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Mommy Frog's Note: Good news! The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will hoppen this year, starting Nov. 26 through Dec. 30, 2021. The Holiday Kitchens, performances by the Voices of Liberty and the Cookie Stroll are all confirmed to return, as well as the popular Candlelight Processional with celebrity narrators! As we learn more details, we'll keep this guide updated so be sure to hop back.
The holidays bring out what we think is best about EPCOT — the celebration of different cultural traditions from around the globe. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays gives you a taste (literally!) of different holiday customs from every corner of the world, from delish dishes to unique festivities. In 2020, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays looked a little different due to COVID-19. In 2021, we can guarantee the return of Holiday Kitchens, the Cookie Stroll, performances by the Voices of Liberty and the Candlelight Processional (it's the most wonderful time of the year!).
Last year, certain experiences were modified to keep health and safety procedures in place. With the absence of the Holiday Storytellers (we missed them!), the Holiday Kitchens took control of the spotlight in 2020. We tried some new yummy dishes and devoured our returning favorites. Aside from the food, we also enjoyed the holiday promenades around World Showcase and the musical performances! You can take a look at all that 2020's modified festival had to offer in the video below.
Formerly Holidays Around the World, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays toadally immerses you in the sights, sounds, flavors and stories of celebration to remind you of the reason for the season ... no matter what your frog fam's traditions are! The EPCOT festival usually starts at the end of November and runs through December, providing plenty of time to spread Christmas cheer. In 2021, it will run from Nov. 26 to Dec. 30. This festival includes the star-studded Candlelight Processional, entertaining and educational Holiday Storytellers (many have been confirmed for 2021), delectable Holiday Kitchens and characters in festive outfits. Best of all, EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is included with regular park admission!
Since the holidays are getting closer, you'll find that we've left in details from 2019 and 2020 so that you can get an idea of what to expect if you're planning ahead (The core structure of the festival is very similar year after year.) We've also included anything we do know for this year's festival — but keep hopping back, because we frogs will continue to keep this one updated as more information is released! We won't judge if you're playing Christmas music as you read this guide. Petition to play "All I Want for Christmas is You" year-round, anyone?
Holiday Storytellers, Candlelight Processional & Entertainment | Holiday Kitchens & Treats | Tips
Entertainment at EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 2021
Candlelight Processional (Confirmed for 2021)
The most popular entertainment at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is the Candlelight Processional. With nightly performances at America Gardens Theatre, a celebrity narrator retells the biblical tale of Christmas along with a live orchestra and Walt Disney Cast Choir performing inspirational songs of hope and joy. This is the perfect way to remind your tadpoles the reason for the season as you enjoy gorgeous choral pieces. Though unable to be held in 2020, we are so hoppy to say the Candlelight Processional will return for 2021!
In 2019, performances were held each night at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre. The choir usually consists of community and school groups, but for 2021 we will just see an expanded cast choir. Confirmed celebrity narrators so far are Chita Rivera, Jodi Benson, Alton Fitzgerald White, Lisa Ling, Steven Curtis Chapman, Blair Underwood and Pat Sajak, with more names announced as we get closer.
The musical pieces are beautifully woven between the narration. You'll recognize some tunes, such as "Silent Night," during which the conductor encourages the crowd to join in singing. We won't spoil the specifics, but we love the beginning and how it starts off with the orchestra, then introduces the Voices of Liberty, followed by the grand entrance of the choir and finally, the narrator.
Seating is first come, first served and can fill up fast. To secure a spot at the Candlelight Processional event of your choice, try booking a dining package in advance. When you reserve a Candlelight Dining Package, you can enjoy a full meal with your frog squad at almost any table-service restaurant in EPCOT, as well as guaranteed priority seating at one of the evening Processional showings. Note that most discounts, including Annual Passholder and Tables in Wonderland, do not apply to these packages. Booking is available starting Oct. 26.
Holiday Storytellers and World Holiday Traditions (Confirmed for 2021)
Performers bring local holiday traditions to life in their respective countries around World Showcase during EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. These storytellers share the history of their unique, time-honored celebrations from various countries through fun performances. Leap and I jump at any chance to educate our tadpoles while at Walt Disney World, and these performances are an enjoyable way to teach them about other cultures. Sadly, the storytellers did not return in 2020, and their absence was felt. But we are hoppy that many will be returning for 2021!
