ULTIMATE GUIDE to the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays!

We hope you’re ready because it’s time for the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays!

The most festive festival of them all runs from November 24th to December 30th, 2023 so you have just over a month to squeeze in as much holiday fun as possible! We’ve been getting ready for the festival and now it’s officially time to experience it, so let’s go!

We’ll continue to update this post as we make our way around the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. Keep checking back for updates!

Entering

The first thing you should do after entering the park is grab a passport! Here’s a look at this year’s version.

Good morning from the very FIRST day of EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays! Here’s a look at the passport for the festival this year — stay tuned to see EVERYTHING we eat and drink today! ✨🎁 pic.twitter.com/dqqlVKjEOj

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

The festival passports contain everything you need to know about the festival and it’s where you can collect stamps for the Cookie Stroll.

Here’s a look INSIDE the Festival of the Holidays passport — check out all that merch and info on the Candlelight Processional! 🕯️ pic.twitter.com/zefVmx5jgM

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

You’ll find all sorts of important info in here!

See the ENTIRE Festival Passport Here!

Crowds

The first day of each EPCOT festival is usually one of the busiest. However, since this festival takes place during one of the most crowded times of the year in Disney World, you can expect the park to be busy.

Most of the festival booths open later in the day, but folks were already gathered and ready to eat when we arrived! The park doesn’t feel as busy as it has been over the past week, though.

Crowds are feeling pretty light in the UK Pavilion right now! We’ll see how things go throughout the day! 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/qSyTTMpXkH

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

See More Crowd Updates Here

Merchandise

The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays has some exclusive merchandise that has debuted!

Festival of the Holidays merch is available in Creations Shop! 🎁 pic.twitter.com/YmA6eNyH2b

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

You can check out a full look at all the merchandise by clicking the link below.

Check Out ALL the Festival of the Holidays Merchandise Right Here

Ride Overlays

There are several rides that get holiday overlays in EPCOT during this festive time. One of those is Living with the Land! See more photos of the 2023 overlay here.

Over at Journey Into Imagination with Figment, you may notice that the famous purple dragon has a holiday sweater on! We’re thrilled he decided to get into the spirit again this season.

We had several Cast Members confirm that the holiday overlay at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind would not be returning this year.

According to several Cast Members, the holiday overlay at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will NOT be returning this year. pic.twitter.com/8egmNoMR5Q

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

There’s lots more to see at the festival!

See ALL the Entertainment at the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Here

Food Booths

There are 17 booths at the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays including four 100th anniversary booths that debuted at the Food & Wine Festival earlier this year. We kicked things off by stopping at Joffrey’s to try the Horchata Cold Brew.

First treat SECURED! This is the Horchata Cold Brew from Joffrey’s. It’s a holly jolly blend of Joffrey's Shakin' Jamaican Cold Brew and Horchata topped with Whipped Cream and Cinnamon available for $6.49! ☕️ pic.twitter.com/DTrsv9HB3Q

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

We also stopped by the American Holiday Table booth to check out the eats and drinks over there.

Here’s what we got from American Holiday Table

🦃 Slow-roasted Turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce — $6.25
🐟 Blackened Catfish with Hoppin’ John and comeback sauce — $6.75
⭐️ Gingerbread Cookie (⭐️ cookie stroll) — $3
🍺 Beer Flight — $10.25 pic.twitter.com/Na0ljW8kyU

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

Stop by Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen for some tasty eats.

Here’s the spread from Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen:

🌮 Giant Tostada de Chorizo — $11.50
🫔 Tamale de Barbacoa — $8.50
🥮 Dulce de Leche Churro sprinkled with Cinnamon-Sugar — $6.50 pic.twitter.com/X9XV4EY0rj

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

L’CHAIM! Holiday Kitchen is serving some traditional Jewish eats like Pastrami on Rye, Smoked Salmon Latkes, and Rugalach!

Up next, L’CHAIM! Holiday Kitchen:

🥪 Pastrami on Rye with House-made Pickles and Deli Mustard — $5.75
🐟 Smoked Salmon Potato Latke — $6.00
🥔 Potato Latkes — $4.50
🥐 Rugalach: Pastry filled with Raspberry Jam, Walnuts, and Cinnamon — $4.25
⭐️ Black and White Cookie — $3.00 pic.twitter.com/kuO7igcroJ

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

Over at Nochebuena Cocina, we are eatin’ GOOD!

