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A Complete Guide to the 2023 Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT
A Complete Guide to the 2023 Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT
A Complete Guide to the 2023 Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT
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.
We hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next vacation. This includes helping you find the best time to buy Disney World tickets as well as book amazing Walt Disney World vacation packages completely STRESS FREE!
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!
What is the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays?
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
When are the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2023 Dates?
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.
When is EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2023?
The 2023 Festival of the Holidays have not been announced yet, but in 2022 they were held on:
- November 25th to December 30th, 2022
How long is the EPCOT Festival of the Holdidays?
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.
Related Post: Discounted Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
What are the Epcot Festival of Holidays Activities and Entertainment 2023?
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!
Festival of the Holidays Events 2023
- Candlelight Processional
- Holiday Storytellers
- Olaf’s Tradition Expedition
- Holiday Cookie Stroll
- Gingerbread Capitol City
- Living with the Land Holiday overlay
- Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday overlay (NEW)
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 Christmas Storytellers 2023
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.
What Are the Epcot Christmas Storytellers?
- Each country located in world showcase has performers bringing their holiday traditions to life. These storytellers share the history of their country’s Christmas celebrations. This is a very educational yet entertaining activity that both kids and adults would love to experience.
Christmas storytellers are typically found in the following countries:
- Mexico – Las Posadas
- Norway – Sigrid and Barn Santa
- China – Chinese Lion Dance
- Germany – Helga
- Italy – La Befana
- America – Santa
- Japan – Daruma
- Morocco
- France – Père Noël
- United Kingdom – Father Christmas
- Canada – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
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.
Related Post: Complete Guide to Special Events at Disney World
What is EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional 2023?
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.
Which Celebrity Narrators Will Perform at the 2023 Candlelight Processional?
- Below is the 2023 Celebrity Narrators who will lend their voices to the EPCOT Candlelight Processional.
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!
Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators 2023
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.
How long is candlelight processional at EPCOT?
- Typically, the processional lasts approximately 40 minutes. Each evening you can enjoy three shows at 5:15 PM, 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
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.
Related post: Complete Guide to the Epcot’s Festival of the Arts
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition 2023
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.
What is Olaf’s Tradition Expedition 2023?
- In short, it’s a scavenger hunt featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf! Travel the World Showcase to help him find new traditions. Once you have found all of the traditions, visit a specified retail location to trade your map in for a gift!
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
What is the Epcot Festival of the Holidays Cookie Stroll 2023?
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!
Cookies for 2023 EPCOT Cookie Stroll
- Alfajores – Port of Entry
- SNICKERS®-Doodle Cookie – Canada
- Black and White Cookie (plant-based) – between Morocco and France
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookie – America
- Linzer Cookie – Germany
- Gingerbread Cookie – Port of Entry
- M&M’s® Sugar Cookie – Sunshine Seasons
- Sugar Cookie – Connections Café
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
Festival of the Holidays Christmas Concerts 2023
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.
Epcot Christmast Concert Performances 2023
- Joyful – This show contains a mix of inspiring gospel, jazz, R&B, and other genres Celebrating the Christmas and Kwanzaa holidays.
- Voices of Liberty – An A Capella group performing Christmas classics in the Americans Garden Theater.
- Mariachi Cobre – Surround yourself with the sights and sound of Christmas in Mexico!
- JAMMitors – Although the JAMMitors are a year round performance group. During the festival you can catch them jamming out to your favorite holiday tunes!
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
Festival of the Holidays Gingerbread City 2023
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.
What is the 2023 Festival of the Holidays Gingerbread City?
- This city pays tribute to some of the United States’ greatest landmarks, such as the Capitol Building, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and a five-foot tall Washington Monument. In years past, it could be found at the World Showplace!
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
Festival of the Holidays Ride Overlays 2023
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.
What rides at EPCOT Receive a Holiday Overlay 2023?
- Living with the Land Merry & Bright Nights – Festive props and lights get added to this beloved attraction giving it a cheery spin!
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Holiday – This is a brand new overlay announced for this Epcot’s most recently opened attraction! We can’t wait to see what changes Disney makes with this already amazing rollercoaster.
