This post is your complete guide to the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays! Disney knows how to celebrate nearly anything, and EPCOT is one park that is sure to bring out all the stops. Whether it’s the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, or a holiday extravaganza, EPCOT showcases the uniqueness and cultures of the world.
As far as the 2023 EPCOT festivals go, we know one thing’s for sure: EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2023 is happening, and we couldn’t be more excited! In order to celebrate properly, we’ve come up with the ultimate guide on all you need to know in regards to the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
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So if you’re ready to learn everything we know about the 2023 Festival of the Holidays read on!
SPECIAL NOTE: If you are still in the process of planning your Disney vacation need help picking the best time to visit Disney World for the festival be sure to check out our Disney crowd calendar below!
It is another one of the popular EPCOT festivals, but this time, they celebrate EPCOT holidays around the world, and park-goers get immersed in the park’s sights, surroundings, activities and (of course) food. Be sure to immerse yourself in the 2023 Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT. During this festival, you can expect to be tasting cheery dishes from the Holiday Kitchens sprinkled around the showcase. Disney Christmas at Epcot is elevated to a whole other level, where it celebrates not only Christmas, but a Yuletide Extravaganza. Festival of the Holidays 2023 also offers the crowd favorite Cookie Stroll, Candlelight Processional and so much more!
This is one of the many spectacular ways Epcot during Christmas celebrates the holidays. And another great reason to make sure you don’t miss out on anything going on at Walt Disney World during the Christmas season.
Related post: Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Guide
Since we’ve just closed out 2022, the 2023 Festival of the Holidays dates will not be announced on Walt Disney World’s website until fall next year! Last year, the Disney Festival of the Holidays will began on November 26th and ran until December 30th! This is one of Epcot’s shortest running festivals in terms of how many days it runs. The longest running festival is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival that takes place right before Epcot at Christmas.
The 2023 Festival of the Holidays have not been announced yet, but in 2022 they were held on:
The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is only a little over a month long, starting at the end of November. The Festival of the Holidays 2023 dates are anticipated to run from November 25th to December 30th, 2023, making it one of the shortest festivals of the year!
We love this time of year for a few reasons, the first being the weather and the second being Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. MVMCP takes place at the Magic Kingdom Park on select nights during the holiday season. It is the only special ticketed event held for Christmas at Walt Disney World.
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To say these EPCOT December events are worth celebrating is an understatement. Yes, Magic Kingdom at Christmastime is where the holidays live at Walt Disney World. But there is no festival like the Festival of the Holidays at Epcot. Not only in terms of decoration and it being a limited time event. But the events and entertainment are truly unmatched. Christmas in Epcot does a great job really tying in the festival and what Epcot Christmas around the World stands for!
These events are so integrated into the Festival of the Holidays 2023, we want to break them down individually for you below!
Related Post: Complete Guide to Visiting Walt Disney World at Christmas
Epcot Storytellers are scheduled intermittently throughout the day, with times listed in the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Passport. Because they happen in their respective countries, it would be difficult to see them all in one day. Nonetheless, if there’s a storyteller in a country your family has ancestry from. Or perhaps there’s a culture you’re interested in, this is a great way to learn more about their holiday traditions.
Christmas storytellers are typically found in the following countries:
There’s also usually always a Hanukkah storyteller during the Festival of the Holidays as well. You can find this storyteller along the promenade next to the Morocco pavilion.
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The 2023 Festival of the Holidays Candlelight Processional is a celebration of the Christian tale of Jesus with singers, musicians and even a celebrity narrator! This event is by far one of the most popular attractions in all of Walt Disney World, not just at EPCOT. One of the reasons it’s so popular is that guests get to enjoy the story of Christmas told by a celebrity narrator. Each night, a celebrity narrator will tell the biblical tale of a savior born to Bethlehem. The story also includes performances from an orchestra and massed choir. Guests will be able to enjoy some familiar Christmas songs throughout the entire performance.
