EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is one of the most joyful times of the year at Walt Disney World. The entire park comes alive with music, lights, traditions, and flavors from all around the world. If you’re visiting this season, here’s a simple, helpful guide to everything you won’t want to miss—plus tips to make the most of your holiday adventure.

The Holiday Cookie Stroll

If you love sweets, the Holiday Cookie Stroll is a must-do. Purchase any five featured cookies around the World Showcase. Make sure each one gets stamped in your festival passport when you buy it. After you collect all five stamps, you get a special prize at the end. This year’s prize is a cookie spatula and M&M’S Minis. It’s a fun (and delicious!) way to experience the festival, and it’s great for kids and adults alike.

Hazelnut Linzer Cookie from Bavaria Holiday Kitchen

Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional is one of EPCOT’s most beloved holiday traditions. A celebrity narrator retells the Christmas story, backed by a full choir and live orchestra. It’s moving, beautiful, and an unforgettable part of the season. If this experience is on your must-do list, consider arriving early or booking a dining package so you have guaranteed seating.

Holiday Storytellers Around the World Showcase

Each pavilion celebrates the season with its own storyteller, sharing traditions from their country. You might meet La Befana in Italy, hear the tale of Father Christmas in the United Kingdom, or learn about Hanukkah at the stage between Morocco and France. These short performances are a great way to slow down, learn something new, and enjoy the global spirit of EPCOT.

Festival Food Booths

The food at Festival of the Holidays is always a highlight. Outdoor kitchens serve warm, seasonal dishes—from cozy soups to festive treats and holiday favorites from around the world. Lines can get long at peak times, so visiting earlier in the day or before the evening crowds arrive can save you time.

Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini from Le Marche de Noel Holiday Kitchen

Glimmering Greenhouses on Living With the Land

Living With the Land gets a magical holiday makeover each year. As you ride through the greenhouses, you’ll see festive lights, glowing decorations, and creative displays that celebrate the season. It’s calm, charming, and a perfect break from the busier parts of the park.

Pro Tip: The greenhouses are gorgeous at nighttime, which will result in some very long lines in the evening. If you purchased Lighting Lane Multi Pass for the day, book your Living With the Land Lightning Lane for an evening time to bypass a long standby line.

Festival of the Holidays — Living With the Land transforms into Glimmering Greenhouses

Meet Santa at CommuniCore Hall

If meeting Santa is on your holiday to-do list, you’re in luck! Santa greets guests inside CommuniCore Hall with a warm and festive backdrop. This meet-and-greet is very popular, so checking the times guide and arriving early can help you avoid long waits.

You can also meet Santa Goofy this year in the Odyssey!

JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season & The Voices of Liberty

EPCOT’s entertainment gets a seasonal twist, too.

JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season celebrates Christmas and Kwanzaa in the style of Gospel, Blues, and Rhythm.
The Voices of Liberty deliver powerful holiday music in the American Adventure rotunda, filling the space with beautiful harmonies and heartfelt spirit.

These performances are short and easy to fit into your day, and they add so much to the festival atmosphere.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt

Families love Olaf’s holiday scavenger hunt! Pick up a map at participating merchandise locations, then search for Olaf hidden around the World Showcase. Once you’ve found them all, you can redeem your map for a small prize. It’s a fun way to explore EPCOT at your own pace.

Make Your Trip Even Easier

Festival days can get busy, and trying to fit everything in can feel overwhelming—especially for families. My Walt Disney World Planning Guide takes the stress out of your trip with sample itineraries, Lightning Lane tips, dining recommendations, and expert strategies to help you enjoy more magic with less effort. Grab your copy today and make planning the easiest part of your vacation.

Final Tips

Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends.
Check showtimes early so you don’t miss your favorite storytellers or performances.
Stay flexible—plans may shift, but that’s part of the fun.
Take your time and enjoy the little moments. EPCOT is full of them during the holidays.

And if you want a simple, stress-free plan for your visit, my Walt Disney World Planning Guide is the perfect resource for busy families—your “easy button” for magical park days.