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
Holiday Kitchens at Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays 2023
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:
- American Holiday Table – The American Adventure
- Bavaria Holiday Kitchen – Germany
- Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen – Near Disney Traders
- The Donut Box – Near Test Track
- Holiday Hearth Desserts – World Showplace
- Holiday Sweets and Treats – Showcase Plaza
- L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen – between Morocco and France
- Mele Kalikimaka – Showcase Plaza
- Los Posadas Holiday Kitchen – Mexico
- Nochebuena Cocina – Port of Entry *NEW for 2022
- Tangerine Cafe: Flavors of Medina – Morocco
- Shanghai Holiday Kitchen – China
- Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen – Japan
- Tuscany Holiday Kitchen – Italy
- Yukon Holiday Kitchen – Canada
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.
Related Post: The Best Restaurants in Epcot
What are the EPCOT Festival of the Holiday Menus 2023?
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
What are the 2023 menus EPCOT Festival of the Holidays?
American Holiday Table – American Adventure Pavilion
Enjoy a seasonal salute—dig into traditional dishes reminiscent of grandma’s cooking at the American Adventure Pavilion.
Food:
- Slow-roasted Turkey with BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce
- Blackend Catfish with Hoppin’ John and Comeback Sauce
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
Beverages:
- Gulf Stream Brewing Whiteout Sails Wit Beer, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 3 Daughters Brewing Eggnog White Porter, St. Petersburg, FL
- Playalinda Brewing Co. Peppermint Chocolate Stout, Titusville, FL
- Regional White Wine
- Regional Red Wine
- Beer Flight
Bavaria Holiday Kitchen – Germany Pavilion
Willkommen—help yourself to heartwarming holiday dishes and refreshing beverages at the Germany Pavilion.
Food:
- Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Sauce, Spätzle and Braised Red Cabbage
- Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl with Steamed Baby Vegetables and Marble Potatoes
- Linzer Cookie
Beverages:
- Possmann Pure Hard Apple Cider, Frankfurt, Germany
- The Tank Brewing Co. Prost! Fest Bier, Miami, FL
- Ayinger Brewery Celebrator Doppelbock, Bavaria, Germany
- Regional Riesling
- Glühwein: House-made Hot Spiced Wine
- Beer Flight
Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen – Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
Join in on the festivities when you visit this jolly location offering cinnamon-glazed nuts and holiday beverages.
Food:
- Cinnamon-glazed Almonds (gluten/wheat-friendly)
- Cinnamon-glazed Cashews (gluten/wheat-friendly)
- Cinnamon-glazed Pecans (gluten/wheat-friendly)
- Fire-roasted Chestnuts (gluten/wheat-friendly)
Beverages:
- Hot Cocoa (nonalcoholic)
- T.G. Lee Eggnog (nonalcoholic)
- Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Hazel Nutty-Cracker Sweet Stout, Orlando, FL
- Hot Cocoa with Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Whipped Cream and Candied Nuts
- T.G. Lee Eggnog with Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
- Firenog: T.G. Lee Eggnog with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
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!
Food:
- Croissant Donut with Cinnamon-Sugar
- Holiday Yeast Donut with Vanilla Icing and Red and White Sprinkles
- Chocolate Peppermint Donut
- Eggnog and Cream-filled Donut with Cinnamon Icing and Crumbled Gingersnap Cookies
- The Donut Box
Beverages:
- Gingerbread Milk Shake (nonalcoholic)
- Coppertail Brewing Co. Gingerbread Stout, Tampa, FL
- Gingerbread Milk Shake with Whipped Cream Vodka
Holiday Hearth Desserts – The Odyssey Pavilion
Discover the hearth you’ll call home, with holly jolly desserts, hot cocoa and so much more.
Food:
- Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
- Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth® Cookie
- Snowball Cookies
- Peppermint Bark (gluten/wheat-friendly)
- Mouse Crunch made with M&M’s® chocolate candies
- Maple Bûche de Noël: Maple Mousse and Cranberry rolled in Gingerbread Chiffon Cake
- Gingerbread Cookie
Beverages:
- Hot Cocoa (nonalcoholic)
- Cinnamon Apple Cider (nonalcoholic)
- 3 Daughters Brewing Winter Spiced Lager, St. Petersburg, FL
- BrewDog Hoppy Christmas IPA, Columbus, OH
- Wicked Weed Brewing Milk & Cookies Imperial Milk Stout, Asheville, NC
- Cocoa Candy Cane: Hot Cocoa with Peppermint Schnapps
- Beer Flight
Holiday Sweets & Treats – Near Port of Entry
Rock around the Christmas tree with festive sips sure to top the “nice” list.