Regardless of which night you choose to visit the candlelight processional, we always recommend to make sure you show up as early as possible. This event is first come first serve and seating disappears quickly. So you’ll want to make sure you give yourself the best chance to see some of the most popular celebrities that always appear!
The Candlelight Processional Narrators for 2023 Festival of the Holidays has yet to be announced. Be sure to check back here for the latest updates.
Like any celebration in Disney, there’s always some amazing food to correspond with the event. Why would the EPCOT Festivals of the Holidays be any different? They’ve got some exciting comebacks for their EPCOT Christmas around the world food.
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Sadly, Chip and Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree is no more! As of 2021, Olaf and his tradition expedition have taken over as the leading scavenger hunt for the festival. If you’re unfamiliar with the Epcot Festival scavenger hunts. Each festival held at Epcot throughout the year host their own themed scavenger hunts. Where you purchase a map for a small fee, travel around the World Showcase looking for items related to the festival. All for a prize once the map is full and all items are found.
For this year’s Festival of Holidays EPCOT 2023, Olaf has been sledding all around the World Showcase collecting new and interesting holiday traditions. However, on his journey he’s seemed to misplace some of them! He needs your help, as you must go on a festive quest to find these traditions. Simply purchase your Scavenger Hunt map and stickers at participating locations. Then, search for Olaf in each pavilion. Once he’s found, match each sticker to the location on the map. Once you have found all traditions, visit Disney Traders, Creations Shop, or World Traveler to trade in your map for a gift. It may even be better than a warm hug! This event is similar to Chip and Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree in the past.
Related post: Epcot for Kids: Kid-Friendly Activities Your Little Ones Will Love
The Holiday Cookie Stroll at the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is the sweetest treat trail, where guests can purchase cookies for a prize! This sweet holiday tradition is back for 2023! At Epcot at Christmas, you can purchase 5 cookies from the official cookie stroll locations featured in the 2023 Festival Passport. Make sure to collect a matching stamp for each cookie purchased!
These cookies include a Linzer cookie from Bavaria Holiday Kitchen in Germany, a chocolate crinkle cookie from American Holiday Table in the American Adventure, a Snickers Doodle Cookie from Yukon Holiday kitchen in Canada, a gingerbread cookie from Port of Entry, and a black and white cookie from L’Chaim between Morocco and France. Once you have all 5 stamps, bring the stamped passport to Holiday Sweets & Treats in the World Showcase Promenade to receive a complimentary cookie! Talk about a delicious reward.
Related article: Experience the Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
The EPCOT Center Christmas Show is back again this year! This concert, titled JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season, is a series of concerts to celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa. This show contains a mix of inspiring gospel, jazz, R&B, and other genres. You can take a look at the EPCOT Christmas schedule performances on the daily park guide or your Festival Passport.
The Voices of Liberty a cappella group will also be performing their Disney Christmas Concert in EPCOT this year at the Americans Garden Theater. They will be alternating showtimes with Mariachi Cobre. Plus, the JAMMitors will also be performing their Christmas show at EPCOT at the Mill Stage over in the Canada pavilion.
Related Post: The Best Time to Visit the Festival of the Holidays
Although the typical gingerbread displays are back at the Deluxe Resort hotels. Epcot Festival of the Holidays is still making some big things happen at the Holiday Festival EPCOT. In previous years, guests have been able to stare in awe over a realistic gingerbread city created by Disney Chefs.
Since the 2021 Festival of the Holidays, Epcot has discontinued the use of the World Showplace for its festivals. We hope to see it return since it was not only a great festival hall. It served as a much needed break from the Florida weather for all Epcot festivals! As always, we will update this post once more information is released on the Festival of the Holidays 2023.
