Last Updated on December 19, 2019
The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays gives you a taste of different holiday customs from every corner of the world, from delish dishes to unique festivities.
While there is a Christmas celebration at Hollywood Studios (Flurry of Fun) and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, there’s no simple “Christmas at Epcot” event.
For those with food allergies or sensitivities, check out our 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays Gluten-Free Offerings post.
When Is The Epcot International Festival Of The Holidays?
The 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays will be held November 29 through December 30.
How Much Does The Epcot International Festival Of The Holidays Cost?
The festival itself is included in the price of admission to Epcot. This isn’t a special ticketed event like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. If you want to enjoy the special holiday food or merchandise, those come at an extra cost.
The booth menus for 2019 have not been announced yet! Click HERE to See the Holiday Kitchen Menus for the 2019 Epcot Festival of the Holidays when they are released
An International Yuletide Extravaganza
Festival Entertainment
There are 14 festival-specific performances in Epcot. The performances divide roughly into two groups—musical/dance performances and storytellers. Musical/dance performers put on straightforward holiday-themed performances.
The storytellers are a little more interesting, as they explain the holiday traditions from their countries of origin. Father Christmas in the U.K., Père Noël in France, and Le Befana, the witch of Italy, are some of these storytellers.
Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree
Chip & Dale are on a scavenger hunt, collecting ornaments for their Christmas tree—and they need your help! To get started, simply purchase a map and stickers from select merchandise locations, including Pin Central, Disney Traders and World Traveler at International Gateway.
As you travel around World Showcase, be on the lookout for Chip & Dale as they gather ornaments from holiday decorations in each World Showcase pavilion. Once you spot them, add the corresponding ornament sticker to your map.
Once you see Chip & Dale, add the corresponding ornament sticker to your map. And when you’ve spotted them all, just bring your completed map to Disney Traders for your prize.
Maps are $6.99 plus tax, and are available throughout Epcot while supplies last.
Storytellers and Holiday Entertainment
Formerly known as Holidays Around the World, Costumed performers will bring the traditions of their home countries to Epcot with holiday stories and music told around World Showcase, along with a variety of other international festive entertainment.
We have a few helpful tips to get you into the holiday spirit and see as many of these Storytellers as possible;
- Check the daily schedule – they are subject to change on any given day
- Some storytellers from last year have switched to a live band so don’t expect a full show for every pavilion
- It is nearly impossible to see them all in one day – the schedules don’t allow for proper flow through the pavilions.
- Crowds usually start when storytellers come out, arrive 5 minutes early and there will be plenty of room in the front row.
- Visit World Showcase in the afternoon – Future world attractions will be incredibly crowded
- Wear sunscreen, regardless of the time of year. It is Florida after all.
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus
Guests can pose for a photo and share their holiday wishes while visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus at The American Adventure.
Candlelight Processional
How long is the Disney Candlelight Processional?
The beautiful Candlelight Processional is around 40 minutes long
Dining Package Pricing
This experience requires 2 table-service entitlements for the Disney Dining Plan.
Guests with the Dining Package will enter the theatre in a separate queue and will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating guaranteed.
Guests who have not reserved a Candlelight Processional Dining Package will be seated at the Candlelight Processional on a first-come, first-served basis. Based on availability due to limited capacity.
Candlelight Narrators
Hear the stirring story of Christmas as told by a celebrity narrator, and accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir.
Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of a savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem. All the while, gorgeous choral pieces are woven into the production as an orchestra and choir provide an inspirational backdrop with songs of hope and joy.
This year, the following celebrity line-up will lend their talents to the performance:
- Nov. 29-Dec. 1: Ming-Na Wen
- Dec. 2-Dec. 5: Neil Patrick Harris
- Dec. 6-7: Whoopi Goldberg
- Dec. 8-10: Isabella Rossellini
- Dec. 11-12: Chita Rivera
- Dec. 13-15: Gary Sinise
- Dec. 16-18: Pat Sajak
- Dec. 19-21: Warwick Davis
- Dec. 22-24: Steven Curtis Chapman
- Dec. 25-26: Edward James Olmos
- Dec. 27-28: Marlee Matlin
- Dec. 29-30: Lisa Ling
Performances are at 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM nightly from November 29 – December 30, 2019.
Holiday Kitchens at the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Unlike the 60+ Kitchens available at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, Festival of the Holidays has a modest 15 kitchens. This is the perfect amount of food, holiday cheer and rest stops along the World Showcase to complete all in a single day.
Epcot Festival of the Holidays – Booths, Menus, and FOOD
Holiday Cookie Stroll
Enjoy an array of sweet treats during the Holiday Cookie Stroll! Purchase any 5 cookies from any of the official cookie stroll locations featured in your Festival Passport—and be sure to collect a matching stamp for each cookie purchased.
Once you’ve collected 5 stamps, bring the stamped Passport to the designated redemption Holiday Kitchen to receive a complimentary cookie!
This activity is fun for all ages and can be completed at your own leisure. You can bring your stamped Passport to Epcot at any time during the Festival of the Holidays to complete your stroll.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season blends the soulful expressiveness of Gospel and inspirational music with the sounds of jazz, R&B and urban music on the Epcot Future World Fountain Stage.
A Gospel Celebration of the Season featuring D’Vine Voices will perform daily. 1:25, 2:25, 3:25, 4:25pm.
Festival Merchandise
As with all Epcot festivals, and any Disney event, there will be a ton of Festival merchandise than can only be purchased in the parks.
Annual Passholder Exclusives
Hoping to keep up with last years tradition, Annual Passholders will have exclusive access to an Annual Passholder Holiday Magnet, Passholder exclusive ornaments and cute Passholder exclusive shirts.
And, the 20% merchandise discount is applicable to Festival gear, including the Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree Scavenger Hunt.
Tips for the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
- Use the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays Passport to keep track of your adventures!
- Stop by the right side of the America pavilion for a photo with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus
- Note who’s narrating Candlelight Processional. Crowds for the Candlelight Processional at the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays vary greatly by narrator.
You May Also Like
- Epcot Festival of the Holidays – Booths, Menus, and FOOD
- Epcot Flower and Garden Festival for the Kids
- Complete Guide to Christmas at Walt Disney World
- Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree
- Holiday Cookie Stroll
- Candlelight Processional info and review
