EPCOT Extends Operating Hours for 2024 International Festival of the Holidays

Sep 20, 2024 in "Epcot International Festival of the Holidays"

Posted: Friday September 20, 2024 3:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has announced that starting November 29, 2024, EPCOT’s hours will shift to 9:00 am to 9:30 pm.

This additional 30 minutes aligns with the beginning of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, a seasonal event featuring various holiday festivities, performances, and food offerings. Early Entry and Extended Evening hours will increase this to 8:30 am - 11:30 pm on select days.

Running from November 29 through December 30, 2024, the International Festival of the Holidays will celebrate holiday traditions from around the world. Highlights of the festival include:

  • Candlelight Processional: A retelling of the Christmas story featuring a celebrity narrator, massed choir, and a 50-piece orchestra.
  • JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season: A vibrant tribute to Christmas and Kwanzaa through Gospel, R&B, and holiday music.
  • Meet Santa Claus: Guests can visit with Santa at the Odyssey Pavilion.
  • Holiday Storytellers: Storytellers from around the world share holiday lore and legends in World Showcase.

The festival also features Holiday Kitchens, where guests can enjoy seasonal dishes and treats from various cultures, the Holiday Cookie Stroll, and Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses, a festive version of the popular attraction. Families can participate in Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt, which sends guests on a quest around World Showcase to help Olaf find lost holiday traditions.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

    View all comments →

    ToTBellHopJan 17, 2025

    BrianJan 17, 2025

    The main tree did.

    ToTBellHopJan 17, 2025

    That’s…special. Should’ve come down when Festival of the Holidays ended.

    wdwmagicJan 17, 2025

    EPCOT still has holiday decor up today on day one of Festival of the Arts.

    HauntedPirateJan 16, 2025

    Can't. They first need to have the brand-new Mickey's Egg-stravaganza Easter parties, followed by the debuting Mickey's Summer-tastic Party. Only then can they think about Halloween parties in early August.

    wdwmagicJan 16, 2025

    EPCOT today still has the American Adventure Tree and most its its entrance and World Showcase decor up. It is going to be a busy night tonight!

    Fido ChuckwagonJan 16, 2025

    Not Halfway to Halloween. Halfway to Halfway to Halloween. That should be like right now! They should have parties!

    MisterPenguinJan 16, 2025

    Keep decorations up for Chinese New Years!!

    ToTBellHopJan 16, 2025

    They have in the past (though not last year, I don’t think). Some years, there were even special treats that week in April.

    Fido ChuckwagonJan 16, 2025

    Perhaps they’re just a little early for Christmas 2025.

    spectromagic04Jan 16, 2025

    And the Christmas music is still playing.

    wdwmagicJan 16, 2025

    Christmas Tree is still up at Animal Kingdom as of Jan 16

    TTA94Jan 16, 2025

    Lol, well a lot more would be better if WDW was like Tokyo lol, but anyway. It is a shame WDW doesn’t do more for Easter.

    Fido ChuckwagonJan 16, 2025

    I’m going to have to stop you right there…

    Don't miss out!
    Get the latest Walt Disney World news in your inbox

    FREE EMAIL BONUS

    Stay in the loop of EVERYTHING happening at the Most Magical Place on Earth

      Get the latest Walt Disney World news as it happens, delivered straight to your email