Related Post: A Guide to the EPCOT Festivals
We love the special overlays that Disney provides for Epcot Christmas cheer. This year we are even more in love with the all new ride overlay we will receive! For those unaware, a holiday ride overlay is where Disney Imagineering will take your favorite attraction and give it a holiday twist! This is most notably popular at the Disneyland Park in California with the Haunted Mansion transforming into Haunted Mansion Holiday. A Christmastime version of the classic attraction staring Jack Skellington from the Nightmare Before Christmas.
Although the Festival of the Holidays 2023 begins November 25th. The official holiday season at Walt Disney World begins November 11th! So it is likely that both of these ride overlays will begin with the start of the season and not the festival. This year is the first year Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is not only open, but will also be receiving a holiday make over. We are beyond ecstatic to find out what this ride will bring to the park this holiday season.
Related post: Epcot for Kids: Kid-Friendly Activities Your Little Ones Will Love
The Disney EPCOT holiday food festival 2023 never fails to bring delicious culture to the table with their unique dishes. There will be 16 EPCOT kitchens to enjoy this year, so make sure you’re visiting on an empty stomach, as you’ll want to be trying all of the Festival of the Holidays menu. Since the 2023 menus and Holiday Kitchens have not been announced yet, we can share with you the 2022 details of all of the delicious holiday food!
The Holiday Kitchens EPCOT 2022:
These pop-up kitchens make original dishes specifically for the 2022 Disney Festival of the Holidays. So keep that in mind when you’re exploring, because they’ll be gone before you know it! There is a taste of the holidays for everyone at the Festival of the Holidays 2022. Take a stroll around the World and sample tasty treats from these holiday kitchens celebrating the most magical time of year.
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The Holiday Kitchens above create some of the best Festival of the Holidays Food and serve it in tasting sized portions around the park. Guests can usually purchase from a small selection of themed food and beverage on each Festival of the Holidays Menu. Since we’ve been fans of all of the EPCOT festivals for years, we have noticed that there are usually less menus for EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. So, just know it isn’t as impressive as the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival menus.
*All details are from the 2022 Festival of the Holdays
Enjoy a seasonal salute—dig into traditional dishes reminiscent of grandma’s cooking at the American Adventure Pavilion.
Food:
Beverages:
Willkommen—help yourself to heartwarming holiday dishes and refreshing beverages at the Germany Pavilion.
Food:
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Join in on the festivities when you visit this jolly location offering cinnamon-glazed nuts and holiday beverages.
Food:
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Enjoy a classic dessert dressed up in a little holiday cheer when you try one of our seasonally-themed donuts!
Food:
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Discover the hearth you’ll call home, with holly jolly desserts, hot cocoa and so much more.
Food:
Beverages:
Rock around the Christmas tree with festive sips sure to top the “nice” list.
Beverages:
Propose a toast to life—sink your teeth into classic deli noshes with a side of New York flair.
Food:
Beverages:
Feliz Navidad—celebrate with mariachi dancing and south-of-the-border fare at the Mexico Pavilion!
Food:
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Feast on très magnifique fare, wine and specialty cocktails from the France Pavilion.
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Savor the flavor of fabulous, festive food and beverages from the islands of Hawai‘i.
Food:
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Delight in a delicious plant-based offering while celebrating the happiest season of the year!
Food:
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Have yourself a merry little meal—tempt taste buds with popular plates and potables from the China Pavilion!
Food:
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Please your palate with an array of festive dishes and drinks served at the Japan Pavilion.
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Travel to the Morocco Pavilion for delicious kebabs and cocktails.
Food:
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Mangiare—savor a seasonal take on some of the world’s best-loved food and beverages at the Italy Pavilion!
Food:
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Jingle your bells with delightful dishes and libations from the Great White North—at the Canada Pavilion.
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Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company – Throughout EPCOT
Salute the season with the usual selection of coffees, plus special holiday treats.
