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10 Things Not To Be Missed at the 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays at Walt Disney World

Epcot Candlelight Processional (Photo Credit: Disney)

Holidays Around the World was a longstanding tradition at Epcot. In 2017, it was given a new name; Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. For 2018 it is going to be more fun than ever! The festival will run November 18 until December 30, although not everything will take place the entire time. Here are ten things that you can’t miss at the 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.

10. Cookies

What is Christmas without cookies? At the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, you won’t have to find out. You’ll find Peppermint Sugar Cookies, Red and Green Mickey Sugar Cookies, Gold Chocolate Chip Cookies, and many other choices. Don’t worry about saving one for Santa, he’ll be around and can pick up his own cookies.

Photo Credit: DisneyParksBlog

9. Decorations

Part of the fun of the Christmas at Epcot is seeing the decorations in the different countries. You will feel like you are experiencing the holidays in different cultures. Take the time to walk around World Showcase, and you’ll also be able to burn off the calories from all the different cookies.

8. Epcot Tree

The Christmas tree at Epcot is the crowning jewel of the holiday decorations. It is simply remarkable. One thing that is nice about the tree at Epcot is that there are many different places where it can be part of a picture. You can see the tree in many spots throughout the park.

Photo Credit: DisneyParksBlog

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7. Holiday Merchandise

At Epcot, you can pick up holiday themed gifts from the World Showcase countries. You’ll also find fun items like T-shirts that are related to the festival. This could be a good place to finish your Christmas shopping, plus you’ll probably end up with a few things for yourself.

6. Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree

You don’t want to find chipmunks in your Christmas tree at home, but at Epcot it is a totally different story. With Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree, you’ll purchase a map and help the mischievous chipmunks to find ornaments for their tree. Once your scavenger hunt is over, turn the map in for a prize. It’s a lot of fun, and not just for the kids.

5. JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season

For a high energy show that will fill you with holiday spirit, you’ll want to check the Times Guide for JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season. It takes place on the stage by the Fountain of Nations. Gospel and R&B holiday classics are performed, and you might find yourself singing along. Once Christmas is over, it turns into a Kwanzaa celebration.

4. Holiday Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are an important part of all of the Epcot festivals, and Festival of the Holidays is no exception. Holiday Kitchens are scattered throughout World Showcase, with both sweet and savory treats from around the world. There are also special offerings at some of the other locations as well. Bring your appetite, and enjoy dishes that are parts of other countries’ traditions.

Photo Credit: DisneyParksBlog

3. Storytellers

During the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, you’ll find costumed storytellers in the World Showcase countries. They will tell you a little bit about their traditions back home. It’s both informative and entertaining. Pick up a paper Times Guide when you enter the park so you won’t have to keep pulling out your phone to see what is going on and when.

2. Candlelight Processional

One of the most popular events at the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is the Candlelight Processional. A celebrity narrator tells the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus. He or she is joined by a mass choir and a 50 piece orchestra. It is a magnificent presentation that you need to experience. There are three shows each night. If you’re worried about getting a seat, book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. The Candlelight Processional runs each evening from November 22 until December 30.

1. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

Normally the Candlelight Processional would have the top spot on this list, but 2018 is an exception. That is because this is going to be the last year for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, it ends next summer. There is a special holiday ending, and this will be the last year that you can experience it. That’s why you can’t miss this nighttime spectacular in 2018, you won’t have a chance to experience it again.

About PaulaK

I grew up in Western Massachusetts. When I was nine my family went to Disneyland and I was hooked. I grew up, attended New England College in Henniker, NH and eventually moved to Virginia. I worked as a disc jockey, married and became a full time mom when our daughter was born. Fast forward several years. In 2010 we moved to Central Florida and my Disney obsession grew. I now work as a freelance writer and spend my spare time in the parks. Under the name Paula Brown I penned the novels Dream Wanderers and The Coffee Cruiser. I also am a co-author of Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide. I'm obsessed with Star Wars, so this is a good time to live in Central Florida. I've been a vegetarian for well over a decade, a choice that my daughter eventually made as well. While my husband still hasn't joined us fully he has given up most meats except for seafood. I was relieved to find that vegetarian dining is not difficult at Walt Disney World.