The storytellers are usually something we enjoy in passing, rather than planning specific times to visit them since they take place intermittently throughout the day during the festival. It is nearly impossible to see them all in one day without hopping all over the place! However, it can be fun to seek out a certain country from your heritage to learn more about its traditions. You can find showtimes in the Festival Passport for those that you just can't miss! We find that most of the storytellers have at least one performance every hour or so. Here are the holiday traditions and storytellers that have been confirmed for 2021:
- Mexico: Las Posadas presents dancers, piñatas and Mariachi music.
- Canada: The Canadian Holiday Voyageurs will have you rockin' around the Christmas tree.
- China: A colorful performance from Chinese lion dancers captures the happiness of celebrating the Lunar New Year.
- Hanukkah: Storyteller Zachary shares the legends and songs of Hanukkah celebrations worldwide.
- France: Père Noël shares the letter of an adorable child as he explains his own Christmas tradition.
- Italy: La Befana, the kind-hearted witch who visits children on the Eve of the Epiphany, shares her story.
- Japan: You can ring in the Japanese New Year with the story behind its good luck charm, the Daruma doll.
- Norway: A hilarious-yet-mischievous Barn Santa visits Sigrid, an unsuspecting Christmas storyteller.
- United Kingdom: Father Christmas shares the traditions of the United Kingdom in his lush holiday garb.
- America: Santa and Mrs. Claus travel from the North Pole to meet all the good boys and girls. (In 2021, Santa will meet guests individually from afar!) Be sure to check out the Voices of Liberty as Dickens Carolers at the America Gardens Theatre.
During past events, additional entertainment included:
- Germany: Chilli da Mur, a vocal group who was new to EPCOT during the 2019 event, filled the holiday marketplace with merriment.
- Morocco: A lively band brings the fun of street festivals and Moroccan holidays to life.
Musical Entertainment
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season concerts celebrate the joy of Christmas and Kwanzaa. In 2020, JOYFUL! concerts took place at World Showplace. The daily park guide or My Disney Experience lists the showtimes so you can stop by to enjoy a seasonal blend of inspiring gospel, jazz, R&B and more. This wonderful performance is sure to get your family in the holiday spirit in no time!
Likewise, the Voices of Liberty performed favorite carols and songs of the season at America Gardens Theatre in 2020. The a cappella group alternated showtimes with Mariachi Cobre. The JAMMitors also performed at the Mill Stage over in the Canada pavilion. There is usually plenty of room at these locations and the music can be heard from all around, so don’t worry about posting up early for a spot. This is the perfect entertainment to enjoy with your family (and a perfect place for the tadpoles to get those winter wiggles out!).
Living with the Land Holiday Overlay
In 2019, the ride received a new holiday transformation with sparkling Christmas lights and decor. As we cruised through the EPCOT greenhouses, we spotted a family of snowmen, colorful wreaths and twinkling lights, including a Mickey reindeer head. Our favorite part was traveling through the final tunnel with all of the festive lights on both sides! While the decorations were up during the day, we thought it was better to ride at night for the full effect. This fun overlay will continue as a festival tradition in 2021.
Seasonal Character Greetings
Since Walt Disney World Resort reopened, EPCOT has hosted some adorable character promenades, allowing guests to interact with their faves from a safe distance. Last year, those promenades took on a holiday spin — and Santa Claus even popped up too! Mickey, Minnie and friends celebrated in their holiday finest, and Queen Anna and Elsa helped ring in the season. Recently, EPCOT has ended their character promenades, but you can catch your favorite characters randomly throughout the park with socially distanced meet-and-greets. Come holiday season, you can certainly expect to see them spreading Christmas cheer!
Gingerbread Capital City
The Deluxe Resort hotels did not have their typical gingerbread displays in 2020 (they will return in 2021!), BUT we were able to marvel at a realistic gingerbread city created by Disney chefs. This patriotic display paid homage to some of the country's greatest landmarks, including the United States Capitol Building, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and a five-foot-tall Washington Monument! Lily and Tad were up for the challenge of finding all 13 hidden Mickeys within the display. Typically, it can be found at The American Adventure pavilion, but it was in World Showplace in 2020. Stay tuned for 2021 location details.