Nocebuena Cocina time!

🫔 Tamale with Plant-based Chorizo: — $5.50
🍖 Pernil: Mojo Pork with Tostones and Ketchup-Mayonnaise — $5.50
⭐️ Spiced Chocolate Cookie — $3.00
🍷 Ponche Navideño (non alcoholic) — $4.00
🍺 81Bay Brewing Co. Horchata Beer. — $5.75 (6 oz) or $9.75 (12 oz) pic.twitter.com/5IAC2NbGrf

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

These grilled kebabs at Tangierine Cafe keep us coming back every year!

Tangerine Cafe – Flavors of the Medina:

🍡 Grilled Kebabs with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aïoli
🥙 Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with hummus, chermoula, and Zhoug dips
🍻 Hard Cider Flight pic.twitter.com/n7OG2FSoys

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

Come with us to Yukon Holiday Kitchen for some savory eats and a few sweets!

Yukon Holiday Kitchen!

🐟 Seared Salmon with butternut squash purée, and fennel-arugula salad
🍖 Beef Bourguignon with crushed potatoes
⭐️ Snickerdoodle Cookie made with SNICKERS bar pieces
🍻 Beer Flight: Peanut Butter Banana Porter, Maple Cookie Blonde Ale, Coffee Maple Porter pic.twitter.com/PzbuPfEqiL

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

We stopped by Tuscany Holiday Kitchen to see what they were cookin’ up, too.

NEW items from Tuscan Holiday Kitchen!

🍕 Montanara: Fried pizza dough with pomodoro sauce, parmesan, and basil
🍝 Farfalle Salmone Affumicato: pasta with salmon and cream sauce
🍫 Torta Caprese: flourless chocolate torta
🥮 Dolce Pizza: Fried pizza dough with cinnamon sugar pic.twitter.com/wEeYIbP9KE

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

Bavaria Holiday Kitchen is offering some iconic holiday eats!

Next up: Bavaria Holiday Kitchen!

🍖 Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Sauce, Spätzle, and Braised Red Cabbage — $6.50
🫕 Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl with Steamed Baby Vegetables and Marble Potatoes — $8.25
⭐️ Linzer Cookie — $3.00
🍻 Beer Flight — $10.25
🍷 Glühwein — $9.50 pic.twitter.com/LtVtYM3hYJ

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

You can snag the So Many Wishes drink at Connections Eatery!

Over at Connections Eatery we grabbed the ‘So Many Wishes’ drink! It’s Pomegranate-green tea, hibiscus, lemon, and a dash of stardust AND it’s a non-alcoholic beverage that everyone can enjoy! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/60vKK6Q3ub

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

The Holiday Cinnamon Celebration Funnel Cake is new this year!

Funnel cake time! This is the Holiday Cinnamon Celebration Funnel Cake and it’s NEW to the Festival of the Holidays this year! pic.twitter.com/6C9KJeS5xu

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

Craving some desserts? The Holiday Hearth Booth is definitely where you want to be!

Holiday Hearth Desserts!
🎄 Mint Chocolate Mousse Wreath
🍎 Apple Caramel Crumb Cake
🍫 Chocolate-covered Toffee Brittle
🌐 Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie
🍿 Mouse Crunch made with M&M’S
🍰 Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
❤️ Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie pic.twitter.com/HJGWJomsBH

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

Next, we stopped by Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen!

Next up: Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen!

🍣 Sushi Tree — $7.50
🍜 New Year Celebration Soba — $8.50
🍠 Sweet Potato Mochi Cake — $6.50
🍷 Choya Sparkling Plum Wine — $8.25
🧋 Ichigo Milk Boba — $7.00
🫖 Japanese Christmas Punch — 8.25 pic.twitter.com/ODJMtu0Q8B

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

Want some more Holiday Sweets and Treats? You got it!

Holiday Sweets and Treats is next!

🍦 Peppermint Sundae — $6.25
🍫 Chocolate Peppermint Shake — $12
☕️ Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee (can come with assorted liqueurs) — $12.50
🍻 Beer Flight — $10.25 pic.twitter.com/qJSGJeRiBq

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

Don’t forget to stop by Refreshment Port for Turkey Poutine!

