Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Epcot

Now named Epcot International Festival of the Holidays - includes Candlelight Processional, special Illuminations Peace on Earth finale, holiday storytelling and festive displays; late November through December.
  • Main Details

  • Ticketed Event
  • Park Ticket Required
  • Event Dates November 25 through December 30, 2022
  • Annual Event

Complete Guide to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 2024

Overview

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is a festive event presented by AdventHealth. It takes place from November 29 through December 30, 2024. Celebrate holidays from around the world with special entertainment, culinary experiences, and more at EPCOT.

Event Highlights

Candlelight Processional

  • Experience the stirring story of Christmas with a celebrity narrator, a massed choir, a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets, and the Voices of Liberty.

Meet Santa Claus

  • Visit jolly old St. Nick at the Odyssey Pavilion for a festive photo opportunity.

JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season

  • Witness a joyous tribute to Christmas and Kwanzaa with performances of Gospel, R&B, and holiday songs.

Holiday Storytellers

  • Gather around as lively storytellers share holiday legends and lore from around the world.

Holiday Kitchens

  • Taste your way around EPCOT and delight in culinary traditions from various countries.

Holiday Cookie Stroll

  • Sweeten your day with cookies and enjoy a special treat at the end of your tasty journey.

Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses

  • Celebrate the season’s bounty on a voyage through greenhouses aglow with dazzling lights.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt

  • Go on a quest to find holiday traditions that Olaf has gathered and lost along the way!

2017 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays Schedule 

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays for 2017 run from November 19 to December 30 2017. 

Reflections of Earth with Peace on Earth finale 9:30pm (November 24 - December 30 2017)

Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre 5:00pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm. See our Candlelight Processional page for details on celebrity narrators and more info.

Holiday Kitchens - The number of holiday kitchens doubles in size this year to a total of 15, each bringing the flavors of the season to life. New this year, guests can indulge in cookies and desserts at the Cookie Nook located inside the Odyssey complex. Sweet treats include snowflake sugar cookies and a warm apple fritter with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce. Over at the Canada pavilion, dazzling delicacies like the Maple Buche de Noel (maple mousse rolled in gingerbread chiffon cake with cranberry sauce and pecan crumble) celebrate holiday traditions from the Great White North.

Holiday Storytellers

Performances take place daily from November 24 to December 30 2017.

2015 Holidays Around the World at Epcot Schedule

Holidays Around the World at Epcot for 2015 run from November 27 to December 30 2015.

Reflections of Earth with Peace on Earth finale 9:30pm.

Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre 5:00pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm. See our Candlelight Processional page for details on celebrity narrators and more info.

Holiday Storytellers

Performances take place daily from November 27 to December 30 2015.

2014 Holidays Around the World Schedule

Holidays Around the World at Epcot for 2014 run from November 28 to December 29 2014. 

Reflections of Earth with Peace on Earth finale 9:30pm.

Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre 5:00pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm. See our Candlelight Processional page for details on celebrity narrators and more info.

Holiday Storytellers

Performances take place daily from November 28 to December 29 2014.

Canada - The Canadian Holiday Voyageurs

Explore holiday customs from the various regions of Canada on a musical tour of the Great White North. 11:20am, 12:10pm, 1:05pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4:30pm.

United Kingdom - Father Christmas

Join Father Christmas, as he rings in the season, with traditions of the United Kingdom and good cheer. 12:30pm, 1:25pm, 2:20pm, 3:20pm, 5:40pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm.

France - Père Noël

Discover the magic of Père Noël and the joy of the season through a Christmas letter from a child. 11:20am, 11:55am, 12:30pm, 1:15pm, 2:05pm, 3:30pm, 4:20pm 5:05pm.

Morocco - Morocco Holiday Entertainment

Take a journey through seasons of holidays in Morocco, where celebrations are “the spice of life!” 12:30pm, 2pm, 2:45pm, 4:20pm, 5:30pm, 6:05pm, 7:20pm.

Japan - Daruma

Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year! 12:10pm, 12:50pm, 1:35pm, 2:20pm, 2:55pm, 3:45pm, 4:45pm, 5:55pm.

Italy - La Befana

Meet the kind-hearted witch who arrives on the Eve of the Epiphany to grant gifts to good children. 12:35pm, 1:30pm, 3:20pm, 4:15pm, 5:50pm, 6:40pm, 7:40pm.

Germany - Helga

Listen as Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker. 1pm, 2pm, 2:55pm, 3:55pm, 5:30pm, 6:05pm, 6:40pm, 7:15pm.

