The holiday season at Walt Disney World is huge! Decorating and celebrations begin almost immediately after Halloween, and sometimes, if you time your visit just right, you can see both Halloween and Christmas decorations throughout the parks and resorts. Each park at Walt Disney World has stunning Christmas trees, seasonal merchandise, and special treats. This week we are taking a look into the holiday fun at the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays and some things that are a must see experience.
First and foremost is the Candlelight Processional. This is a must-do for so many guests, and is the most magnificent show. Each night a celebrity narrator, choir, and 50-piece live orchestra takes the stage and tells the Christmas story. There are three showtimes each night, 5:15 pm, 7 pm, and 8:30 pm at the America Garden Theater. This spectacular show will run through December 30, 2023.
The Holiday Cookie Stroll is another amazing experience while inside of EPCOT during the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. When entering the park guests will find a Festival Passport. Purchase 5 of the cookies listed on the Holiday Cookie Stroll and collect their respective stamps, guests can then return to Holiday Sweets & Treats and collect a prize. Some of the cookies include Gingerbread Cookie, Snickerdoodle Cookie with SNICKERS pieces, Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie, and a Jingle Sugar Cookie with M&M’s.
Probably one of the most exciting things is meeting with Santa! Guests can say hello and snap a picture with the jolly man himself at the Odyssey Pavilion. He is greeting guests daily until Christmas eve.
As the sun begins to set, Spaceship Earth comes alive and showcases beautiful light displays. Also “When You Wish Upon a Star” can be heard around outside of the attraction.
Are you interested in learning more about the countries represented inside the World Showcase and their holiday traditions? Holiday Storytellers will be out and about in select countries sharing their holiday traditions and customs. These Holiday Storytellers include Chinese Lion Dancers celebrating Lunar New Year, Pere Noel, Hanukkah traditions and music, and even Father Christmas.
Something that all festival seasons bring to EPCOT is the outdoor kitchens. Holiday Kitchens are set up throughout World Showcase and serve traditional holiday food and treats.
Another exciting experience while strolling through the park is Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt! Guests can purchase a map from select merchandise locations and then find their way through the World Showcase on the hunt for Olaf. When Olaf and the tradition is found, guests can place the correct sticker on the scavenger hunt map. Once it is complete, the map can be returned to the select locations for a prize! It is a great way to learn and experience traditions from around the world.
The perfect way to take a break and enjoy some entertainment is JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season. The stage located in the World Showcase Plaza will have performances four times daily, weather permitting, with a Christmas and Kwanzaa musical creation.
The last two experiences are always so fun! A holiday overlay of Living with the Land inside the Land Pavilion is such a neat experience at both daytime and nighttime. At night, the greenhouse comes to life with twinkling lights and during all times of the day there are special appearances by some chilly friends and larger than life ornaments. Finally is the extra magical PhotoPass opportunities. Guests can find Olaf and Sven in their PhotoPass photos only during the festival in the Norway Pavilion, and even The Three Caballeros from photos in the Mexico Pavilion.
While the time to book a last minute trip for the 2023 holiday season is almost over. 2024 is just around the corner, and is already available to book! Reach out today to book your next Walt Disney World adventure with Marvelous Mouse Travels and leave the planning to us!