Refreshment Port time!

🦃 Turkey Poutine with Sweet Potato Fries
🥤Gingerbread Milkshake
🥚 Eggnog pic.twitter.com/SLYsq1Nzrt

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

We also tried some eats over at Shanghai Holiday Kitchen!

We’ve got more Festival of the Holiday eats from Shanghai Holiday Kitchen!

🍗 Chicken Skewer with peanut sauce
🍜 Beef and Noodle Soup Bowl with braised beef shank, green onion, and chili oil
🥕 Vegetable Spring Rolls with citrus sauce
🦋 Butterfly Lantern
🧋 Bubble Tea pic.twitter.com/fErYpCFuLq

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

Le Marche de Noel was a hit again this year!

Le Marche de Noel:

🐟 Crème de Saumon Fumé en Brioche à l’Aneth
🥐Bûche de Noël au Pain D’Épices, Ganache Chocolat au Lait et Noisettes
🍖 Rôti de Jambon Sauce Moutarde à l’Ancienne, Patate Douce Rôties
☕️ Le Joyeux de Noël
🍊 Blood Orange Mimosa
🍸 Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini pic.twitter.com/37pdf8z2wL

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

After trying a lot of new and returning treats, we rounded up some of the BEST festival foods. Check out our recommendations below!

Check Out Our BEST Festival Eats Here

Oh, and remember how we said we tried a LOT of food this year? We weren’t kidding! From a table full of cookies and desserts to a sushi TREE, we have reviews of everything we ate this year!

We have a BIG review!

WHEW! We’re full!

MASSIVE REVIEW: We Tried EVERY Booth at the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays!

Entertainment

Candlelight Processional

The most popular entertainment offering at the festival is the Candlelight Processional!

Time for the Candlelight Processional! 🕯️🎶✨ pic.twitter.com/hXk1TQbv4l

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

We attended the show and saw Chrissy Metz! You can see the full lineup for the festival here.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2023 EPCOT Candlelight Processional

Storytellers

Around World Showcase pavilions, you’ll find Storytellers that teach you about how different cultures celebrate the holidays

Here’s a full list of the storytellers:

Mexico Pavilion — Las Posadas Celebration (Sunday through Thursday)
Norway Pavilion — A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa (Daily)
China Pavilion — Chinese Lion Dancer (Daily)
Italy Pavilion — La Befana (Daily)
Japan Pavilion — Daruma Storyteller (Daily)
Between the Morocco and France Pavilion — Hanukkah Storyteller (Daily)
France Pavilion — Pere Noel (Daily)
United Kingdom Pavilion — Father Christmas (Daily)
Canada Pavilion — Canadian Holiday Voyageurs (Daily)

Gingerbread

There’s an impressive gingerbread display in the American Adventure building in the American Adventure pavilion.

The pavilion made of gingerbread

It features a ton of monuments you might just recognize!

Something NEW Is at the American Adventure Pavilion in EPCOT!

Santa

SANTA!!! I KNOW HIM!! And you can meet him over at the Odyssey Pavilion! He’ll be meeting and greeting guests daily until December 24th when he needs to return to the North Pole.

JOYFUL!

For live music, check out the show called “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season.”

JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season is rockin’ in EPCOT for Festival of the Holidays! 🎶 pic.twitter.com/MaagTsX3xG

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023

You’ll find them at the World Showcase Plaza several times throughout the day.

Spaceship Earth

In honor of the new film Wish and the start of the festival, you can now catch a new light show on Spaceship Earth! The shows begin after dark.

The show features special lighting and new music! Check it out during your next visit.

See How Spaceship Earth CHANGES During the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays!

Activities

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt

The Olaf Scavenger Hunt has returned to this year’s festival! Once you purchase a map at Creations Shop or World Traveler for $9.99, you can search for Olaf all over EPCOT’s World Showcase. After you complete the hunt, you’ll get a prize!

It wouldn’t be an EPCOT Festival without a SCAVENGER HUNT! 🗺️ Festival of the Holidays features Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition where you search for Olaf all over World Showcase! ☃️🌐 pic.twitter.com/OkN2jDs2LQ

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 24, 2023