If there’s one Walt Disney World event that truly captures the magic of the holiday season, it’s the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. From world-inspired flavors and festive entertainment to twinkling lights and beloved traditions, this festival is an experience unlike anything else. Whether you’re a first-timer or a holiday EPCOT loyalist, here’s your complete guide to everything happening at the 2026 festival!
When Is the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 2026?
Mark your calendars to save the date(s)! The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth runs from November 27 through December 30, 2026. That’s more than a full month of holiday magic inside one of Disney’s most beloved parks.
The holiday season at Walt Disney World extends well beyond EPCOT, too. All four theme parks, Disney Springs, and many resort hotels get dressed up for the season. If you’re planning a trip, now is the time to start looking at theme park tickets and resort reservations, since the holiday season books up fast.
Holiday Storytellers Around World Showcase
One of the most unique elements of this festival is the tradition of Holiday Storytellers stationed throughout World Showcase. Each day of the festival, these performers bring to life the holiday customs of cultures from around the world, making this one of the most educational and heartwarming experiences at Walt Disney World.
Here’s where you can find storytellers during the 2026 festival:
- Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration
- Norway Pavilion – A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
- China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer and Si-Zhu Trio
- Germany Pavilion – Adventskalender
- Italy Pavilion – La Befana
- Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller
- Between Morocco and France Pavilions – Hanukkah Storyteller
- France Pavilion – Père Noël
- United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas
- Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
Set aside plenty of time to wander World Showcase and catch as many storytellers as you can. These performances are a highlight for guests of all ages.
Santa Sightings at EPCOT
Yes, Santa is coming to EPCOT! During the festival, Santa Claus will make special appearances traveling through World Showcase to greet guests and spread holiday cheer. You can also find him in CommuniCore Hall for a jolly “ho-ho-ho” moment with the whole family.
Beyond the traditional Santa experience, don’t miss Père Noël in the France Pavilion sharing the story of Babette and her Christmas letter, or the Barn Santa greeting guests in the Norway Pavilion.
And if your little ones are Goofy fans, he’ll be dressed in his holiday best and ready for photos at The Odyssey.
Festival Entertainment
Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional is arguably the most iconic holiday experience at Walt Disney World, and it returns again in 2026 at the America Gardens Theatre. This beloved tradition features a celebrity narrator retelling the Christmas story alongside a full mass choir and live orchestra. Performances are held nightly with multiple showtimes.
Celebrity narrator announcements and Candlelight Processional Dining Package details are still to come, so keep an eye out for those updates!
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
Get ready to move! JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season is a high-energy, soul-filled performance blending gospel, jazz, and R&B to celebrate the traditions of Christmas and Kwanzaa. It’s one of those shows that leaves everyone with a huge smile.
Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers
The beloved Voices of Liberty transform into the Dickens Carolers for the festival, performing classic holiday songs in the style of Victorian-era England. Their rich harmonies and timeless charm make every performance feel like stepping back in time.
Festival Kitchens: Holiday Food and Drinks
Let’s be honest — the food is half the reason we show up. The Holiday Kitchens return with seasonal menus inspired by global holiday traditions, meaning you can snack your way around the world one delicious bite at a time.
Specific menus haven’t been announced yet, but expect a delicious mix of sweet, savory, and sippable offerings at each location.
Holiday Cookie Stroll
The fan-favorite Holiday Cookie Stroll is back for 2026! Purchase five qualifying cookies from select Holiday Kitchens, collect stamps in your Festival Passport, and redeem them for a special treat at the end. It’s a fun activity for the whole family and a sweet way to explore the festival kitchens.
Holiday Activities and Experiences
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt
Join everyone’s favorite snowman on a festive adventure! Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition sends guests on a scavenger hunt through World Showcase, discovering holiday traditions from around the globe. Purchase and complete the hunt to receive a holiday keepsake to take home.
Scentsy’s Festive Fragrances: A Sensory Wonderland
Now in its third year, Festive Fragrances presented by Scentsy is back with all-new scents celebrating holidays around the world, including Noche Buena and Diwali. Located along the walkway between the Imagination! pavilion and World Showcase, the charming garden of snow globes is a truly unique sensory experience.
Holiday Overlays Inside the Park
Glimmering Greenhouses (Living with the Land)
The classic Living with the Land boat ride gets a festive transformation during Glimmering Greenhouses, featuring twinkling lights and seasonal decor throughout the greenhouses. It’s a peaceful, beautiful way to experience one of EPCOT’s most beloved attractions in a whole new light.
Lights on Spaceship Earth
After dark, Spaceship Earth becomes even more magical. The iconic geodesic sphere lights up with dazzling holiday colors and dynamic effects, making it one of the most photogenic spots in all of Walt Disney World during the season.
Gingerbread Spaceship Earth Display
Don’t miss the Gingerbread Spaceship Earth Display presented by Citizen, a stunning work of culinary artistry that brings one of EPCOT’s most iconic landmarks to life in delicious detail. Gather for the Celebration Countdown presented by CITIZEN, where the display lights up every 15 minutes with new song and light shows throughout the festival.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Book early. The holiday season at Walt Disney World is one of the busiest times of year. Theme park tickets and resort reservations for November and December 2026 are already available, so don’t wait!
Give yourself multiple days. There’s genuinely too much to experience in a single day. Between the storytellers, entertainment, food, and scavenger hunts, a dedicated EPCOT holiday day (or two!) will serve you well. It’s my favorite park to visit time and time again; I see and learn something new every time!
Secure Candlelight Processional dining packages. These packages offer reserved seating for the Candlelight Processional and are super popular. Once details are announced, booking quickly is strongly recommended!
Visit after dark. EPCOT is especially magical in the evening during the holidays, with lights on Spaceship Earth and the glow of World Showcase creating an atmosphere you won’t want to miss!
Ready to Start Planning?
The 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is shaping up to be absolutely magical, and the best time to start planning is right now. As an authorized Disney travel agent, I would love to help you create the perfect holiday vacation. Reach out today and let’s make it happen!
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