Christmas at Epcot for the Holidays

Planning a vacation to Walt Disney World for the holidays? With so many things vying for your precious Disney Vacation time be sure to take in the holiday fun over at EPCOT. Mainly because the festivities are included in your ticket, and include food, fun, performances, and more. Happening annually, the International Festival of Holidays gets in full swing right after Thanksgiving and offers special holiday performances happening throughout the season. There’s nothing like Christmas at EPCOT!

Contents

1 Christmas at EPCOT Details
2 Decorations at EPCOT
3 EPCOT Christmas Characters
4 Gingerbread Displays at the American Adventure Pavilion
5 Living with the Land Merry and Bright Nights
6 Olaf’s Tradition Expedition
7 EPCOT International Festival of Holidays
8 Holiday Storytellers
9 Candlelight Processional
10 Festival of Holidays Food
11 The Cookie Stroll
12 Live Holiday Performances for Christmas at EPCOT
13 Holiday Snacks at EPCOT
14 Holiday Character Dining at EPCOT
15 Holiday Merchandise at EPCOT

Christmas at EPCOT Details

Spending the holidays at EPCOT offers loads of festive fun, from ride overlays at the Living with the Land ride, to the Festival of Holidays happening late in November, there is plenty to do. As decorations begin to trickle into the park mid-November, you can count on seeing patriotic Gingerbread displays, and a slew of Christmas Snacks at Epcot popping up across the park. Here are all the details to know before you head to Epcot for Christmas.

When Does Christmas Start at EPCOT?

Christmas at Walt Disney World typically starts the second week in November and greets guests in each park with holiday music and Christmas decor. This year Christmas starts at EPCOT on November 8, 2024. The Festival of the Holidays does not start until November 29- December 30, 2024.

What are the Christmas Hours at EPCOT Park?

Holiday hours at Animal Kingdom are typically 9 AM- 9 PM, with a 30 minute Early Entry option for Disney Resort Guests. And an extended evening hour option for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts.

Decorations at EPCOT

For the holidays at EPCOT Park you can find decorations in each World Showcase country, denoting each country’s holiday heritage, along with garlands, wreaths, and a large Christmas Tree. With lots of spaces for holiday displays, be sure to check the landscaping across the park for giant ornaments, lights, poinsettias and more festive evidence of the season.

Santa Storytellers at Disney EPCOT Festival of the Holidays — *(Abigail Nilsson, Photographer)*

EPCOT Christmas Characters

In addition to all the storytellers across the World Showcase for the season, you can always find loads of characters at EPCOT. From Mary Poppins in the UK, and Pooh Bear, to Jasmine and Aladdin in Morocco. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience App for characters and times throughout your stay.

Belle in her Christmas Dress

If you’re lucky, and head to France, on cooler days you can see Belle in her Christmas dress from Belle’s Enchanted Christmas.

Santa Claus at EPCOT

Taking the big red chair at the Odyssey pavilion throughout the season, you can see Santa Claus for a chat and a photo Sundays through Saturdays. As always check the My Disney Experience App for times. His schedule previous years is for a 60 minute timeslot at each of these times; 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

Gingerbread Displays at the American Adventure Pavilion

Did you know you can see the EPCOT Gingerbread Houses of our four fathers in the America pavilion? Yep! As one of the many Gingerbread Displays at Disney World, you can see the Lincoln Memorial, Capital Building and the Washington monument among other Icons of American Architecture.

Living with the Land Merry and Bright Nights

By far one of our favorite rides at EPCOT, Living with the Land, located in The Land building gets dressed up for the season with Christmas Lights. To see this ride at its holiday best, be sure to plan an evening ride on Living with the Land Merry and Brights Nights. With the Christmas lights turned on, and interesting things growing in the greenhouse, you can even see some foods used in the Festival of Holidays Food Kitchens.

Olaf’s Tradition Expedition

As part of the Christmas at Walt Disney World celebrations honoring all festive fun, this Olaf Scavenger hunt game is part of the Festival of Holidays and one of our favorite things to do! A game board is typically less than 10 dollars each, comes with stickers, and includes a prize. We love that the game gives you a reason to hang out in each country, to search for Olaf. Each Olaf statue includes a cultural element that matches a special tradition for each culture. As a result, both kids and grown-ups alike can learn about how other cultures celebrate the holidays. Once found, collected, and marked on your gameboard, you can collect a festive prize. The game is $9.99 each plus tax, in order to get the gameboard and prize. However, if you want to make this a ” free” game, just snap a picture of the map on the sign at the gift shop, and find Olaf on your own!

