The holiday season is right around the corner, and Walt Disney World Resort is already welcoming guests for another magical Christmas celebration. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at The Most Magical Place on Earth without paying for extra special event tickets, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays has you covered. The best part? It’s included with your park admission!
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Returns
Starting on November 28, 2025, EPCOT will welcome back its annual International Festival of the Holidays, one of Walt Disney World Resort’s most popular seasonal events. The festival offers everything you expect from a Disney holiday celebration — all without the need for a special event ticket. Unlike Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park or Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT’s holiday festival is free with your regular theme park ticket.
Like any EPCOT festival, it features amazing food booths located throughout the World Showcase and around the park’s themed neighborhoods. Guests can pick up a complimentary Cookie Stroll scavenger hunt booklet upon entering the park. Try every offering listed, and you’ll be rewarded with a special prize!
Festive Entertainment and Holiday Storytelling
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays wouldn’t be complete without some holiday entertainment. Between snacking on seasonal treats, stop by the Holiday Storytellers located in several World Showcase pavilions. These performances showcase Christmas and other winter holiday traditions from around the world, offering a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Don’t forget to stop by to meet Santa Claus at CommuniCore Hall. Be sure to check the Walt Disney World Resort website or the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date showtimes and character greeting schedules.
Candlelight Processional and More Holiday Magic
No holiday celebration at EPCOT would be complete without the famous Candlelight Processional. A celebrity guest narrates the traditional Christmas story, accompanied by a live orchestra and a choir of talented Disney cast members. For the best viewing spot, it’s recommended to arrive early, or you can guarantee a great seat by booking a Candlelight Processional Dining Package.
If you’re looking to add even more holiday cheer to your day, don’t miss the Glimmering Greenhouses overlay at Living with the Land. This special seasonal transformation features dazzling lights, festive garden displays, and holiday-themed plant spotlights throughout EPCOT’s iconic boat ride.
Special Holiday Merchandise and Olaf’s Scavenger Hunt
What’s a Disney celebration without exclusive merchandise? The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will offer plenty of limited-time items to bring home a piece of the magic. Don’t miss Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt Kit, sold at select stores throughout the park. Search for the lovable snowman throughout the World Showcase, then turn in your completed scavenger hunt for a prize!
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will run from November 28 to December 30, 2025, so be sure to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to celebrate the holidays at EPCOT without spending extra money on a special event ticket.
More Christmas Fun Across Walt Disney World Resort
Of course, EPCOT is just one way to experience the holiday magic at Walt Disney World Resort. If you’re looking for even more Christmas fun, Disney offers two paid after-hours events throughout the season.
Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios runs from November 8 to December 22, 2025. This event transports guests back in time to the glamour of old Hollywood, offering exclusive entertainment like Disney Holidays in Hollywood starring The Muppets, and What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along. Tickets range from $159 to $199.
Meanwhile, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is returning to Magic Kingdom on select nights from November 7 to December 21, 2025. The event features festive entertainment like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, and a chance to meet characters in their holiday attire. Tickets for this event are nearly sold out, but a few dates remain, with prices of $209 for children aged 3-9 and $219 for adults. Children under three get free entry!
Have you ever attended the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays? In the comments, share your favorite memories with Disney Dining!
