Hey Disney Vacationers! Walt Disney World has officially announced the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays dates. The festival will run from Friday, November 28 through Tuesday, December 30, 2025. If you’re planning a Disney trip around the holidays, you’ll want to mark your calendar now—this seasonal celebration is one of EPCOT’s best events of the year.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays?
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays celebrates traditions from around the world. The event transforms World Showcase into a holiday destination, complete with seasonal food, live music, cultural storytellers, and festive decorations.
The 2025 festival is presented by AdventHealth and continues the tradition of beginning the day after Thanksgiving. That means you can enjoy leftover pumpkin pie and then head to EPCOT to walk among lit-up pavilions, sip warm holiday drinks, and catch nightly performances.
2025 Festival Dates and Admission Info
- Start Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
- End Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2025
- Location: EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort
- Included With Admission: Yes, the festival is included with a standard EPCOT ticket
- Park Pass Reservation Needed? Only for certain ticket types like Annual Passholders. Most guests with date-based tickets do not need a Park Pass. Check Disney’s website to confirm if you need a park pass reservation.
If you’re planning to go, weekdays earlier in December are usually less crowded. Avoid the week leading into Christmas and the days between Christmas and New Year’s if you want lower crowds and easier access to entertainment and food booths.
Candlelight Processional Returns in 2025
A guest favorite each year, the Candlelight Processional is back. This nightly event takes place at the America Gardens Theatre and tells the story of Christmas with narration, a 50-piece orchestra, and a mass choir.
- Show Times: 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM nightly
- Duration: Around 50 minutes
- Seating: First-come, first-served (can fill up quickly)
- Celebrity Narrators: To be announced
- Dining Packages: Include reserved seating (details coming soon)
The performance features well-known Christmas hymns and is a must-see if you’re visiting during the holiday season.
Voices of Liberty as Dickens Carolers
During the Festival, the Voices of Liberty also take on a special role outside the theater. Dressed in Victorian holiday attire, they perform as Dickens Carolers inside The American Adventure pavilion. Their harmonies are beautiful, and it’s a great way to pause and soak in the season.
Holiday Storytellers Around World Showcase
Throughout World Showcase, each country pavilion brings its own holiday traditions to life. Cast Members and performers share unique seasonal stories from around the world. These short shows are entertaining and educational, making them great for all ages.
Here’s a quick look at some of the expected storytellers for 2025:
- Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration
- Norway Pavilion – Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
- China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer
- Italy Pavilion – La Befana
- Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller
- Between Morocco & France – Hanukkah Storyteller
- France Pavilion – Père Noël
- United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas
- Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
You can check showtimes in the My Disney Experience app each day.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt
This one’s especially great if you’re visiting with kids (or if you’re a big Olaf fan yourself).
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition is a scavenger hunt around World Showcase. You’ll search for Olaf hiding in 13 locations, each featuring a different holiday tradition.
Once you find them all, head to Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway to claim your holiday-themed prize. This adds an extra layer of fun as you explore each pavilion.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
JOYFUL! is a concert experience that blends gospel, R&B, and jazz with classic holiday tunes. It celebrates both Christmas and Kwanzaa and is performed by D’Vine Voices, a talented group from Central Florida.
You’ll find JOYFUL! performances near the World Showcase Plaza, with showtimes listed daily in the app.
Holiday Kitchens and Seasonal Food Offerings
Food is a big part of the Festival of the Holidays. Dozens of Holiday Kitchens around EPCOT serve sweet and savory bites, as well as festive drinks from all over the world.
While Disney hasn’t yet revealed the full menu, returning favorites and new items are expected. These booths are a great way to sample global holiday flavors as you explore World Showcase.
Stay tuned for a complete Foodie Guide when Disney releases it.
Living With the Land – Holiday Overlay
If you love calm rides with a touch of holiday cheer, Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses is for you. This EPCOT original gets a seasonal overlay with lights, holiday decor, and festive narration.
It’s a great ride for families and offers a relaxing break from the busier holiday crowds.
Holiday Magic Shots and PhotoPass Extras
Festival of the Holidays often brings seasonal Magic Shots and special PhotoPass locations. These might include characters in festive gear, holiday-themed props, or digitally added surprises like snow or mistletoe.
If you have Memory Maker, this is a fun way to capture the seasonal spirit throughout your visit.
Best Times to Visit the Festival
If you’re looking to experience the festival with fewer crowds, consider these tips:
- Visit weekdays between December 2–13, 2025
- Arrive early for food booths and Candlelight Processional seating
- Avoid the week of Christmas and New Year’s if possible
Crowds typically swell from mid-December onward, so earlier visits mean shorter lines and easier access to entertainment. It’s always good to check a crowd calendar for the best days!
Final Thoughts: Should You Visit?
The 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is more than just food booths and decorations. It’s a full-on seasonal celebration that mixes global culture with Disney magic. Whether you go for the Candlelight Processional, the Storytellers, the food, or just the festive atmosphere, this festival delivers on all fronts.
If you’re already planning a Disney trip during this window—or debating between early or late December—knowing the exact 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays dates can help you make a better plan.
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I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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