2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: Dates, Storytellers, and Festive Eats

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth returns November 27 through December 30, 2026, included with park admission. Guests can meet World Showcase storytellers, savor Holiday Kitchens, ride a festive Living with the Land, and catch the Candlelight Processional.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth returns to Walt Disney World for a month-long celebration of lights, music, and treats. Running November 27 through December 30, 2026 and included with theme park admission, the festival immerses guests in global holiday traditions across World Showcase.

Festival of the Holidays Dates

The wait is over: the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will run November 27 through December 30, 2026. As in years past, it kicks off the day after Thanksgiving — so guests should save room for the delicious dishes served around the park. Holiday magic also decks the halls across all four Walt Disney World parks, Disney Springs, and many resort hotels, and theme park tickets and lodging are already available to book for the season.

Holiday Traditions with World Showcase Storytellers

Storytelling sits at the heart of the season, and guests can experience it firsthand with the Holiday Storytellers stationed throughout World Showcase. Each day, these performers bring holiday tales to life, entertaining and educating guests on how diverse cultures celebrate.

Santa Sightings Around EPCOT

Guests hoping to share their holiday wishes are in luck, as Santa Claus makes special appearances throughout the festival. He may be spotted traveling around World Showcase, while guests can also find Père Noël telling the story of Babette and her Christmas letter in the France Pavilion, Barn Santa in the Norway Pavilion, and Santa greeting guests in CommuniCore Hall. Don’t forget Goofy as Santa, dressed in his holiday best for photos at The Odyssey.

EPCOT Holiday Decor

EPCOT shines extra bright during the season, with festive decor transforming every corner. From twinkling lights and garlands to beautifully decorated trees inspired by global traditions, each World Showcase pavilion offers its own holiday flair — the perfect backdrop for photos.

Gingerbread Spaceship Earth Display

A can’t-miss (and can’t-stop-smelling) highlight, the Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display celebrates one of EPCOT’s most iconic landmarks through edible artistry. Guests can gather for the Celebration Countdown presented by CITIZEN, where the dazzling display lights up every 15 minutes with new song-and-light shows.

Festival of the Holidays Shows and Entertainment

Candlelight Processional

A beloved tradition returns with the Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre. This heartfelt retelling of the Christmas story features celebrity narrators accompanied by a mass choir and full orchestra, performed nightly with multiple showtimes. Disney has yet to announce this year’s narrators and Candlelight Processional Dining Packages.

JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season

JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season blends gospel, jazz, and R&B into a high-energy salute to Christmas and Kwanzaa traditions — a soulful, smile-inducing performance.

Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers

The beloved Voices of Liberty return in festive fashion as the Dickens Carolers, performing classic holiday tunes in the style of Victorian-era England with their signature rich harmonies.

Festival Kitchens: Holiday Food and Beverage

Foodies, rejoice: the Holiday Kitchens once again serve a delicious assortment of seasonal bites and beverages from around the world, each with a unique menu inspired by holiday traditions. From comforting classics to globally inspired dishes, there’s something for every craving. Watch for the Disney Eats Foodie Guide for the full lineup.

Holiday Cookie Stroll

The fan-favorite Holiday Cookie Stroll is back. Guests purchase five qualifying cookies from select Holiday Kitchens, collect corresponding stamps in their Festival Passport, and redeem the completed stroll for a special treat — a sweet way to explore the festival.

Holiday Overlays and Festive Features

Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses

A festive version of Living with the Land returns during Glimmering Greenhouses, with twinkling lights and seasonal decor throughout the greenhouses for a peaceful holiday boat ride with a unique EPCOT twist.

Lights on Spaceship Earth

As night falls, Spaceship Earth comes to life with dazzling holiday lighting, the iconic geodesic sphere shining with festive colors and dynamic effects.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt

Guests can join Olaf on a festive adventure, searching World Showcase to find him as he discovers holiday traditions from around the globe. Completing the scavenger hunt earns a holiday keepsake.

Festive Fragrances presented by Scentsy

Now in its third year, Festive Fragrances presented by Scentsy returns with all-new scents celebrating holidays around the world, from Noche Buena to Diwali. Along the walkway between the Imagination! pavilion and World Showcase, guests can explore a charming garden of scented snow globes.

What This Means for Disney Fans

From heartwarming storytelling and joyful performances to festive flavors and sparkling decor, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays remains one of the most accessible ways to experience the season at Walt Disney World — it’s included with park admission, no separate ticket required. With the festival running just over a month, fans should plan their must-do storytellers, shows, and Cookie Stroll stops early and keep an eye out for the celebrity narrator announcement.