The holiday season at Walt Disney World is one of the most magical times of the year, and EPCOT once again promises to deliver an unforgettable celebration of traditions, cultures, and festive flavors from around the world. Disney has officially announced that the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth will return from November 27 through December 30, 2026, bringing back beloved entertainment, incredible food, dazzling decorations, and seasonal experiences for guests of all ages.
Whether it’s your first visit or an annual holiday tradition, here’s everything you can look forward to during this year’s festival.
Festival Dates
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will take place from November 27 through December 30, 2026, beginning the day after Thanksgiving and continuing throughout the holiday season.
With holiday celebrations taking place across all four Walt Disney World theme parks, Disney Springs, and the resort hotels, this is one of the most popular times of year to visit. If you’re planning a holiday vacation, now is the perfect time to book your resort stay and park tickets.
Holiday Storytellers Return to World Showcase
One of the festival’s most beloved traditions is the return of the World Showcase Holiday Storytellers, who bring holiday customs and celebrations from around the globe to life.
Guests can enjoy unique performances throughout the day, including:
- Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration
- Norway Pavilion – A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
- China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer and Si-Zhu Trio
- Germany Pavilion – Adventskalender
- Italy Pavilion – La Befana
- Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller
- Morocco Pavilion – Hanukkah Storyteller
- France Pavilion – Père Noël
- United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas
- Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
Each storyteller shares the unique customs, legends, and traditions that make the holidays special around the world.
Santa Claus and Holiday Character Greetings
Santa Claus will once again spread holiday cheer throughout EPCOT during the festival.
Guests can find Santa greeting visitors inside CommuniCore Hall, while holiday-themed characters can also be found throughout the park.
Other festive encounters include:
- Père Noël in the France Pavilion
- Barn Santa in Norway
- Goofy dressed as Santa at The Odyssey
It’s the perfect opportunity to snap some memorable holiday photos.
EPCOT Sparkles with Holiday Decorations
Every corner of EPCOT receives a festive transformation during the festival.
Expect:
- Beautiful Christmas trees
- Seasonal garland
- Twinkling lights
- International holiday decorations
- Stunning photo opportunities throughout World Showcase
Each pavilion showcases decorations inspired by its own cultural holiday traditions, making every stroll around World Showcase feel unique.
Gingerbread Spaceship Earth Returns
One of the festival’s most popular displays is back!
The incredible Gingerbread Spaceship Earth returns, showcasing Disney’s culinary artistry while celebrating EPCOT’s iconic centerpiece.
Throughout the day, guests can also enjoy the Celebration Countdown presented by CITIZEN, where Spaceship Earth lights up every 15 minutes with synchronized holiday music and dazzling seasonal lighting effects.
Holiday Entertainment Returns
Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional once again takes center stage at the America Gardens Theatre.
This beloved holiday tradition features celebrity narrators accompanied by a full orchestra and mass choir as they tell the story of Christmas through music and narration.
Disney has not yet announced this year’s celebrity narrators or dining packages, but more information is expected soon.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
JOYFUL! returns with energetic performances celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa through gospel, jazz, R&B, and contemporary holiday music.
This uplifting performance has become a festival favorite for guests looking to experience the joy of the season.
Voices of Liberty: Dickens Carolers
The Voices of Liberty once again transform into the Dickens Carolers, performing timeless Christmas classics in Victorian-era costumes beneath the rotunda of The American Adventure.
Their incredible harmonies remain one of EPCOT’s signature holiday experiences.
Holiday Kitchens Return
Food lovers have plenty to celebrate as the Holiday Kitchens once again serve seasonal dishes and beverages inspired by holiday traditions from around the world.
From savory comfort foods to festive desserts and specialty beverages, every marketplace offers something unique.
Disney will release its annual Disney Eats Foodie Guide closer to the festival, highlighting this year’s menus.
Holiday Cookie Stroll
The fan-favorite Holiday Cookie Stroll also returns in 2026.
Guests can purchase five qualifying cookies from participating Holiday Kitchens, collect stamps in their Festival Passport, and redeem the completed stroll for a special holiday treat.
It’s one of the sweetest traditions at the festival and a fun activity for the entire family.
Holiday Attractions and Seasonal Experiences
Several EPCOT favorites receive festive enhancements during the holiday season.
Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses
Living with the Land transforms into Glimmering Greenhouses, featuring thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations throughout the attraction’s iconic greenhouses.
It’s one of the most relaxing and beautiful holiday experiences at Walt Disney World.
Holiday Lights on Spaceship Earth
As night falls, Spaceship Earth comes alive with vibrant holiday lighting sequences that illuminate EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere throughout the evening.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition
Families can once again join Olaf on his festive scavenger hunt around World Showcase, learning about holiday traditions while collecting clues.
Guests who complete the adventure receive a special keepsake.
Scentsy’s Festive Fragrances
Returning for its third year, Scentsy’s Festive Fragrances: A Sensory Wonderland features immersive snow globe displays inspired by holidays celebrated around the globe.
Located along the walkway between the Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase, this fragrant garden celebrates everything from Noche Buena to Diwali through seasonal scents and interactive displays.
Celebrate the Holidays Around the World
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays continues to be one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved seasonal events, offering a perfect blend of festive entertainment, international traditions, incredible food, and holiday magic.
Whether you’re enjoying the Candlelight Processional, sampling festive treats at the Holiday Kitchens, exploring the World Showcase Storytellers, or simply admiring the sparkling lights throughout the park, there’s something special around every corner.
As the holidays draw closer, we’ll continue bringing you the latest updates on celebrity narrators, Holiday Kitchen menus, merchandise, entertainment schedules, and everything else you’ll need to plan the perfect festive visit. Be sure to follow The Main Street Mouse for complete coverage of the 2026 holiday season at Walt Disney World!
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