Dates and Details Revealed for 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

The “Halfway to the Holidays” announcements are finally here! Walt Disney World has officially confirmed the dates and details for the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, bringing global traditions, festive foods, and incredible entertainment back to the park this winter.

If you are looking to eat, drink, and be merry around the World Showcase, here is everything you need to know to plan your visit to this year’s festival!

Related –Dates and Details Revealed for 2026 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

2026 Festival Dates

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth will return November 27 – December 30, 2026. As in years past, it will start the day after Thanksgiving, so don’t fill up too much on turkey and pie because you won’t want to miss any of the delicious dishes available around the park.

Unlike the after-hours parties at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this festival is included with your regular park admission to EPCOT, though food and beverages are an additional cost.

Candlelight Processional Returns

One of the most beloved holiday traditions at Walt Disney World is back! The Candlelight Processional will once again take the stage at the America Gardens Theatre. This breathtaking show features a celebrity narrator telling the story of Christmas, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a massive choir.

Be sure to stay tuned for the announcement of this year’s celebrity narrators and more information about Candlelight Processional Dining Packages!

Be sure to check out the Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display and countdown celebration presented by Citizen, where culinary artistry and holiday magic come together in a deliciously detailed creation. It’s a must-see (and must-smell!) experience that celebrates one of EPCOT’s most iconic landmarks.

Gather for the Celebration Countdown presented by CITIZEN, where the dazzling display lights up every 15 minutes, featuring new song and light shows with holiday flair.

Santa Sightings Around EPCOT

Guests hoping to share their holiday wishes are in for a treat as Santa Claus will be making special appearances during the festival! You may spot him traveling around World Showcase, greeting guests and spreading cheer along the way. Guests can see Père Noël telling the story of Babette and her Christmas letter in the France Pavilion, Barn Santa in the Norway Pavilion and, in CommuniCore Hall, Santa will be greeting guests with a jolly, “ho-ho-ho.”

And don’t forget to visit Goofy as Santa, who will be dressed in his holiday best and ready to pose for jolly photos full of seasonal fun at The Odyssey.

What Else is Included in 2026?

Beyond the Candlelight Processional, the park will be packed with returning fan-favorite entertainment and delicious holiday flavors. Here is a look at what to expect:

• Holiday Kitchens: Stroll around the World Showcase and stop at the festive food booths to sample seasonal comfort foods and sweet treats from around the globe. Holiday Kitchens are expected this year!
• Holiday Storytellers: Discover the diverse traditions of the season as storytellers in various pavilions share the history and tales of their home countries.
• JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season: Catch this uplifting and high-energy performance of Gospel, R&B, and holiday songs celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa.
• Living with the Land Glimmering Greenhouse Holiday Overlay: The classic boat ride in the World Nature neighborhood gets a beautiful festive makeover, featuring twinkling lights and holiday displays throughout the greenhouses.
• Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition: A fun scavenger hunt for the whole family! Purchase a map and search for Olaf throughout the World Showcase to win a special holiday keepsake.
• Meet Santa Claus: Share your Christmas wishes and snap a photo with Santa himself at the Odyssey Pavilion.
• Scentsy’s Festive Fragrances: A Sensory Wonderland: Festive Fragrances presented by Scentsy returns for its third year with all-new fragrances celebrating holidays around the world from Noche Buena to Diwali.
• Holiday Cookie Stroll: The fan-favorite Holiday Cookie Stroll is back. Purchase five qualifying cookies from select Holiday Kitchens and collect corresponding stamps in your Festival Passport. Once you’ve gathered all five, you can redeem your completed stroll for a special treat.
• 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. Their rich harmonies and timeless charm make this a can’t-miss performance during your visit.

Are you planning to visit the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays this year? Let our friends at Get Away Today plan that Disney World holiday! Just fill out the form below, and someone will be in touch!

Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney or Universal Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

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