Holiday Cookie Stroll
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays has an assortment of different cookies at various locations around the park. If you purchase any five cookies from the Holiday Cookie Stroll locations, collect a stamp for each one in your Festival Passport. Once you have all five, bring the stamped passport to the Sweets & Treats Holiday Kitchen for a complimentary Peppermint Minnie cookie! With stops located across World Showcase and cookies at about $2.50 a pop, it is a pretty sweet deal, and fun for the tadpoles. Plus you don't have to get all five in one visit — you can always come back at a later date to complete the stroll if you're able to.
The 2020 Holiday Cookie Stroll locations were:
- Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany): Linzer Cookie
- American Holiday Table (The American Adventure): Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
- Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada): Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie
- Festival Favorites (World Showplace): Gingerbread Cookie
- L'Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (between Morocco and France): Black and White Cookie
The Cookie Stroll locations for 2021 have not been announced just yet, but we do know that some of the flavors will be a Snickers-doodle Cookie made with Snickers bars and a Chocolate Crinkle Cookie with Dove dark chocolate.
Olaf's Holiday Tradition Expedition (Confirmed for 2021)
If your tadpoles are fans of Ratatouille’s Hide and Squeak at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, be sure to check out this scavenger hunt. This activity is a great way to keep little ones entertained while you sip and savor your way around World Showcase. Simply purchase a map and sticker set for $7.99 from Disney Traders, Port of Entry or World Traveler on International Gateway. (You can also find them at select Holiday Markets around World Showcase, but these stops are on your way in so you won’t miss a moment of the magic!)
Olaf has been sledding around World Showcase, collecting new and interesting holiday traditions to share with Anna and Elsa, but he has experienced a bit of a bumpy ride. Your tadpoles can help Olaf find his misplaced traditions in each World Showcase pavilion. When they spot Olaf, they have to match the tradition on his sleigh to the corresponding sticker on their maps. Once completed, return the map to Disney Traders, Mouse Gear or World Traveler in exchange for a gift worth melting for! We didn't love the prizes as much as those from Remy's Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt at Food and Wine, but if you have some big "Frozen" fans, they won't be disappointed!
Holiday Kitchens at EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 2021
Leap and I can’t be the only frogs whose favorite part of EPCOT festivals is the food, right? EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is loaded with tasty treats sure to delight your taste buds. The wide selection of Holiday Kitchens is our favorite addition to the past Holidays Around the World. In 2020, the Mele Kalikimaka Holiday Kitchen and Holiday Hearth joined the lineup of food booths for the first time. The new Chestnuts and Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen will serve up fire-roasted chestnuts and cinnamon-glazed almonds and cashews!
With 16 Holiday Kitchens to choose from in 2020, there was something for everyone among the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays menus! While we wait for 2021's Holiday Kitchens, take a look at what 2020 had to offer.
