October 1, 2025
If your idea of holiday fun includes tasting festive treats from around the world, hearing heartwarming stories from different cultures, and watching dazzling entertainment that celebrates the season, then the EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays is your ultimate winter wonderland!
This one-of-a-kind celebration transforms the park into a global holiday showcase, where every pavilion brings its own traditions to life through music, food, and storytelling. It’s joyful, delicious, and full of surprises for guests of all ages.
So, grab your Festival Passport, put on your coziest holiday gear, and let’s unwrap everything you need to know to make the most of this seasonal spectacular!
What is the International Festival of the Holidays?
Imagine EPCOT® transformed into a winter wonderland where every country in the World Showcase shares its unique holiday traditions. From storytelling to seasonal treats, it’s like taking a holiday world tour without the jet lag!
When does the festival run?
Typically, from late November through December. This year it runs from November 28 to December 30, 2025. Exact dates vary each year, so check the official Walt Disney World® Website or ask our concierge team for the latest info!
Is there food involved? (Please say yes.)
YES! The Holiday Kitchens are the stars of the show. Think warm cheese fondue in Germany, tamales in Mexico, and sweet potato casserole in America. It’s a foodie’s festive dream come true.
Pro Tip: grab a Festival Passport and try the Holiday Cookie Stroll where you can collect stamps, eat cookies, and earn a sweet surprise!
What kind of entertainment can we expect?
So much festive fun! EPCOT® brings the holiday spirit to life with:
- Candlelight Processional – A celebrity-narrated Christmas story with a live choir and orchestra. Pure magic!
- Holiday Storytellers – Each country shares its unique traditions through fun, interactive performances.
- Joyful! – A high-energy show celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa with gospel and R&B music.
- Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition – A kid-friendly scavenger hunt around the World Showcase.
- Santa Meet & Greet – Yep, the big guy is there too and he’s ready for photos and wish lists!
From music to storytelling, it’s a global celebration that’ll have the whole family smiling!
Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids will love the scavenger hunts (hello, Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition!), meeting characters in festive outfits, and tasting treats from different cultures. It’s educational and delicious, meaning parents win!
Do any EPCOT® rides get decked out for the holidays?
They sure do! While EPCOT® keeps most of its rides classic, a few get festive flair:
- Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses: This peaceful boat ride sparkles with holiday lights and decorations throughout the greenhouse. It’s a cozy seasonal favorite!
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Holiday Remix: The galaxy gets groovy with a special holiday soundtrack! Star-Lord and crew swap their usual tunes for festive beats in this high-speed adventure through space.
- Spaceship Earth: The ride stays the same, but the exterior gets a dazzling holiday light show, perfect for those nighttime selfies!
It’s just the right amount of holiday magic sprinkled into your ride experience!
Are there fireworks during the festival?
Oh yes, get ready for a dazzling end to your day. The parks’s nighttime spectacular, Luminous: The Symphony of Us, lights up the sky with music, lights, and jaw-dropping
fireworks. During the holidays, you might even catch seasonal enhancements that add a festive twist to the show!
Grab a spot around the World Showcase Lagoon, bring some snacks from the Holiday Kitchens, and enjoy the magic as the sky sparkles with holiday cheer. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your festive adventure!
Any tips for making the most of the festival?
You bet! Here are a few:
- Arrive early to beat the crowds.
- Use the My Disney Experience app to check showtimes and wait times.
- Stay hydrated (yes, even in winter!).
- Take breaks — Encore is just a short drive away for a midday nap or snack.
- Bring your holiday spirit — festive attire encouraged!
How does Encore Resort at Reunion fit into all this?
Think of Encore as your holiday headquarters! After a full day of festive fun at EPCOT®, Encore Resort at Reunion is the perfect place to unwind, recharge, and keep the holiday magic going.
Here’s why families love staying with us during the International Festival of the Holidays:
- Spacious Vacation Homes – Spread out in multi-bedroom homes with private pools, game rooms, and cozy living spaces, perfect for relaxing after a day at the theme parks.
- Concierge Services – Need help with park tickets, transportation, or planning a holiday gathering? Our team’s got you covered!
- Complimentary Theme Park Transportation – Skip the parking stress! Encore offers free shuttle service to Orlando’s major theme parks, so you can focus on fun.
- Close to the Magic – Located just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort, Encore makes it easy to pop over to EPCOT® and back without missing a beat.
- Family Fun On-Site – From splash-worthy water park adventures to movie nights and seasonal activities, Encore keeps the whole crew entertained, even on non-park days.
EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays is a joyful celebration of global traditions, delicious seasonal bites, and unforgettable entertainment. It’s the kind of experience that brings families together and creates lasting memories.
To make your visit even more magical, Encore Resort at Reunion offers the perfect place to stay. Just minutes from the parks, Encore features spacious vacation homes, complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, and a concierge team ready to help with everything from park tickets to holiday decorations. It’s comfort, convenience, and holiday cheer, all wrapped up in one unforgettable stay.
Book your holiday getaway today, Live Life On Vacation, and let Encore be your home for the holidays all just minutes from the magic!
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