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The 2021 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is officially underway! Last year things were scaled back, but this year the experience is much closer to the festivals of the past. Here are some of the entertainment highlights.
Credit: PaulaK
This year you can once again experience holiday traditions from across the globe throughout World Showcase. You can hear about A Mischievous Barn Santa in Norway and La Befana in Italy. In France, see Père Noël through the eyes of a child. The Chinese Lion Dance is back in China, and Canadian Holiday Voyageurs entertain in Canada; these are just a few of the choices! We missed this last year and could not be happier that they are back.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season did perform last year, which was one of the few entertainment options. They are back this year, performing several times a day on the Showplace Plaza Stage.
JOYFUL’s high energy show is one that you don’t want to miss. They put a gospel and blues twist on holiday classics. You’ll find yourself clapping and singing along.
Credit: PaulaK
The holiday classic Candlelight Processional has returned this year. This is one of our favorites, and there was a hole last year in the Festival of the Holidays without it.
The Candlelight Processional features a 50 piece orchestra and a mass choir. Much of that choir is made up of Cast Members, who need to audition in order to be included. A celebrity narrator then tells the Biblical Christmas story. It is a beautiful experience.
Credit: PaulaK
While the Candlelight Processional has become a staple at EPCOT, its roots go back much further than that. It started at Disneyland in 1958. In 1971 it was held at the newly-opened Magic Kingdom. The first year at EPCOT was 1994, when the Candlelight Processional found its home in the America Gardens Theater.
Credit: PaulaK
With so much entertainment, you could spend an entire day at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays and not hit one ride! There are also Holiday Kitchens and fun for all members of the family. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs until December 30.