The 2020 Holiday Kitchens were:
- American Holiday Table (The American Adventure)
- Food:
- Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce
- Holiday Pot Pie with Jackfruit, Mushrooms, Carrots, Peas, Onions and Puff Pastry (Plant-based item) (New)
- Pumpkin Gingerbread Cheesecake with Cranberry Whipped Cream and Candied Pumpkin Seeds (New)
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookie (Cookie Stroll)
- Beverages:
- Bell’s Bright White Ale, Comstock, MI
- Shipyard Eggnog White Porter, Clearwater, FL
- Playalinda Brewing Co. Peppermint Chocolate Stout, Titusville, FL
- Chalk Hill Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
- Martin Bay Vineyards & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
- Food:
- Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany)
- Food:
- Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Sauce, Spätzle and Braised Red Cabbage
- Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl with Steamed Baby Vegetables and Marble Potatoes
- Linzer Cookie (Cookie Stroll)
- Beverages:
- Possmann Pure Hard Apple Cider, Frankfurt, Germany
- Ayinger Brewery Celebrator Doppelbock, Bavaria, Germany (New)
- Regional Riesling
- Glühwein: House-made Hot Spiced Wine
- Food:
- Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)
- Beverages:
- Orange Cream Shake in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (nonalcoholic)
- 81Bay Brewing Co. Cinnamon Cranberry Orange Wheat Ale, Tampa, FL (New)
- Florida Orange Groves Winery Selections
- Beverages:
- Festival Favorites (World Showplace)
- Food:
- Blackened Bass, White Cheddar Grits and Okra with Tomato and Onion Stew, Seasonal Southern Delights
- Duck Confit and Dumplings with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Fig Reduction, Alpine Haus
- Gingerbread Cookie (Cookie Stroll)
- Beverages:
- Coquito: Tropical Eggnog (nonalcoholic)
- Frozen S’mores (nonalcoholic)
- Coquito: Tropical Eggnog with Bacardi Gold Dark Rum
- Frozen S’mores with Whipped Cream Vodka
- Food:
- Holiday Hearth (World Showplace)
- Food:
- Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing (New)
- Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie (New)
- Snowball Cookies (New)
- Peppermint Bark
- Stollen: Holiday Fruit Cake
- Mouse Crunch (New)
- Beverages:
- Gingerbread Milkshake (nonalcoholic) (New)
- Hot Cocoa (nonalcoholic)
- Gingerbread Milkshake with Whipped Cream Vodka (New)
- Cocoa Candy Cane: Hot Cocoa with Peppermint Schnapps
- Food:
- Holiday Sweets and Treats (Showcase Plaza)
- Food:
- Peppermint Sundae: Chocolate Ice Cream, Whipped Cream and Peppermint Candy (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
- Minnie Peppermint Cookie (Cookie Stroll)
- Beverages:
- Hot Cocoa (nonalcoholic)
- Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea (nonalcoholic)
- Shipyard Eggnog White Porter, Clearwater, FL
- M.I.A. Beer Company Coquito Beer, Doral, FL (New)
- Hot Cocoa with Assorted Alcoholic Cordials (Baileys Irish Cream, Frangelico Liqueur or Fireball Cinnamon Whisky)
- Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea and Whipped Cream Vodka
- Food:
- L'Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (between Morocco and France)
- Food:
- Pastrami on Rye with House-made Pickles and Deli Mustard
- Smoked Salmon Potato Latke
- Potato Latkes (Plant-based item)
- Sufganiyot: Mini Jelly-filled Donuts
- Black and White Cookie (Plant-based item) (Cookie Stroll)
- Beverages:
- Shmaltz Brewing Company Hanukkah Beer: Golden Jelly Doughnut Pastry Ale, Clifton Park, NY
- Blue Cosmo Cocktail
- Food:
- Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen (France)
- Food:
- Rillette de Saumon: Salmon Spread with House-made Bread
- Dinde Forestière, Pommes Dauphines: Turkey with Bacon, Mushrooms and Onions in a Mustard Cream Sauce with Puffed Potatoes (New)
- Bûche de Noël au Caramel: Christmas Log with Chocolate Cake and Dark Chocolate Caramel Ganache
- Beverages:
- Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc Fruits Rouges Draft
- Rosé Pétillant Méthode Traditionnelle Champenoise: Rosé Sparkling Wine, Pink Flamingo
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Village de France
- Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini: Grey Goose Vanilla, Vodka and Chocolate Milk
- Food:
- Mele Kalikimaka (Showcase Plaza)
- Food:
- Kālua Pork with Okinawa Purple Sweet Potatoes and Mango Salad (New)
- Lomi Lomi Salmon with Tomatoes, Onions, Salmon Roe, Yuzu Mayonnaise and Yucca Chips (New)
- Haupia: Hawaiian Coconut Pudding with Candied Macadamia Nuts and Coconut (New)
- Beverages:
- Kona Brewing Co. Big Wave Golden Ale, Kailua-Kona, HI
- Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
- Melon Breeze with Spiced Rum (New)
- Food:
- Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)
- Food:
- Giant Tostada de Chorizo: Chorizo served on a Giant Tostada with Chipotle Black Bean Purée, Salsa Verde, Queso Cotija, Crema Mexicana and Pickled Onion (Gluten/Wheat Friendly) (New)
- Tamal de Pollo: Braised Chipotle Chicken served in a Corn Masa topped with Mole Verde, Queso Cotija, Crema Mexicana and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
- Dulce de Leche Churros: Dulce de Leche filled Churros sprinkled with Cinnamon-Sugar (New)
- Beverages:
- Tulum Mexican Craft Beer with a Blackcurrant and Ginger Liqueur Floater
- Pumpkin Spice Margarita: Tomba Blanco Tequila, Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, Nixta Corn Liqueur, Pumpkin Spice Purée and Lime-Agave Juice with Cinnamon-Sugar Rim (New)
- Horchata Margarita: Casa Noble Blanco Tequila, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, Horchata Rum, Agua de Horchata and a hint of Cinnamon-infused Mezcal Liqueur
- Food:
- Prost! (World Showplace)
- Food:
- Charcuterie and Cheese Plate
- M.I.A. Beer Company White Christmas IPA, Doral, FL
- 3 Daughters Brewing 70 Degree Winter Weizen, St. Petersburg, FL
- Playlalinda Brewing Co. Gingerblonde House Ale, Titusville, FL (New)
- Ciderboys Mad Bark Apple Cinnamon Hard Cider, Stevens Point, WI (New)
- 3 Daughters Brewing Blueberry Peppercorn Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL (New)
- Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards 1911 Honey Crisp Hard Cider, Lafayette, NY (New)
- Food:
- Sapphire Holiday Kitchen (Morocco)
- Food:
- Grilled Lamb Kefta Kebab and Grapes with Euro Cucumber, Red Pepper, Pickled Pearl Onions and Harissa-Cilantro Dressing
- Confit of Chermoula Chicken Drum with Cinnamon Granny Smith Apple, Toasted Almonds, Brussels Sprouts and Pinot Noir Glaze
- Sfenj: Warm Beignets with Cream, Cinnamon-Sugar and Chocolate Sauce
- Beverages:
- Mediterranean Beer
- Kasbah Prestige Red Wine
- The Andalusian “Poinsettia” Cocktail: Sparking Wine, Orange Liqueur and Cranberry Juice topped with Orange Blossom Water
- Food:
- Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China)
- Food:
- Red-stewed Beef Rice Bowl (New)
- Curry Chicken Rice Bowl (New)
- House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons
- Beverages:
- “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Bobas (nonalcoholic)
- Tsigntao Lager
- Jasmine Draft Beer
- Dragonfly: Jose Cuervo Tequila Gold, Vodka, Mango Syrup and Orange Juice
- Marco Boba: Amaretto, Iced Coffee, Milk and Boba
- The Lucky Mo: Peach Schnapps, Peach Syrup, Orange Juice and Piña Colada Mix
- Food:
- Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan)
- Food:
- New Year Celebration Soba: Buckwheat Soba Noodles in Hot Dashi Soup with Shrimp Tempura, Fish Cake and Chopped Green Onion
- Chirashi Sushi Tree: Sashimi-grade Tuna, Salmon, Ikura and Yellowtail with Vegetables decorated on a bed of Rice
- Ichigo Mont Blanc Tart: Strawberry and Bavarian Cream-filled Tart sprinkled with Konpeito (New)
- Beverages:
- Ichigo Milk Boba: Cranberry and Yuzu Cream Drink with Japanese Calpico and popping Strawberry Boba Pearls (nonalcoholic)
- Sapporo Draft Beer
- Tsubaki Whiskey Sour: Plum Wine with Whiskey, Cranberry Juice, Sugar and Lemon
- Food:
- Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)
- Food:
- Biancaneve Italian Flatbread with Mozzarella, Asiago and Parmesan
- Sacchetti alla Boscaiola: Four-cheese Mini Beggar’s Purses filled with Sweet Sausage, Caramelized Onions, Pancetta and Cremini Mushrooms with a Creamy Sauce (New)
- Cannoli Siciliani: Crisp Pastry filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate and Candied Orange
- Beverages:
- Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner
- Pinot Grigio
- Chianti
- Prosecco
- Rosa Regale
- Moscato
- Italian White Sangria with Prosecco
- Italian Red Sangria with Cabernet Sauvignon
- Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
- Food:
- Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)
- Food:
- Seared Scallops with Parsnip Silk, Apple Chutney and Hazelnut Croquant (New)
- Beef Bourguignon with Crushed Potatoes (New)
- Maple Bûche de Noël: Maple Mousse and Cranberry rolled in Gingerbread Chiffon Cake
- Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie (Cookie Stroll)
- Beverages:
- Frozen Coffee (nonalcoholic)
- 81Bay Brewing Co. Maple Cinnamon Coffee Beer, Tampa, FL (New)
- Regional Icewine
- Regional Red Wine
- Frozen Coffee with Tap 357 Whisky
- Food:
Hands down, our favorite part of the 2020 festival was all of the food we tried! We shared the new Red-stewed Beef Rice Bowl from Shanghai Holiday Kitchen. Leap really liked the tenderness of the beef — it just seemed to melt in your mouth. Meanwhile, my favorite dish ended up being the new Giant Tostada de Chorizo from Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen. It wasn't extremely spicy, but it had a bit of a kick to it that I loved! Tad and Lily agreed (for once!) on the Bûche de Noël au Caramel from Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen as their top treat.