Beverages:
- Hot Cocoa (nonalcoholic)
- Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings® Peppermint Cheer™ Tea (non-alcoholic)
- Breckenridge Brewery Christmas Ale, Breckenridge, CO
- Playalinda Brewing Co. Coquito Beer, Titusville, FL
- Brew Hub S’mores Porter, Lakeland, FL
- Hot Cocoa with Assorted Alcoholic Cordials (Baileys Irish Cream, Frangelico Liqueur or Fireball Cinnamon Whisky)
- Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea and Whipped Cream Vodka
- Beer Flight
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.
Food:
- Pastrami on Rye with House-made Pickles and Deli Mustard
- Smoked Salmon Potato Latke (gluten/wheat-friendly)
- Potato Latkes (gluten/wheat-friendly and plant-based)
- Sufganiyot: Mini Jelly-filled Doughnuts
- Black and White Cookie (plant-based)
Beverages:
- Brooklyn Brewery Winter IPA, Brooklyn, NY
- Frozen New York Whiskey Sour featuring Manifest Whiskey and Manischewitz Blackberry Wine
Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen – Mexico Pavilion
Feliz Navidad—celebrate with mariachi dancing and south-of-the-border fare at the Mexico Pavilion!
Food:
- Giant Tostada de Barbacoa: Braised Barbacoa Beef on a Giant Tostada with Chipotle Black Bean Purée, Salsa Verde, Queso Cotija, Crema Mexicana and Pickled Onion (gluten/wheat-friendly)
- Cochinita Pibil Tamal: Cochinita Pibil in Corn Masa topped with Pipián Sauce, Queso Cotija and Crema Mexicana (gluten/wheat-friendly)
- Dulce de Leche Churros sprinkled with Cinnamon-Sugar
Beverages:
- Pomegranate Margarita: Ilegal Mezcal Joven, Black Currant Liqueur, Pomegranate and Ginger Juice with a Hibiscus Salt Rim
- Horchata Margarita: Centinela Blanco Tequila, Abasolo Corn Whisky, Agua de Horchata and a hint of Cinnamon-infused Mezcal
- Holiday Cerveza: Cielito Lindo Artisanal Mexican Beer blended for the holiday season
Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen – France Pavilion
Feast on très magnifique fare, wine and specialty cocktails from the France Pavilion.
Food:
- Napoleon de Saumon Fumé en Brioche: Smoked Salmon Napoleon with layers of Smoked Salmon, Dill Mousse and Crème Fraîche Mousse served in Brioche
- Rôti de Jambon Sauce Moutarde à l’ancienne, Pommes Dauphine: Roasted Ham with Mushrooms, Pearl Onions, Bacon, Mustard Sauce and Puff Potatoes
- Macaron en Sucette, Ganache à la Menthe Poivrée et aux Chocolats Valrhona: Macaron Lollipop with Peppermint and Valrhona Chocolate Ganache
Beverages:
- Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini: Grey Goose La Vanille Vodka, Vodka, Chocolate Milk and Whipped Cream
- Côté Mas Syrah-Grenache, Sud de France
- Spiced Pumpkin Punch: Rhum Clement VSOP Vieux Agricole, Spiced Pumpkin Purée and Oat Milk
- Cranberry Mimosa: Pol Remy Sparkling Wine with Orange Juice and Cranberry Syrup
Mele Kalikimaka – Near Port of Entry
Savor the flavor of fabulous, festive food and beverages from the islands of Hawai‘i.
Food:
- Kālua Pork with Okinawa Sweet Potatoes and Mango Salad
- Lomi Lomi Salmon with Tomatoes, Onions, Salmon Roe, Yuzu-Mayonnaise and Yuca Chips (gluten/wheat-friendly)
- Haupia: Hawaiian Coconut Pudding with Candied Macadamia Nuts and Coconut
Beverages:
- Kona Brewing Co. Big Wave Golden Ale, Kailua-Kona, HI
- Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
- Melon Breeze with Spiced Rum
Nochebuena Cocina – Near Port of Entry – NEW!
