6 Things To Do at the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Besides Eating!

One of our favorite things to do in EPCOT is celebrate the seasonal festivals that happen throughout the year! EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays is happening now, and we’re here to bring you all the details on the food, entertainment, and merchandise available during the event!

Spaceship Earth in EPCOT

This year, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays will run from November 24th through December 30th, 2023. We’re trying alllll the new and returning treats this year, but we’re also celebrating the holiday season all around the World Showcase! Come with us to see all the exclusive entertainment happening during EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays.

Let’s check out the entertainment offerings available this year!

Santa Claus

Santa Claus is back again at this year’s festival! You can find him in The Odyssey Pavilion.

Santa will greet guests at 11AM, 12:30PM, 2PM, 3:30PM, 5PM, and 6:30PM. Note times are subject to change, so we suggest checking the My Disney Experience app during your visit.

Joyful: A Celebration of the Season Show

Look out for the fun and festive show in World Showcase Plaza called Joyful: A Celebration of the Season!

The show features gospel mixed with jazz and R&B and celebrates Christmas and Kwanzaa!

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

For a full list of showtimes, check the posted signs each day in the park or consult the My Disney Experience app during your visit.

Voices of Liberty

Of course, you can also see the Voices of Liberty choir perform in the American Adventure Pavilion!

This talented group wears festive costumes just for the Festival of the Holidays! Check them out if you’re in the area.

Gingerbread Capital City

Prepare to be AMAZED by the Gingerbread Capital City in The American Adventure pavilion. This fully-edible display is SO impressive! There are tons of little details and historical elements that we could admire all day.

Be sure to check out Disney’s impressive gingerbread versions of places like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. You might even see a gingerbread version of EPCOT’s American Adventure Pavilion!

Storytellers in World Showcase

The beloved Holiday Storytellers are back this year! You can find them all throughout the World Showcase. These storytellers share classic traditions and folklore from the country they represent. During our visit, we got the chance to see Hanukkah Storyteller, which can be found between Morocco and France.

In Italy, we listened to La Befana, a good witch who delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve.

In Japan, the Storyteller told us a fascinating story about the Daruma doll and Japanese customs of the New Year.

In Norway, we learned all about Barn Santa.

For a full list of performance times, check the My Disney Experience app.

Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional is arguably the most popular part of EPCOT’s holiday offerings. People make a special trip to the park just to check out the show!

Throughout the festival, a variety of celebrity narrators come to share the story of Christmas. The celebrity narrator is joined by a 50-piece choir and orchestra. Each night, three shows will happen at 5:15PM, 7PM, and 8:30PM.

If you’re interested in having reserved seating for this show, we recommend a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. With a dining package, you can enjoy lunch or dinner at select EPCOT restaurants and then take advantage of reserved seating for the Candlelight Processional. Note you can also visit Regal Eagle Smokehouse for same-day Walk-up Candlelight Processional Dining Packages.