The most wonderful time of the year is almost here! Disney has officially shared the first details for the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, and this year’s celebration will once again fill the park with festive entertainment, delicious food, beloved traditions, and holiday magic from around the world.
Running November 27 through December 30, 2026, the fan-favorite festival begins the day after Thanksgiving and transforms EPCOT into one of the most magical holiday destinations at Walt Disney World.
Celebrate Holiday Traditions Around the World
One of the highlights of Festival of the Holidays is experiencing how different cultures celebrate the season. Guests can once again enjoy the beloved World Showcase Holiday Storytellers, each sharing festive traditions unique to their country.
Returning storytellers include:
- Las Posadas Celebration in the Mexico Pavilion
- A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa in Norway
- Chinese Lion Dancer and Si-Zhu Trio in China
- Adventskalender in Germany
- La Befana in Italy
- Daruma Storyteller in Japan
- Hanukkah Storyteller between Morocco and France
- Père Noël in France
- Father Christmas in the United Kingdom
- Canadian Holiday Voyageurs in Canada
These performances continue to be one of the festival’s most unique experiences, blending storytelling, music, and cultural traditions throughout World Showcase.
Santa Will Be Spreading Holiday Cheer
Santa Claus will once again make appearances throughout EPCOT during the festival. Guests can visit Santa in CommuniCore Hall, keep an eye out for him as he travels around World Showcase, and enjoy special holiday encounters with Père Noël in France and Barn Santa in Norway.
Goofy will also return in his festive Santa outfit at The Odyssey, making for another fun holiday photo opportunity.
EPCOT Sparkles for the Season
Holiday décor will once again transform the park with festive garlands, twinkling lights, beautifully decorated trees, and seasonal touches throughout every World Showcase pavilion.
One of the most anticipated displays is the return of the Gingerbread Spaceship Earth presented by Citizen. The edible masterpiece will once again serve as the centerpiece for the Celebration Countdown, featuring holiday-inspired music and dazzling light shows every 15 minutes.
Of course, Spaceship Earth itself will shine each evening with special holiday lighting effects that have become a guest favorite.
Entertainment Favorites Return
No Festival of the Holidays would be complete without the return of the Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre.
The moving retelling of the Christmas story will once again feature celebrity narrators, a full orchestra, and a mass choir. Disney has not yet announced this year’s celebrity lineup or dining packages, but those details are expected later this year.
Guests can also enjoy the return of:
- JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season, featuring energetic performances celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa through gospel, jazz, and R&B.
- Voices of Liberty as the Dickens Carolers, performing timeless holiday classics in Victorian style.
Holiday Kitchens and the Cookie Stroll Return
Food is always one of the biggest draws of EPCOT festivals, and Festival of the Holidays will once again feature Holiday Kitchens serving seasonal dishes and beverages inspired by holiday traditions from around the world.
Disney has not yet released this year’s menus, but fans can expect another Disney Eats Foodie Guide closer to opening day.
The popular Holiday Cookie Stroll is also returning. Guests can purchase five qualifying cookies from participating Holiday Kitchens, collect stamps in their Festival Passport, and redeem them for a special holiday treat after completing the stroll.
Holiday Magic Throughout the Park
Several beloved seasonal experiences are also returning this year. Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses transforms the classic attraction into a peaceful holiday cruise through beautifully illuminated greenhouses decorated with festive lights.
Families can once again participate in Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt, searching World Showcase for Olaf as he discovers holiday traditions from around the globe before earning a festive keepsake.
Also returning for its third year is Scentsy’s Festive Fragrances: A Sensory Wonderland, featuring all-new holiday-inspired scents celebrating traditions from around the world.
Start Planning Your Holiday Visit
With holiday entertainment, seasonal food, festive décor, and unique cultural celebrations, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays continues to be one of the most anticipated events of the year.
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation this holiday season, now is the perfect time to start making plans. Theme park tickets and resort reservations for the holidays are already available, and this year’s festival promises another unforgettable celebration of holiday traditions from around the world.
Will you be visiting EPCOT during Festival of the Holidays this year? Let us know which returning tradition you’re most excited to experience!
Thank you to Disney Parks Blog for the information and photos.
Ready to book your trip to Disney during the holidays (or any time, really)? If you’re ready to book your holiday trip to Disney, make sure to reach out to Small World Vacations. They are the preferred travel agent of Disney Fashionista. Let them know we sent you!
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