EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2026 Guide: Candlelight Processional, Holiday Kitchens, Storytellers, and More
By Rikki
The holiday season at Walt Disney World is filled with festive decorations, special entertainment, and seasonal treats, but few experiences capture the spirit of Christmas quite like the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. This year, the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays runs from November 27 – December 30, 2026.
Held throughout the holiday season, this unique festival celebrates holiday traditions from around the world through food, entertainment, storytelling, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in Christmas traditions from other countries, seasonal snacks, festive entertainment, or simply enjoying EPCOT during one of the most beautiful times of the year, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Here’s everything guests can experience during the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
Candlelight Processional
The centerpiece of the festival is undoubtedly the Candlelight Processional.
This beloved holiday tradition features a celebrity narrator retelling the Christmas story accompanied by a massive choir and a 50-piece orchestra. The combination of music, narration, and holiday spirit creates one of the most moving experiences found anywhere at Walt Disney World during the Christmas season.
The performance takes place nightly at the America Gardens Theatre and remains one of the most popular offerings during the festival.
Holiday Kitchens
One of the best ways to experience the holidays around World Showcase is through the festival’s Holiday Kitchens.
These seasonal food booths offer holiday-inspired dishes and beverages from around the globe, allowing guests to sample festive flavors while learning about holiday traditions from different cultures.
From savory comfort foods to sweet seasonal desserts and specialty beverages, Holiday Kitchens have become a must-do experience for festival visitors.
Holiday Cookie Stroll
Guests with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss the Holiday Cookie Stroll.
To participate, purchase five qualifying cookies from designated locations throughout the festival and collect a stamp in your Festival Passport for each purchase.
Once all five stamps have been collected, guests can visit Holiday Sweets & Treats to redeem their completed passport for a special complimentary treat.
It’s a fun way to explore the festival while enjoying some of EPCOT’s most popular holiday desserts.
Take a look at our video from 2025 here:
Holiday Storytellers
One of the most unique aspects of the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is the opportunity to hear holiday stories and traditions from around the world.
Throughout World Showcase, storytellers bring their country’s holiday customs to life through engaging performances and cultural presentations.
Canada
The Canadian Holiday Voyageurs share holiday traditions from different regions of Canada through music and storytelling.
United Kingdom
Father Christmas recounts Christmas traditions dating back to 15th-century England.
France
Père Noël shares the magic of Christmas through heartfelt stories and holiday traditions.
Hanukkah Storyteller
Located between France and Morocco, this storyteller celebrates Hanukkah by sharing traditions, music, and customs from around the world.
Japan
A Daruma vendor explains the significance of Daruma dolls and Japanese New Year traditions.
Italy
La Befana, Italy’s beloved Christmas witch, shares stories of Epiphany and her role in holiday celebrations.
China
The Chinese Lion Dance showcases cultural traditions associated with Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival.
Norway
Sigrid recounts Christmas traditions in Norway and stories of the mischievous Julenissen.
Mexico
Guests can celebrate with music, dance, and holiday traditions during a festive Mexican holiday celebration.
Gingerbread Spaceship Earth
One of the newest holiday traditions at EPCOT is the stunning Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display.
This impressive culinary creation transforms EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere into an edible masterpiece, showcasing incredible craftsmanship and holiday creativity.
Guests can also enjoy the Celebration Countdown, where the display comes to life with synchronized music and lighting effects every 15 minutes.
Meet Santa Claus
Guests can visit with Santa Claus through December 24 at CommuniCore Hall.
This festive meet-and-greet gives families the chance to spend time with Santa and capture memorable holiday photos during their EPCOT visit.
Spaceship Earth Holiday Light Show
As night falls, Spaceship Earth transforms into a dazzling holiday beacon.
The special holiday lighting package features festive displays inspired by snowflakes, candlelight, winter skies, and the Northern Lights.
Combined with holiday music, it creates one of EPCOT’s most beautiful nighttime experiences.
Living with the Land: Glistening Greenhouses
The popular attraction Living with the Land receives a seasonal transformation each evening.
Known as Glistening Greenhouses, the ride features thousands of holiday lights and festive decorations throughout the attraction’s greenhouses.
The overlay begins after sunset and has become one of EPCOT’s most beloved holiday traditions.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
Guests can experience uplifting holiday music during JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season.
Featuring Gospel, R&B, and contemporary holiday music, this energetic performance celebrates the joy and spirit of the Christmas season.
The show takes place several times daily at CommuniCore Plaza.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition
Families looking for an interactive experience can participate in Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition.
Guests purchase a map and search throughout World Showcase for Olaf as he discovers holiday traditions from around the globe.
Once all the traditions have been located and matched to the map, participants can redeem their completed scavenger hunt for a special prize.
Why EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Is a Must-Visit
The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays offers something that no other holiday event at Walt Disney World can match: the opportunity to celebrate holiday traditions from around the world in one place.
Between the Candlelight Processional, Holiday Kitchens, storytellers, seasonal entertainment, festive attractions, and unique cultural experiences, the festival provides an unforgettable way to experience Christmas at Walt Disney World.
Our EPCOT Holiday Vlog
Want to see what our experience was like last year celebrating the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays? Take a look at our vlog:
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But now, I want to know your thoughts. Which experience are you most excited for: the parade, the fireworks, the cookies and cocoa? Or are you excited for something else? You can share with me in the comments or on social! Find me on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and TikTok.
Book Your Next Trip!
Want to book trip to the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays? Jocelyn Martins at The Magic For Less Travel specializes in the art of personalized vacation planning. She provides a guest-driven, concierge level planning service. Best of all, Jocelyn’s service is provided free of charge. Click here to get your free, no-obligation quote today!
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