2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Dates & Details
The 2025 International Festival of the Holidays runs from November 28 through December 30. As always, EPCOT’s shortest festival begins the day after Thanksgiving, which surely makes holiday purists happy. On the flipside, it means less time for the rest of us to enjoy the Candlelight Processional and the Holiday Storytellers. Oh well, that just makes EPCOT’s holiday offerings all the more special. Let’s get to the details!
Candlelight Processional
For many, the Candelight Processional is the highlight of the Festival of the Holidays. Disney hasn’t announced the full narrator lineup, but we do know that mainstays Josh Gad, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jodi Benson are returning in 2025. They’ll be joined by an orchestra, herald trumpets, the Voices of Liberty, the Disney Cast Choir, and local community groups.
The America Gardens Theatre hosts three Candlelight Processional performances each night at 5 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM. Guests should line up early as seating is first-come, first-served. Or they can reserve a spot by booking a dining package. We’ll post those details once Disney shares them.
Holiday Storytellers
Throughout the Festival, guests visiting the World Showcase pavilions will be treated to tales told by the Holiday Storytellers:
“While you’re exploring the World Showcase pavilions throughout the day, you can stop to see performances from Holiday Storytellers as they share festive traditions and bring holiday tales to life in their respective countries. EPCOT is the perfect place to learn about how different cultures celebrate this special season.”
Here’s the complete lineup:
- Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration
- Norway Pavilion – A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
- China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer
- Italy Pavilion – La Befana
- Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller
- Between the Morocco and France Pavilions – Hanukkah Storyteller
- France Pavilion – Père Noël
- United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas
- Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
Guests should check the My Disney Experience app for specific showtimes on the day of their visit.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
Guests wanting to celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa should take in JOYFUL! D’Vine Voices as they perform “an upbeat mix of music styles, including gospel, jazz, and R&B.” Again, check the MDE app for showtimes.
Holiday Kitchens
Disney hasn’t announced the full Holiday Kitchens lineup, but guests can expect new and returning offerings that “highlight heartwarming holiday recipes and festive flavors from around the world.” Fans of fried dough will be happy that the holiday funnel cake is on the menu.
Holiday Cookie Stroll
The Holiday Cookie Stroll returns in 2025. Although I’m always content with a simple chocolate chip cookie, EPCOT’s holiday cookies are a little more exciting. Coffee drinkers should love the “Coffee-Mocha Cookie topped with Coffee-infused Buttercream, Cocoa Nibs, and Chocolate-covered Espresso Beans.”
Guests who purchase any five cookies (and collect the stamps in their Festival Passport) will receive a surprise at Holiday Sweets and Treats. We recommend doing this challenge with family and friends. Don’t be a hero.
Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses
Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses will be available starting November 29. Guests will still learn about Disney’s horticulture efforts, albeit with a “frosty flair.” In addition to a holiday-themed narration, the overlay includes special lighting and decorations.
Santa!
Guests traveling through the country pavilions will encounter two different Santas:
“Santa is always traveling around the world, and the same is true at World Showcase. Guests can see Père Noël (Father Christmas) appear in the France Pavilion where he tells the story of Babette and her Christmas letter, and Barn Santa will be up to his old tricks in the Norway Pavilion.”
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt
Olaf returns in 2025 with his fan-favorite scavenger hunt. Guests can find the holiday traditions Olaf has gathered around 13 World Showcase locations.
International Festival of the Holidays runs from November 28 through December 30, 2025. We’ll share more details as Disney makes them available.
Read more: 2025 Eat to the Beat Dining Package Details Released for EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
