One of the most enchanting experiences at Disney World is undoubtedly the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays! This year’s festival is set to enchant visitors from November 29th through December 30th, 2024. The Festival of the Holidays packs a spectacular array of festivities into just a few weeks, offering a vibrant celebration that you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in and discover all the magical surprises awaiting us! Don’t forget to check out our YouTube Channel to experience our Disney Kinda Life in an exciting visual storytelling format!
The Storytellers
At the heart of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays are the captivating storytellers who share holiday traditions worldwide. Each storyteller shares tales and folklore that highlight their unique cultural heritage, bringing the spirit of the season to life. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn and enjoy the diverse celebrations across the World Showcase! Our favorites are the Barn Santa (Norway) and Father Christmas (UK). Each storyteller in their respective countries has a schedule that you can find on the “My Disney Experience” app. Also, you can see portions of the shows on our VLOG here.
The Food
Food is always a highlight of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. This festival features an array of seasonal dishes and festive treats that celebrate global holiday flavors. Guests can indulge in delicious offerings from various holiday kitchens, including savory dishes, sweet treats, and unforgettable beverages. We tried several holiday kitchens pictured below. Check out our experience with each item on our VLOG.
France Holiday Kitchen
Crème de Saumon Fumé en Brioche aux Grains de Sesames, Concombre Et Radis (Top Left)
Smoked Salmon Spread on a Sesame Brioche Roll with Cucumber and Radishes
Rôti de Jambon Sauce Moutarde à l’Ancienne, Pommes Darphin (Top Right)
Roasted Ham with Mushrooms, Pearl Onions, Bacon, White Wine Mustard Sauce, and Darphin Roasted Herb Potatoes
Bûche de Noël au Chocolat et Caramel (Bottom)
Chocolate Fudge Christmas Log with a Caramel Cream Center
We decided to try all three of the food items from France, and the clear winner was the roasted ham with mushrooms. It tasted really good, with all of the ingredients mixing well together. Even though we really enjoyed this dish, it was missing the potatoes, but it was still very good.
Japan Holiday Kitchen
Sushi Tree*
Christmas Tree-shaped Sushi Roll with Krab Meat and Cream Cheese, topped with Ikura Salmon Roe and Spicy Mayo
Mochi Donut Wrap
A soft, chewy Fusion Pastry served with Strawberry, Whipped Cream, Strawberry Sauce and Sweet Red Beans, Wrapped with “Gyuhi” Rice Cake Sheet
The mochi donut wrap was very tasty and a great follow-up to the sushi. What we always tell people about the sushi at the EPCOT festivals is that it is good but nothing mind-blowing. It is cool, though, just to sit at EPCOT and eat good sushi!
Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow & Favorites of Festivals Past
Spaceship Earth Tile Gingerbread Triangle – Holiday Cookie Stroll (Right Picture)
81Bay Brewing Co. Gingerbread Coffee Porter, Tampa, FL (Right Picture)
Brown Sugar and Mustard-glazed Ham Sliders ( Left Picture)
with Cranberry and Apple Coleslaw on a Hawaiian Roll
We won’t beat around the bush on this one. You can skip the overpriced Gingerbread triangle from the booth with the best name of the festival, EPCOT ( Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow). We can recommend the coffee porter. The ham sliders, on the other hand, are very tasty and highly recommended!
Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional is a signature event of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. A beautiful and moving retelling of the Christmas story, this event features a mass choir, an orchestra, and a celebrity narrator. The evening culminates in the enchanting illumination of candles, creating a serene atmosphere that honors the season’s spirit. This heartfelt experience is a must-see and reminds us of the joy and unity that the holidays can bring us all. We listened in on Olaf’s voice himself, Josh Gad! Which, of course, you can hear on our VLOG here.
Final Thoughts on EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is a vibrant celebration filled with enchanting storytelling, delicious seasonal treats, and captivating performances that reflect the spirit of the season. From the festive food offerings to the heartfelt traditions shared by storytellers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to immerse yourself in the holiday magic and create unforgettable memories at this year’s festival. We hope to see you there, celebrating the joy and beauty of the holidays at EPCOT!
Don’t forget to check out our YouTube Channel to experience our Disney Kinda Life in an exciting visual storytelling format! Enjoy the festivities and have a magical time at EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays!