We are so excited that the Festival of the Holidays has finally returned to EPCOT for the holiday season!
Although we could spend the entire day snacking on our favorite eats and treats around the World Showcase, there is SO much to do at this year’s Festival of Holidays that isn’t even food-related. While we think you’re definitely going to want to stock up on some snacks in the park during Christmastime, we’re giving you a look at everything you can do that’s not about food for the Festival of the Holidays!
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition
In years past, we’ve followed Chip and Dale around the World Showcase during Chip and Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree. However, this year the Festival of the Holidays is shaking things up by introducing the brand new Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition instead for the first time!
As guests set out on their scavenger hunt around the park, they can spot EPCOT carrying around traditions from different countries like poinsettias…
…gingerbread men…
…and floating lanterns at 13 stops!
Guest can pick up their Scavenger Hunt Map and stickers for $7.99 at Disney Traders, Mouse Gear, World Traveler, Port of Entry, Stroller Rental locations, and the merchandise cart in Canada. And, after you find all the traditions around EPCOT, you can drop off your completed maps at Disney Traders, Mouse Gear, or the World Traveler…
…to receive a holiday prize (AKA a Frozen Cup) for the completion of your scavenger hunt!
Here’s a full look at all the spots you can find Olaf around the World Showcase!
Gingerbread Capitol City
Although the Gingerbread Capitol City has previously been located in the American Adventure Pavilion, it’s been moved to the World Showplace instead this year!
The structures featured in the display include the U.S. Capitol Building, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
As guests make their way around the World Showplace to visit a few of the food booths, they can admire the incredible details that the Disney bakers have put into the piece this year!
The display is made of 165 pounds of gingerbread, 75 pounds of modeling chocolate, and 1,697 feet of pipped royal icing (plus some Hidden Mickeys and lots of Pixie Dust)!
Take a look at all the details on the Gingerbread Capitol City here!
Character Cavalcades
You might not be able to hug Santa this year during the Festival of the Holidays, but you can still see your favorite characters out and about in EPCOT! There are three cavalcades happening in the park for Christmas, like the Frozen Cavalcade with Elsa walking through EPCOT…
…followed by Anna in her decked out carriage that’s perfect for the Queen of Arendelle.
The Mickey and Friends Holiday Cavalcade has also brought festive flair into the park as Goofy and Pluto cozy up in boots, vests, and earmuffs…
…while Mickey and Minnie ride in style in their car decorated with garlands and ornaments.
Santa even has his own cavalcade with dancers that ring in the holiday season…
…before Santa greets everyone in park with toys that his elves will help him deliver before Christmas!
Check out the character cavalcades in EPCOT!
Holiday Entertainment
We’re used to hearing the Voices of Liberty perform a cappella for guests in the American Adventure Pavilion. However, they have moved to a bigger stage this year to welcome guests to EPCOT through song at the American Gardens Theatre instead!
Guests can sit on the distanced benches to listen to their live performances in between their visits to the food booths.
Check out the Voices of Liberty performing holiday songs here!
Also at the American Gardens Theatre, the Mariachi Cobre has returned again from the Taste of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. For Christmastime, they will be performing as the Las Posadas dance ensemble to create some cheer!
The JAMMitors are also back from the Food and Wine Festival as the musical ensemble makes holiday tunes using trash cans over in the Canada Pavilion!
Take a look at these ensembles performing for guests this holiday season!
However, if you pop into the World Showplace, you can listen to the JOYFUL! vocal ensemble sing gospel, R&B, and holiday songs!
While they have performed in front of the Fountain of Nations previously, we’re SO glad to see them back again this year, even if it’s in a new spot!
Listen to JOYFUL! perform for guests during the Festival of the Holidays!
Guests can also listen to pianists playing beautiful Christmas music that make us get in the holiday spirit!
While we love taking our sweet time snacking and sipping around the World Showcase during the Festival of the Holidays, there is still so much to do in the park for guests of all ages! And, we’ll continue to give you a look at other goodies we find as we head back to EPCOT soon.
Take a look at everything we saw at this year’s EPCOT Festival of the Holidays!
Will you be going to the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays this year? Let us know in the comments below!
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