The most wonderful time of the year has arrived at Walt Disney World! While the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is one of the shortest seasonal events at Disney—running from November 28 to December 30—it is arguably the most “jam-packed.” If you’re searching for a Disney World Christmas 2025 guide, you’re in the right place.
Whether you are here for the world-class kitchens, the heartwarming storytellers, or a chance to hug Santa Claus himself, this festival offers a global perspective on holiday cheer. Join us as we walk through everything you need to know to maximize your holiday magic at EPCOT. Use this as your EPCOT Christmas traditions guide for planning and pacing your day.
Getting Started: Your Festival Passport
Before you dive into the World Showcase, your first mission is to pick up a Festival Passport. This free booklet is your ultimate field guide—ask for the epcot festival passport 2025 at park entry. It contains:
- Holiday Kitchen Menus: A full list of food and beverages at the epcot festival of the holidays food booths.
- Entertainment Schedules: Times for storytellers and musical acts.
- The Holiday Cookie Stroll: A map to help you earn a free prize.
- Scavenger Hunt Info: Details on Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition (also called Olaf’s holiday tradition expedition).
Pro Tip: Grab a Festival-themed Disney Gift Card at the entrance. You can load it with a set budget and wear it on your wrist, making it much easier to pay at the food booths without digging for your wallet!
Must-Do Festival Activities for All Ages
EPCOT transforms during this season with exclusive overlays and interactive fun. Here are the highlights you can’t miss:
- The Holiday Cookie Stroll
This is a fan favorite! There are 13 different cookies located at various Holiday Kitchens.
- How it works: Purchase any five cookies from the official list and collect a stamp in your passport for each.
- The Reward: Once you have five stamps, head to the Holiday Sweets & Treats booth to redeem them for a special completer cookie and a festival prize!
This epcot holiday cookie stroll 2025 tradition is perfect for families who love a sweet challenge.
- Communicore Hall: The New Holiday Hub
The newly opened Communicore Hall is the place to be this year. As part of communicore hall holiday events, you’ll find:
- Gingerbread Spaceship Earth: A stunning edible recreation of the park’s icon, featuring hidden details of the World Showcase pavilions—the gingerbread spaceship earth display is a must-see.
- The Glittering Grove: Beautifully decorated trees presented by Scentsy.
- Festive Fragrances: Interactive stations where you can smell the scents of the season, from crisp peppermint to “Christmas Cottage” spices.
- Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses
During the day, this ride is an educational boat tour. At night, it becomes the Glimmering Greenhouses. The entire attraction is decked out in thousands of twinkling holiday lights and festive displays integrated into the plants. It is widely considered one of the best holiday overlays in any Disney park. Fans often refer to it as the living with the land holiday overlay.
Exclusive 2025 Festival Merchandise: The Figment Takeover
This year, the “Spirit of Imagination” is everywhere! Figment is the star of the 2025 merchandise line, sporting his iconic purple and blue holiday sweater. Be on the lookout for figment holiday sweater merchandise in shops throughout the park.
Top Picks for 2025:
- Festival Spirit Jersey: $79.99 – Features Spaceship Earth in gold with Figment on the front.
- Figment Holiday Ears: $36.99 – Soft blue ears with a white bow matching Figment’s sweater.
- Figment Plush: $24.99 – A cuddly Figment wearing his official 2025 holiday sweater.
- Throw Blanket: $69.99 – A massive, fleece-lined 60″ x 72″ blanket in the festival pattern.
- The “Figment Sweater”: $79.99 – A high-quality wearable version of Figment’s own sweater.
World Showcase Storytellers: A Global Celebration
The heart of the festival is the World Showcase Storytellers. In nearly every pavilion, a performer shares the traditions of their home country through music, dance, and storytelling. Check the EPCOT storytellers schedule for exact times and locations.
Notable Performances:
- Norway (Sigri & Barn Santa): Meet the mischievous Nisse (Barn Santa) who might cause some holiday trouble if he doesn’t get his porridge!
- Italy (La Befana): Learn about the kind-hearted witch who brings gifts to good children on the Eve of the Epiphany.
- Mexico (Las Posadas Mexico pavilion): A vibrant celebration featuring dancers and mariachis honoring the journey of Mary and Joseph.
- China (Lunar New Year): Witness the Sizzou Trio perform traditional music as they welcome the coming New Year.
- Hanukkah Storyteller: Located between Morocco and France, this storyteller shares the history of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil.
- United Kingdom (Father Christmas): A classic retelling of UK traditions, including the history of the mistletoe and the very first Christmas card.
The Candlelight Processional
Hosted at the American Gardens Theater, this is EPCOT’s most prestigious event. A celebrity narrator tells the story of Christmas, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a massive choir. Keep an eye on announcements for Candlelight Processional narrators 2025 so you can plan your evening.
Note: This show is extremely popular. If you want a guaranteed seat, consider booking a Candlelight Processional Dining Package.
Journey Into Imagination: A Holiday Surprise
While not officially listed in the passport, the Journey Into Imagination with Figment ride receives a seasonal update. Figment himself wears his holiday sweater throughout the ride! You can also find a meet-and-greet with Figment in his holiday attire nearby—a perfect photo op for fans of the little purple dragon.
Planning Your Visit
Because the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is shorter than the Food & Wine or Flower & Garden festivals, the crowds can be denser, especially on weekends.
Top Tips for Success:
- Start Early: Arrive at park opening to hit the major rides (like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind) so you can spend your afternoon enjoying the storytellers.
- Use the App: Check the My Disney Experience app for exact set times for storytellers and the EPCOT storytellers schedule so you don’t miss your favorites.
- Stay for the Lights: EPCOT is most beautiful after dark. Make sure to see the Spaceship Earth Light Show, which features a special holiday sequence.
Along the way, try seasonal bites and sips at the epcot festival of the holidays food booths throughout World Showcase and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is more than just a food festival; it’s an educational and emotional journey through the ways we celebrate connection across the globe. From the tears of joy meeting Santa to the sweet taste of a gingerbread cookie, there is magic in every corner of the park.
Keep this on hand as your epcot christmas traditions guide, and don’t forget to make time for highlights like the gingerbread spaceship earth, living with the land holiday overlay, and the heartfelt Candlelight Processional narrators 2025.
Make your holiday a little lighter and a little brighter this year at EPCOT!