EPCOT International Festival of Holidays

As the main event of any Christmas at EPCOT, this festival is included in the price of a park ticket. For instance, you can find Holiday Kitchens across Epcot to help get your fill of favorite holiday foods from different countries. Or head to select countries in the World Showcase to listen to stories from Holiday Storytellers. As part of the Candlelight Processional, which happens nightly, you can hear a retelling of the Nativity Story. Check out the Festival of Holidays Menus to get an idea of the holiday feast in store. You can look forward to all our favorite festival dishes, like Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing at the American Holiday Table, gingerbread lattes at the Joffrey’s cart, and more.

When is the EPCOT International Festival of Holidays?

Disney’s EPCOT International Festival of Holidays runs from November 29- December 30, 2024, featuring outdoor kitchens, the Candlelight Processional, Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition and more. Visiting for Christmas at EPCOT is always a treat. Combining all our favorite cultural traditions and amazing holiday treats EPCOT brings together food and fun throughout all four neighborhoods.

Holiday Storytellers

Holiday Storytellers are part of each world showcase country to tell the stories of the holidays in their native lands. From La Befana in Italy to Mr. and Mrs. Clause in America and Pere Noel in France, these are rich culturally infused holiday tales from around the world, sure to add more fun to your visit. Due to popular demand, these performances take place a few times throughout the day. Check the My Disney Experience app and the times’ guide for schedules. Guests can listen to a Hanukkah storyteller along the promenade and delightful holiday storytellers in France, Italy, Japan, Norway, and the United Kingdom

Get ready for Christmas with Santa Claus now through December 24. Whether you know him as St. Nick, Père Noël or Father Christmas, a visit with jolly Santa Claus brings good cheer to the season.

Las Posadas Celebration – Mexico Pavilion

¡Feliz Navidad! Join the fun and pageantry of Las Posadas with dancers, piñatas and the music of Mariachi Cobre.

Performance Details:

Sundays through Thursdays
11:05 AM, 12:05 PM, 1:05 PM, 3:05 PM, 4:10 PM and 5:15 PM
25-minute performances

A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa – Norway Pavilion

Celebrate the season with laughter as a mischievous Barn Santa visits Sigrid, an unsuspecting Christmas storyteller.

Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
11:35 AM, 12:35 PM, 1:35 PM, 2:35PM, 4:35PM, 5:35 PM, 6:35 PM and 7:10 PM
15-minute performances

Chinese Lion Dancer – China Pavilion

Catch a glimpse of this colorful performance that brings good fortune and happiness in the Lunar New Year.

Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
Noon, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
15-minute performances

La Befana – Italy Pavilion

Come hear the tale of La Befana, the kind-hearted witch who visits sleeping young children on the Eve of the Epiphany.

Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
11:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:40 PM, 3:35 PM, 4:20 PM, 5:05 PM and 5:45 PM
15-minute performances

Santa Claus – The Odyssey Pavilion

Get ready for Christmas with Santa Claus now through December 24. Whether you know him as St. Nick, Père Noël or Father Christmas, a visit with jolly Santa Claus brings good cheer to the season.

Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM
60-minute performances

Daruma Storyteller – Japan Pavilion

Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year!

Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
11:20 AM, 12:40 PM, 1:40 PM, 3:20 PM, 4:20 PM, 5:05 PM, 5:50 PM and 6:35 PM
15-minute performances

Hanukkah Storyteller – Between Morocco and France Pavilions

Guests will discover an entertaining celebration of Hanukkah along World Showcase promenade, where a storyteller recounts traveling abroad to explore the diverse music and traditions of Hanukkah around the world.

Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:40 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:45 PM, 3:45 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
15-minute performances

Père Noël – France Pavilion

Visit with Père Noël and rediscover the magic of Christmas through the letter of a delightful child.

Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:10 PM, 12:50 PM, 2:15 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:30 PM and 5:15 PM
15-minute performances

Father Christmas – United Kingdom Pavilion

Join Father Christmas as he rings in the season, sharing the traditions of the United Kingdom and good cheer.

Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:40 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
15-minute performances

Canadian Holiday Voyageurs – Canada Pavilion

Explore holiday customs from the various regions of Canada on a musical tour of the Great White North with the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.

Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
11:45 AM, 12:45 PM, 1:45 PM, 3:25 PM, 4:30 PM and 6:35 PM
20-minute performances

Candlelight Processional

Christmas at EPCOT never feels complete without the Candlelight Processional. This retelling of the Nativity Story is told by a celebrity speaker and accompanied by choral singers and an orchestra. As one of the best ways to ring in the holiday season at EPCOT, this performance happens a couple of times each evening. Because of the crowds, it’s important to note the latest timeslot is always the least crowded. And depending on the popularity of the celebrity, nights featuring certain stars fill up fast. This retelling of the Nativity Story takes place at the America Garden’s Theater throughout the festival.

Location: America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT
Dates: November 29- December 30, 2024
Showtimes: 5:15 PM, 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM

New Celebrity Narrators

The Candlelight Processional features a new celebrity speaker for a few nights each season. As such, depending on your visit, you may even see multiple presenters. If you do only one thing at EPCOT for Christmas, make sure it’s the Candlelight Processional. Completely worth the 40-minute performance time, you can also grab the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages for dinner and a guaranteed seat.

Festival of Holidays Food

One of the best parts of any festival at EPCOT is the food. And the EPCOT International Festival of Holidays is no exception. With seasonal foods, both savory and sweet, Christmas at EPCOT gives you a glimpse into other cultures’ holiday traditions and offers the best holiday treats. Peruse the Festival of Holidays Menus to get a glimpse at all the dishes on the list for the holidays.

The Cookie Stroll

The Epcot International Festival of Holidays features food kitchens offering holiday foods from around the world. As part of the festivities, many of the kitchens feature a cookie that can count towards your Cookie Stroll. Collect 5 cookie stamps, one for each cookie, and you’ll get a complimentary cookie.

Las Posadas at EPCOT Christmas — *(Abigail Nilsson, Photographer)*

Live Holiday Performances for Christmas at EPCOT

Christmas at EPCOT wouldn’t be complete without festive performances. Featuring beautiful music of the season, and twists on old favorites, there is plenty to be heard this holiday in the park. Here are the performers in the lineup so far. Be sure to check the times guide for performances or the My Disney Experience App for times and to add them to your day.

JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season

A celebration of music to bring the songs of Christmas and Kwanzaa to Disney includes Gospel, R&B, and holiday songs performed by the ‘Joyful!’ vocal ensemble.

Voices of Liberty – Voices of the Season | America

A cappella holiday music sets the tone for the season at the America pavilion. Dressed as Dicken’s Carolers this is a great way to get into the classic feeling of Christmas.

JAMMitors

Hang out to see the percussion players with a whole new set of holiday tunes throughout EPCOT.

Canadian Holiday Voyageurs | Canada

Head to Canada’s Mill Stage for musical stylings and festive songs from the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs!

Chinese Lion Dance New Year Celebration | China

Head to China for an acrobatic celebration to ring in the Chinese New Year. Throughout the Festival of Holidays, you can see these performances throughout the day.

Las Posadas with Mariachi Cobre | Mexico Pavilion

Grab a seat at American Gardens Theater to watch the colorful dancers and the band, Las Posadas, celebrating Mexican Christmas traditions to kick off the season.

Holiday Snacks at EPCOT

By far one of our favorite parts of the holiday season is trying all the Christmas Snacks at EPCOT Park and around WDW. From mainstays, like the Gingerbread Cookie Sandwich at Werther’s Karamell Kuche store in Germany, to the Black Forest Baumkuchen at Connections Eatery and Cafe, there are plenty of holiday treats to try whether or not the Festival of Holidays has started yet.

Holiday Character Dining at EPCOT

While you may not get to see all the princesses in their Christmas dresses at Akershus, it’s still one of the best princess dining experiences in the park, for the holiday season. And if you’re hoping for something a little more down to earth, try the Garden Grill with Chip and Dale. We most like the breakfast there because we get a luscious breakfast bread and chatting time with Mickey and friends.

Holiday Merchandise at EPCOT

Head to the Creations Shop at the front of EPCOT for all the things you need for the holidays. Plus, each country has little shops of their own, filled with Christmas gifts, and decor. You can grab gifts like apparel and accessories to home décor and kitchenware to plush, toys, and ornaments. If you’re staying home and want to add a little more Disney to your Christmas Holiday check out the shopDisney Holiday Shop at shopDisney.com.