Delight in a delicious plant-based offering while celebrating the happiest season of the year!
Food:
- Impossible™ Chorizo Tamale with Plant-based Cotija Cheese and Spicy Red Chile Sauce (plant-based)
- Pernil: Mojo Pork with Tostones and Ketchup-Mayonnaise
- Alfajores: Vanilla Shortbread Cookie with Dulce de Leche and Coconut
Beverages:
- 81Bay Brewing Co. Horchata Beer, Tampa, FL
- Chai Ginger Mule featuring Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka
Shanghai Holiday Kitchen – China Pavilion
Have yourself a merry little meal—tempt taste buds with popular plates and potables from the China Pavilion!
Food:
- Chicken Skewer with Creamy Peanut Sauce
- Beef and Noodle Soup Bowl with Slow-braised Beef Shank, Green Onion and House-made Chili Oil
- Vegetable Spring Rolls with Citrus Sauce
Beverages:
- Panda Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Boba (nonalcoholic)
- Lucky Foo Pale Ale
- Kung Fu Master with Tito’s Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango, Orange Juice and Soda Water
- Marco Boba with Amaretto, Iced Coffee, Whole Milk and Boba Pearls
- The Lucky Mo with SKYY Infusions Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Piña Colada Mix, Orange Juice and Soda Water
Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen – Japan Pavilion
Please your palate with an array of festive dishes and drinks served at the Japan Pavilion.
Food:
- Sushi Tree: Sushi Roll with Krab Meat and Cream Cheese topped with Tempura, Ikura Salmon Roe and Spicy Mayonnaise
- New Year Celebration Soba: Buckwheat Soba Noodles in a Hot Dashi Soup with Yuzu, Shrimp Tempura, Kamaboko Fish Cake and Chopped Green Onion
- Mochi Cake: Gooey Rice Cake made with Rice Flour and served with Hojicha Cream, Strawberry, Tangerine and Sweet Red Beans
Beverages:
- Ichigo Milk Boba: Cranberry and Yuzu Cream drink featuring Japanese Calpico Soft Drink and Popping Strawberry Boba Pearls (nonalcoholic)
- Japanese Christmas Punch: Shōchū, Plum Wine, Cranberry and Lemon
- Ozeki Sake Platinum: Junmai Daiginjo
- Brew Hub Strawberry Lager, Lakeland, FL
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina – Morocco Pavilion
Travel to the Morocco Pavilion for delicious kebabs and cocktails.
Food:
- Grilled Kebabs with Carrot-Chickpea Salad and Garlic Aïoli
- Lamb Kefta (gluten/wheat-friendly)
- Chermoula Chicken (gluten/wheat-friendly)
- Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with Hummus, Chermoula and Zhoug Dip
Beverages:
- 3 Daughters Brewing Cranberry Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
- Woodchuck Winter Chill Hard Cider, Middlebury, VT
- Ciderboys Mad Bark Hard Cider, Stevens Point, WI
- Fig Cocktail with Sparkling Wine, Fig Vodka and Cranberry Juice
- Cider Flight
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!
Food:
- Tortellini in Brodo: Five-Cheese Tortellini with House-made Aromatic Winter Truffle Broth and Chives
- Salmone alla Siciliana: Cured Salmon Tartare, Sicilian Blood Orange, Pistachios and Basil
- Panettone: Panettone Bread Pudding and Vanilla Cream
Beverages:
- Prosecco
- Moscato
- Banfi Rosa Regale
- Italian Sangria – Red or White
- Italian Margarita with Tequila and Limoncello
- Peroni Pilsner
Yukon Holiday Kitchen – Canada Pavilion
Jingle your bells with delightful dishes and libations from the Great White North—at the Canada Pavilion.
