EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays dates revealed!

Benjamin S
Nov 13
5 min read

Okay, can we just pause for a second? Because I honestly feel like I blinked and we jumped straight to the holidays. Seriously, the 'most wonderful time of the year' is almost here! And listen, when Christmas is looming, you know that means the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is about to kick off. If you are one of the few who hasn't made it to this celebration yet—what are you waiting for? Get ready for some serious fun. It really is the most perfect, most magical way to celebrate the holiday season, hands down, whether you’re with family, friends, or running a solo mission.

Holiday-themed image with Disney characters wearing festive outfits, surrounded by ornaments and treats. Text reads "EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Nov. 28 - Dec. 30". — Image Courtesy of Disney

This celebration, presented by AdventHealth, is a fan-favorite festival and we finally have the first details on what to expect! We will be diving into the food, entertainment, and all the other holiday fun that is coming soon!

Mark Your Calendars: EPCOT Festival Dates

The EPCOT festivities are kicking off the day after Thanksgiving. Disney doesn't waste any time in switching from one holiday to the next. This gives you the perfect excuse to trade that turkey for twinkling lights, holiday cheer, festive treats, and cheerful traditions from around the globe.

Illuminated spherical structure with swirling red and white lights at night, surrounded by lit columns, creating a vibrant, futuristic scene. — Image Courtesy of Disney

The official dates are finally here, come celebrate with us at EPCOT from November 28 through December 30, 2025.

Entertainment to Expect

Honestly, the shows are what truly set this festival apart. Bring your tissues for the classic, and make sure your dancing shoes are ready for the fun!

Choir in yellow robes holding candles, singing in a warmly lit venue. Background shows blurred choir in red and colorful stage lights. — Image Courtesy of Disney

The Legendary Candlelight Processional

This is, without a doubt, the centerpiece of the festival and really always is. Every evening at EPCOT, the America Gardens Theatre hosts the moving Candlelight Processional. This is a beautiful retelling of the nativity story featuring classic holiday hymns. It’s an absolutely stunning performance and has a massive live orchestra, dazzling herald trumpets, and a chorus made up of the Voices of Liberty, the Disney Cast Choir, and local community groups.

The real highlight? The celebrity narrator who brings the Christmas story to life! This year’s lineup has just been announced, and it’s packed with returning favorites and some exciting new faces.

When to See It: Nightly at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. (It runs about 50 minutes.)
A Word of Advice: Seating is first-come, first-served and it fills up fast. If you don't want to risk missing it, I highly recommend checking out the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages, which guarantee you reserved seating!

Man and woman in festive attire stand smiling on a wooden deck with a decorated tree, gifts, and a rustic cabin in the background. — Image Courtesy of Disney

The World Showcase Storytellers

One of the coolest parts about celebrating at EPCOT is learning how the holidays are celebrated in other cultures all around the world. As you walk the World Showcase at EPCOT, you are able to stop and listen to the Holiday Storytellers. We encourage everyone to do this, as they share festive tales and traditions in their respective countries.

Here are a few highlights to look out for:

Mexico: The beautiful Las Posadas Celebration.
Norway: Watch out for the mischievous A Magical Barn Santa!
Italy: Listen for the tale of La Befana.
France: Meet the beloved Père Noël.
Near Morocco & France: Learn about the traditions of the Hanukkah Storyteller.

Showtimes tend to change daily, so make sure to keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app!

People sing joyfully on stage, wearing festive red and black outfits. Decorated Christmas trees and gifts in the background. Bright, cheerful scene. — Image Courtesy of Disney

Feel the Rhythm with JOYFUL!

Want something upbeat? The JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season concert series is pure energy! This Central Florida group, D’Vine Voices, puts on an incredible show celebrating the spirit of Christmas and Kwanzaa with an awesome mix of music styles like gospel, jazz, and R&B. Get ready to feel those warm holiday memories ignite!

The Tastiest Time of the Year: Food & Drink

It wouldn’t be an EPCOT festival without some crazy/spectacular food. The holidays are no exception as EPCOT always brings out some of the most comforting and Christmassy (is that a word) flavors of the year.

Festive ice cream sandwich with whipped cream and sprinkles on a red plate, set on colorful holiday-patterned napkins on a wooden table. — Image Courtesy of Disney

Holiday Kitchens: Snacking Around the World

The Holiday Kitchens are the heart of the festival's culinary experience. These standalone booths feature a blend of new offerings and returning favorites, all serving up heartwarming recipes and festive flavors from around the world.

While they are still finalizing the full list, you can already start exploring the exciting Foodie Guide right now to plan your global snacking itinerary!

Single coffee cookie on a plate with a red plaid cloth, topped with cream and coffee beans. More cookies on a tray in the background. — Image Courtesy of Disney

The Cheerful Holiday Cookie Stroll

Attention, dessert lovers! The Holiday Cookie Stroll is back and it’s a must-do. Pick up your personal Festival Passport and just purchase any five eligible cookies from the official locations. These places will give you stamps, and if you collect all five stamps, you can redeem a special surprise treat at EPCOT's Holiday Sweets and Treats.

I know I’ll be grabbing the returning fan-favorite: the Coffee-Mocha Cookie topped with Coffee-infused Buttercream, Cocoa Nibs, and Chocolate-covered Espresso Beans. Yum!

Fun Finds, Festive Rides, and Santa!

As you and other Disney lovers may know, the holiday magic extends far beyond the food and shows, transforming the entire park into a winter wonderland.

Three children wearing festive headbands and sweaters sit in a decorated vehicle, smiling under colorful lights and illuminated trees. — Image Courtesy of Disney

All Aboard the Glimmering Greenhouses

Don’t miss the classic attraction, Living with the Land, which gets a festive glow-up! The boat ride transforms into a Glimmering Greenhouses tour, draped in sparkling Christmas lights and dazzling decor. It’s the same peaceful cruise but with a bit of frosty flair and a holiday-themed narration.

Santa Claus in red suit smiles warmly at a person. Background features a decorated Christmas tree with lights, creating a festive atmosphere. — Image Courtesy of Disney

Find Santa (and Santa Goofy!)

Santa is a very busy man, especially this time of year. But you are in luck, he’s making time to visit us at EPCOT!

CommuniCore Hall is transforming into the ultimate festive wonderland, complete with a dedicated spot to greet Santa Claus himself! Check him out from St. Nick to Père Noël—he'll be ready with a hearty "ho-ho-ho."
You can also catch Santa Goofy spreading cheer in his holiday best at the Odyssey pavilion's Glittering Grove!

Sparkly ornament-shaped cookie on red plate, topped with sugar and green holly. Set on colorful napkin, wooden table background. — Image Courtesy of Disney

Must-See Holiday Hubs

CommuniCore Hall: Beyond Santa, this hall will be home to a spectacular, sweet Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display—the perfect photo backdrop! While there, you can also catch the dazzling Celebration Countdown presented by CITIZEN light show every 15 minutes.
Odyssey: This is where you’ll find the beautiful Glittering Grove presented by Balsam Hill (full of stunning faux trees) and the always-tempting Holiday Hearth Desserts booth (hello, Red Velvet Cake Pops!).

Olaf’s Holiday Adventure

Get the whole family involved with Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt! You can purchase a map and stickers at select merchandise locations and search for Olaf in 13 different spots around the park. Find all the traditions he's discovered and redeem a gift that’s worth melting for at Creations Shop or World Traveler.

I hope this gets you even more excited for your next trip!