China - Chinese Lion Dancers

The colorful Chinese Lion Dance brings good fortune and happiness to all during the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival. 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm.

Norway - Sigrid and Julenissen

Enjoy the season of joy and fun with Sigrid and Julenissen, the mischievous Christmas gnome. 2:!5pm, 3pm, 3:40pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm, 6:30pm, 7:05pm, 7:45pm.

Mexico - Mariachis and Dancers

Celebrate a Feliz Navidad and join in the color and excitement of the music, dances and traditions of a Holiday Fiesta! 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm.

American Adventure - Santa and Mrs. Claus

Whisper your Christmas wishes in Santa’s ear. Even Mrs. Claus will be here! 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm.

American Adventure - Hanukkah

Discover the traditions of Hanukkah, the story of the brave Maccabees and the miracle of the burning oil lamp. 11:30am, 12:15pm, 1pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm, 4pm, 4:45pm.

American Adventure - Kwanzaa

Experience the spirit of Kwanzaa, a celebration of unity, creativity and pride. 11:!5am, 12pm, 12:45pm, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm, 3:45pm, 4:30pm.

American Adventure - Voices of Liberty

Appearing in Dickens costumes, the Voices of Liberty a cappella group presents a special seasonal repertoire of holiday favorites. 11:45am, 12:30pm, 1:15pm, 2pm, 2:45pm, 3:30pm, 4:15pm.

2013 Holidays Around the World Schedule

Holidays Around the World at Epcot for 2013 run from November 29 to December 30 2013. 

Reflections of Earth with Peace on Earth finale 9:30pm.

Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre 5:00pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm. See our Candlelight Processional page for details on celebrity narrators and more info.

JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season featuring D'Vine Voices
Fountain Stage - November 29 to December 29 2013. Showtimes are daily at 1:15pm, 2:15pm, 3:15pm and 4:15pm

Holiday Storytellers
Performances take place daily from November 29 to December 30 2013.
(You can see photos of the Storytellers from previous years here)

2012 Holidays Around the World Schedule

Holidays Around the World at Epcot for 2012 run from November 23 to December 30 2012. 

Reflections of Earth with Peace on Earth finale 9:30pm.

Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre 5:00pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm. See our Candlelight Processional page for details on celebrity narrators and more info.

JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season featuring D'Vine Voices
Fountain Stage - November 23 to December 30 2012. Showtimes are daily at 1:15pm, 2:15pm, 3:15pm and 4:15pm

Holiday Storytellers
Performances take place daily from November 23 to December 30 2012.
(You can see photos of the Storytellers from previous years here)

2011 Holidays Around the World Schedule

Holidays Around the World at Epcot for 2011 run from November 25 to December 29 2011.

Reflections of Earth with Peace on Earth finale
9:30pm.

Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre 5:00pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm. See our Candlelight Processional page for details on celebrity narrators and more info.

JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season featuring D'Vine Voices
Fountain Stage - November 25 to December 29 2011. Showtimes are daily at 1:15pm, 2:15pm, 3:15pm and 4:15pm

Holiday Storytellers
Performances take place daily from November 25 to December 29 2011.
(You can see photos of the Storytellers from previous years here)

Mexico
Celebrate with LosTres Reyes Magos, the Three Kings, as they tell of their journey to the Posada and traditions today.
1:45; 2:35; 3:20; 4:05; 4:45; 5:30; 6:30; 7:30pm

Norway
Meet the storyteller Sigrid who will tell you of the mischievous Christmas Gnome, Julenissen.
3:10; 3:50; 4:30; 5:10; 5:50; 6:35; 7:15; 7:55pm

China
Watch the agile Monkey King weave his tall tale with twists and turns celebrating Chinese New Year!
12:10; 12:45; 1:30; 2:15; 3:20; 4:00; 4:50; 5:50pm

Germany
Listen as Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker.
1:00; 2:00; 2:55; 3:55; 5:30; 6:05; 6:40; 7:15pm

Italy
Visit with Italy’s good Christmas witch, La Befana, as she remembers the Epiphany and her first Christmas 2,000 years ago!
1:00; 2:00; 2:40; 3:20; 4:20; 5:20; 6:00; 6:45pm

American Adventure
Christmas: Whisper your Christmas wishes in Santa’s ear. Even Mrs. Claus will be there!
1:30–2:40; 3:30–4:40; 5:30–6:40; 7:30–8:40pm