Have no fear — there are tamer global eats around the world, as well, if you or your tadpoles aren’t quite so daring. American Holiday Table offers some classic Turkey Day faves, or how about Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl with Fresh Steamed Baby Vegetables from the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen? Tadpoles don't notice veggies when they're paired with melted cheese, right? ;) Menus can be found in the Festival Passport, and a kid-approved icon can be found next to tadpole-friendly items.
My favorite conquest of any EPCOT festival is finding a bit more adventurous fare that I can talk Tad and Lily into trying. This year, it was the tostada that I mentioned previously. Lily wasn't a big fan of the spice but Tad gobbled up his portion.
While there’s already so much to feast on at the Holiday Kitchens, don’t miss out on special seasonal grub at standard food and beverage locations! These additional food and drink locations include Funnel Cake (featuring a new Sweet Potato Casserole Funnel Cake), Joffrey's Coffee (Caramel Tinsel Latte and Donut), Refreshment Outpost (Warm Brown Sugar Stuffed Pretzel with soft-serve ice cream and chocolate sauce) and Refreshment Port (T.G. Lee Eggnog with Spiced Rum).
Oh, and one last thing ... Leap and I highly suggest you 21+ froggies indulge yourselves at Prost! in World Showplace. That's his go-to spot for a hint of holiday flavors in his beer. Last year, Leap tried out a Gingerbread House Ale and a White Christmas IPA. Meanwhile, the Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini was calling my name.
Tips for EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 2021
- Use the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Passport to keep track of your adventures! This small booklet lets you know what's hoppening around every corner, from entertainment locations to menu items and every fun activity in between. This is critical to make sure you don't miss anything during your World Showcase stroll and made our lives so much easier. However, be sure to check out the My Disney Experience app for specific showtimes!
- Keep an eye (and ear!) out for special holiday promenades! If you hear music changing, it's a good indication that characters may be coming, so get your camera ready! The big man himself (Santa, of course) made pop-up visits in 2020, as well.
- We found that crowds seemed to grow as the day went on. We arrived right at park opening and enjoyed light crowds for the first couple of hours. By the time the late afternoon rolled around, we experienced longer lines at the Holiday Kitchens. (Though it's important to note that we went on a Tuesday, so it makes sense that more locals likely arrived after work hours.)
- We recommend arriving close to park opening to make the most of your day with lower crowds and catch the holiday promenades before they end. Once night falls, grab some dinner (if you're still hungry, that is!) and take an evening ride on Living with the Land.
- For Christmas gift inspiration, check out the Holiday Markets throughout World Showcase. The Chip 'n' Dale collection is too cute!
- Keep in mind that Thanksgiving week and the last two weeks of December are the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World, so crowds will be inevitable then.
- There are many photo opportunities throughout the festival. However, you can't miss the iconic tree in the middle of World Showcase Plaza!
We hope you've found this guide to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays hopful as you plan your trip. Drop us a line and share a tip for the festival — or your favorite parts of this annual event!
Related: Complete Guide to Disney World Holiday Events
Hoppy planning!
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