Food:
- Seared Scallops with Parsnip Silk, Apple Chutney and Hazelnut Croquant
- Beef Bourguignon with Crushed Potatoes
- SNICKERS®-Doodle Cookie made with SNICKERS® bar pieces (cookie stroll item)
Beverages:
- Frozen Coffee (nonalcoholic)
- 81Bay Brewing Co. Peanut Butter Banana Porter, Tampa, FL
- Playalinda Brewing Co. Maple Cookie Blonde Ale, Titusville, FL
- Collective Arts Coffee Maple Porter, Hamilton, Ontario
- Regional Icewine
- Regional Red Wine
- Frozen Coffee with Tap 357 Whisky
- Beer Flight
Additional EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Food Locations
Funnel Cake – Between the American Adventure Pavilion and Japan Pavilion
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a new holiday classic:
- Mini Funnel Cake topped with Peppermint Ice Cream, Chocolate Whipped Cream and Crushed Peppermint
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company – Throughout EPCOT
Salute the season with the usual selection of coffees, plus special holiday treats.
- Horchata Cold Brew
A holly jolly blend of Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican™ Cold Brew and Horchata topped with Whipped Cream and CinnamonA spirited version available featuring Bacardí Coquito Coconut Cream Liqueur.
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:
- DOLE Whip® Raspberry
- Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes, Mustard Greens and Roasted Peanuts (plant-based)
- UFO Beer Company Triple Berry Teleporter, Boston, MA
- Stem Ciders Cocoa Caramel Hard Apple Cider, Denver, CO
- Boulevard Brewing Co. Unfiltered Wheat Beer, Kansas City, MO
Refreshment Port – Showcase Plaza
Come on over for comfort foods! In addition to the regular menu, enjoy these Festival specialties:
- Coquito Soft-serve Waffle Cone
- Turkey Poutine: French Fries with Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Relish and Crispy Onions
- Boulevard Brewing Quirk Cranberry Apple Cinnamon Hard Seltzer, Kansas City, MO
- Pasek Cellars Cranberry Wine, Mount Vernon, WA
- Pumpkin Spice Ginger Cocktail with Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka
- Coquito Soft-serve topped with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
Connections Café and Connections Eatery – World Celebration
Stop by for a tasty treat or refreshing beverage presented with a holiday spin.
- Holiday Sugar Cookie
- Coquito Milk Shake (nonalcoholic)
- Holiday Sangria: Chenin Blanc, Apple Brandy, White Cranberry Juice and Boba Pearls
- Coquito Milk Shake with Bacardí Superior Rum
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When Does Disney Decorate for the 2023 Festival of the Holidays?
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!
When Does Epcot Decorate for the Festival of the Holidays 2023?
- As soon as November 21st, 2023
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
The Best Disney Resorts for the 2023 Epcot Festival of the Holidays
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:
Hotels in walking distance to 2023 Festival of the Holidays Epcot:
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- The Disney Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Beach Club
- Swan & Dolphin
Disney Skyliner access to 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Art of Animation Resort
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
The Best Time to Visit Epcot Festival of the Holidays 2023
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.
When is the Best Time to Visit the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays?
- November: 26th-30th, 2023
- December: 1st-13th, 2023
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
2023 Disney Festival of the Holiday Tickets
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.
What’s Included With Your 2023 Epcot Festival of the Holidays Ticket?
- Access to the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays at World Showcase is included with your regular Walt Disney World ticket. It’s important to note that food and drink tastings are not included in the cost of your ticket.
- Holiday Kitchen items will run you between $5.00-$9.00 for food and $4.00-$10.00 for drinks on average.
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.
Disney Festival of the Holidays Cost 2023
- There is no extra cost to enter the Festival of the Holidays 2023 at Epcot. Simply enjoy the festivities around Epcot park, most of them being set in the World Showcase.
Related post: Walt Disney World Food and Wine Festival
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays 2023 FAQ
Q: What are Epcot Festival of the Holidays 2023 Dates?
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!
Q: When Does Festival of the Holidays at Epcot End?
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.
Q: What is there to do at Epcot Festival of the Holidays?
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.
Q: Which Celebrity is Narrating the 2023 Candlelight Processional?
The 2023 Candlelight Processional Narrators have yet to be announced.
Q: How Long is the Candlelight Processional at Epcot?
A: Typically, the processional lasts approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there were three shows.
Q: When Does Epcot Decorate for the Festival of the Holidays 2023?
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.
When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?
Our Disney World Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down the best time to visit Disney World based on specific times of the year and special events.
Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?
Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a Disney World Travel Agent for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a Free Quote for all Disney World Vacation Packages. The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your Walt Disney World Tickets, and we offer promotional discounts for special events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets.
Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today, as well
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