Kwanzaa: Experience the spirit of Kwanzaa, a celebration of family, creativity and community.
12:20; 1:05; 1:50; 2:35; 3:20; 4:05; 4:45; 6:00pm

Hanukkah: Discover the connection of today's Hanukkah tradition and the story of the brave Maccabees and the lamp that burned miraculously for eight days
12:15; 1:00; 1:45; 2:25; 3:25; 4:00; 4:50; 5:45pm

Japan
Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the NewYear!
12:50; 1:25; 2:15; 3:05; 4:00; 4:50; 5:35; 6:45pm

France
Find Père Noël as he shares a letter from a little girl that recreates the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child.
11:20; 11:55; 12:30; 1:15; 2:05; 3:30; 4:20; 5:05pm

Morocco
Drum with Taarji, as he celebrates the customs of Ramadan and Ashura.
2:10; 2:55; 4:30; 5:35; 6:15; 7:20pm

United Kingdom
Spend a moment with jolly Father Christmas, as he makes traditions from Christmas past just as fun today!
2:45; 3:55; 4:35; 5:25; 6:10; 6:45; 7:30; 8:25pm

Canada
See Nowell, a Canadian lumberjack, as he tells of his journey to find Santa at Christmastime.
11:15; 12:00; 12:45; 1:30; 2:30; 3:30; 4:30; 5:15pm

2010 Holidays Around the World Schedule

Holidays Around the World at Epcot for 2010 run from November 26 to December 30 2010.

Reflections of Earth with Peace on Earth finale 9:30pm.

Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre 5:00pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm. See our Candlelight Processional page for details on celebrity narrators and more info.

JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season featuring D'Vine Voices
Fountain Stage

2009 Holidays Around the World Schedule

Holidays Around the World at Epcot for 2009 run from November 27 to December 30 2009.

Reflections of Earth with Peace on Earth finale 9:30pm.

Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre 5:00pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm. See our Candlelight Processional page for details on celebrity narrators and more info.

Santa and Mrs. Claus The American Adventure 1:30pm–3:30pm, 4:10pm–6:10pm, 6:50pm–8:50pm

Holiday Storytellers (view photos) will appear intermittently during times listed below:
A Christmas Journey Canada 11:15am to 5:30pm
Father Christmas United Kingdom 2:45pm to 8:40pm
Père Noël France 11:55pm to 5:50pm
Taarji Morocco 3:00pm to 8:25pm
Daruma Vendor Japan 12:50pm to 7:00pm
Hanukkah The American Adventure 2:15pm to 6:00pm
Kwanzaa The American Adventure 12:20pm to 6:15pm
La Befana Italy 1:00pm to 7:00pm
A Christmas Wish Germany 1:25pm to 7:30pm
The Monkey King China 12:10pm to 6:05pm
Merry Mischief Norway 3:10pm to 8:10pm
Los Tres Reyes Magos Mexico 1:45pm to 7:45pm

JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season featuring D'Vine Voices
Fountain Stage 1:15pm, 2:15pm, 3:15pm, 4:15pm (from November 27 to December 26)


New Year's Eve 2009
  • IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth 7:30pm
  • IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth special edition  11:40pm.
  • Park hours on New Year’s Eve: 9am - 1am.
  • Hats and horns will be available beginning at 6:00pm (until supplies last) at the
    following locations:
    - Future World: Future World West (across from Imagination! pavilion) and Future World East (between Universe of Energy and
    Mission: SPACE)
    - World Showcase: Germany (between Germany and Outpost)
    - The American Adventure (under the colonnade)
    - French Island (island between United Kingdom and France)
  • New Year's Eve Entertainment
    Fountain – DJ Scooter's Dance Party at 8:05pm, 12:05am
    America Gardens Theatre – Latin Band Papo's Groove at 7:51pm, 9:00pm, 10:15pm, 12:10am
    America Gardens Theatre – Latin DJ Indio Dávila at 8:20pm, 9:30pm, 11:00pm, 12:40am
    Italy Courtyard – Techno, laser dance party featuring DJ Mark Sánchez from 7:51pm, 12:05am
    China Courtyard – World beat dance party featuring pyro effects and DJ Dominic Morrison at 7:51pm, 12:05am

More information

Candlelight Processional

D'Vine Voices - A Gospel Celebration of the Season

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth with Peace on Earth finale

Lights of Winter (Last performance was 2008 - Disney announced the discontinuation of Lights of Winter on 11 November 2009)