The holiday season brings extra magic to Walt Disney World Resort with the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, presented by AdventHealth. From Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, guests can explore festive traditions, savor seasonal delights, and enjoy holiday entertainment from around the world
Savor Global Holiday Flavors
The Holiday Kitchens feature 15+ locations offering festive dishes inspired by global traditions. New this year, Nochebuena Cocina debuts with an IMPOSSIBLE Chorizo Tamale, while fan-favorites return, including Potato Latkes from L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen and Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl from Bavaria Holiday Kitchen. From savory delights to plant-based options, there’s something for everyone!
Walt Disney World production teams are very focused on depicting each culture’s traditions in a meaningful and thoughtful way, director of the inclusive strategy for Disney Live Entertainment Marsha Jackson-Randolph said. For example, when developing the Hanukkah storyteller experience, Disney Live Entertainment consulted with members of the Jewish faith, including a Rabbi and Cantor, and other organizations who reviewed the script, music and other elements that bring the show to life.
Festive Entertainment & Traditions
Beyond delicious food, Epcot Festival of the Holidays offers unforgettable entertainment:
- Holiday Storytellers – Discover seasonal traditions from around the world with live storytelling and cultural performances.
- JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season – Experience a vibrant fusion of Christmas and Kwanzaa music.
- Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition – Join Olaf in an exciting scavenger hunt across World Showcase.
- Candlelight Processional – Witness a moving retelling of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator, orchestra, and choir.
“We recognize that diverse audiences and people of all ages experience our holiday storytellers and entertainment. In addition to the script, we use other narratives like music, imaginative staging and audience participation to expand the reach. We need to connect with everyone watching the show,” Marsha shared. “It’s been fun as a creative team to connect these stories through similar elements and symbols but introducing them to audiences in a new way from country to country.”
For some years now, at each location guests will discover scenic holiday scrolls. Each one offers a unique opportunity to learn about a new tradition. In China, the scroll relates the Chinese tradition of exchanging small gifts in red envelopes or red wrapping paper to extend good fortune to family members and friends.
Dominique was part of the team who helped create the holiday scrolls and learned more about her Mexican and Norwegian heritages when she was researching traditions celebrated in those countries that she now incorporates into her own holiday celebrations. “I think that’s what the spirit of EPCOT is all about – learning about new cultures, ideas and traditions,” Dominique said. “After walking around World Showcase during the holidays, I hope guests come out knowing something from a different culture. It’s what connects us and allows us to celebrate the season as a global family.”
