for the experience than the flavor.
Still, collecting all the stamps and receiving the completion cookie has become a beloved EPCOT holiday tradition.
Meet the Holiday Storytellers
One of the most unique parts of this festival is the lineup of storytellers who share traditions from around the world.
Some highlights include:
- Zachary, the Hanukkah storyteller, who brings warmth, humor, and beautiful insights into the meaning of Hanukkah.
- Father Christmas in the United Kingdom, who is joyful, charming, and full of holiday cheer.
- Storytellers in China, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, and beyond, each sharing how their culture celebrates the holidays.
If you love live entertainment, plan your day around these performances. They’re easy to miss if you don’t check the schedule, and many guests say they are their favorite part of the entire festival.
Candlelight Processional and Dining Packages
The Candlelight Processional is one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved holiday offerings. A full choir, live orchestra, and celebrity narrator tell the story of Christmas in a beautiful outdoor theater. Because it’s extremely popular, dining packages remain the best way to secure a guaranteed seat. Standby lines form hours in advance, especially for well known narrators.
If this is on your list, make it the anchor of your EPCOT day.
Holiday Merchandise and the Gingerbread Spaceship Earth
Inside CommuniCore Hall, you can meet Santa, grab a cookie or two, and see the Gingerbread Spaceship Earth up close. This massive gingerbread sculpture includes hidden pavilion icons for guests to find. It’s whimsical, fun, and a nice break from the outdoor crowds.
You will also find festival merchandise, including sweaters, ornaments, and holiday accessories. Figment makes several appearances this year, and I personally loved the winter white and gold color palette.
Tips for Planning Your Festival Visit
- Check the weather daily. Florida can feel warm during the day yet turn cold once the sun sets. Pack layers.
- Arrive in the morning if you want shorter food lines when the Holiday kitchens open at 11am.
- Choose two or three storytellers to prioritize. It’s difficult to see them all in one day.
- Explore both sides of the promenade because entertainment and holiday markets pop up in unexpected places.
- Save room for something sweet. The Festival of the Holidays may be known for savory dishes, but its cookies and desserts are a big part of its charm.
Final Thoughts
EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is a beautiful blend of food, culture, and celebration. It slows you down in the best way and invites you to enjoy traditions from around the world. Warm (not hot) weather, good food, classic EPCOT entertainment, and holiday magic all come together to create a meaningful day you won’t forget.
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