From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Jeremy Schoolfield
Whether your holiday traditions include choirs singing, chestnuts roasting, kitchens cooking, cookies baking or gifts unwrapping, EPCOT is the place to be from Nov. 26 through Dec. 30.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth features cherished cultural traditions, savory seasonal flavors and costumed storytellers from the 11 nations around World Showcase. And, during The World’s Most Magical Celebration, the 18-month celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, guests will discover incredible EARidescence and countless ways to make new memories with family and friends, making this holiday season extra special.
We’re excited to welcome back the beloved “Candlelight Processional,” a Disney Parks tradition dating back to 1958 at Disneyland park. This heartwarming production at America Gardens Theatre features the Voices of Liberty and a choir of Disney cast members, a live orchestra, and celebrity narrators retelling the traditional Christmas story.
This year’s celebrity narrators will include Chita Rivera, Jodi Benson, Alton Fitzgerald White, Lisa Ling, Steven Curtis Chapman, Blair Underwood and Pat Sajak with more names being added over the next few weeks. Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are also returning, and can be booked online beginning Oct. 26.
During the festival, holiday traditions of the world come to life around World Showcase, such as:
- Las Posadas at the Mexico pavilion
- Canadian Holiday Voyageurs in the Canada pavilion
- Chinese Lion Dance celebrating the new year in the China pavilion
- A Hanukkah storyteller along the promenade and delightful holiday storytellers in France, Italy, Japan, Norway and the United Kingdom
- And outside The American Adventure, you can wave hello to Santa Claus as he gets ready for the big day.
Holiday Kitchens will cook up treasured recipes from around the globe – from slow-roasted turkey and holiday pot pie to pumpkin gingerbread cheesecake and peppermint sundaes. A new offering, Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen, will dish out fire-roasted chestnuts and cinnamon-glazed almonds and cashews, filling the air with delightful aromas.
Guests of all ages will enjoy sweet treats during the popular Holiday Cookie Stroll. Purchase any five cookies – such as the delicious SNICKERS®-Doodle Cookie made with SNICKERS Bars or the tasty Chocolate Crinkle Cookie made with DOVE® Dark Chocolate – from any of the official Cookie Stroll locations featured in the Festival Passport and collect a matching stamp. Once you’ve collected all five stamps, bring your passport to Holiday Sweets & Treats to receive a specialty cookie!
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt is another fun family activity for guests of all ages. Search for holiday traditions Olaf has gathered from around the world – and lost along the way! Purchase the map and stickers from select festival merchandise locations while supplies last.
And, what’s a holiday season without gifts? From designer fragrances to handmade confectionary treats to festive holiday wines and teas from around the world, it’s easy to find gifts for everyone on your list – including commemorative festival merchandise featuring Olaf!
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is available with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date. Check back with us here on the Disney Parks Blog for more details in the weeks ahead.
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