Refreshment Outpost – Between the China and Germany Pavilions
Stop by for satisfying snacks and beverages to go. In addition to the regular menu, enjoy these Festival specialties:
Refreshment Port – Showcase Plaza
Come on over for comfort foods! In addition to the regular menu, enjoy these Festival specialties:
Connections Café and Connections Eatery – World Celebration
Stop by for a tasty treat or refreshing beverage presented with a holiday spin.
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EPCOT has always been one of the last parks to be decorated for Walt Disney World at Christmas. Mostly that has to do with the fact that EPCOT Food and Wine Festival ends on November 19th. This is a full week into Walt Disney World’s officially holiday celebration!
Like all holiday decoration dates and deadlines, there is no official date on when Epcot will decorate for the Festival of the Holidays 2023. We typically see all of their holiday displays officially up right around the last few days of November just in time for the EPCOT festival of the Holidays to start. Historically, Christmas decorations and stages have started popping up around the Monday before the festival begins. In this year’s case, November 14th.
Related Post: Complete Guide to Christmas Decorations at Walt Disney World
With the addition of the Disney Skyliner there have never been more Disney hotel options for guests visiting EPCOT. Epcot was never short on resort access. Prior to the Skyliner being added to the Epcot area, Disney built up 3 resorts, a shopping and dinging area, and two good neighbor hotels within walking distance. Guests staying at the resorts had easy and sometimes first access to Christmas at Epcot. Below are our recommendations when visiting the WDW Festival of the Holidays:
No Christmas in Walt Disney Word has the access like an Epcot Christmas. As we covered in terms of hotel accessibility, but also in park-hopping! Epcot now has 5 modes of transportation to get you to another Disney park. Or, for that matter, to get you to Epcot to celebrate the Festival of the Holidays 2023. You can park-hop to and from Epcot by walking, Disney bus system, the Monorail, Friendship boats from the World Showcase, and the Disney Skyliner! So if you’re too full from snacking on all of the yummy holiday treats the festival has to offer, you have options to get back to your resort anywhere on property!
Related Post: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Skyliner Route
Now that we have covered everything you need to know about Epcot Festival of the Holidays. You may be wondering, “What’s the best time visit Epcot International festival of the Holidays?”. We recommend planning your visit to Festival of the Holidays 2023 either November 26th – 30th or December 1st – 13th.
Dates based on previous year’s crowd levels.
And our answer comes with a warning. Please remember it’s the holiday season at Walt Disney World. These days will still have high crowd levels and wait times, they are just the better days to go! Try to avoid as best as you can the weeks of Thanksgiving, the week before, during, and after Christmas.
Related Article: When Does Disney World Decorate for Christmas
To confirm, you do not have to purchase a specific 2023 Festival of the Holidays ticket to enjoy this amazing event! Simply shop for any Walt Disney World ticket and make your Disney park reservation at EPCOT for the day you plan to visit. We also encourage all guests to take a look at our one day EPCOT park plan to save even more time while visiting the 2023 Festival of the Holidays.
With that being said there are a ton of free things to do at the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. These include unique character meet-and-greets, EPCOT holiday storytellers, live music, the candlelight processional and holiday treats.
Related post: Walt Disney World Food and Wine Festival
A: The 2023 Disney Festival of the Holidays dates have yet to be announced. The festival is anticipated to run from November 26th and until December 30th!
A: There has been no official end date to this years Epcot festival dates 2023. We anticipate it ending on December 30th, 2023 based off of previous year’s schedules.
A: Christmas in Epcot does a great job really tying in the festival and what Epcot Christmas around the World stands for! You can view the Candlelight Processional, watch the Holiday Storytellers, enjoy the Holiday Cookie Stroll, and taste holiday food from all over the world at the Holiday Market booths.
The 2023 Candlelight Processional Narrators have yet to be announced.
A: Typically, the processional lasts approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there were three shows.
A: We typically see all of their holiday displays officially up right around the last few days of November just in time for theEPCOT festival of the Holidays to start. Historically, Christmas decorations and stages have started popping up around the Monday before the festival begins. In this year’s case, November 14th.
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