Inspired by holidays around the world, EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is a quick festival, only lasting from November 28 to December 30, 2025, but it is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Do not be discouraged by it’s short length – this festival is just as fun as any other EPCOT festival and it really helps get into the holiday spirit. Each country is decorated and storytellers are scattered through EPCOT, telling holiday stories from their country and religion. 15 food booths are scattered throughout World Showcase.
1. Go Early or Go Late (Avoid the Midday Meltdown)
The crowds tend to swell midday, and Florida sunshine can still get toasty—even in December. Arrive early when the park opens or plan an evening visit to enjoy the twinkling lights and cooler temperatures.
Mom Tip:
If you have early risers, rope-drop the park, hit your must-dos (like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure), then take a midday break for naps or pool time. Return later to enjoy the festival in the evening glow!
2. Do the Cookie Stroll—But Pace Yourselves
EPCOT’s Holiday Cookie Stroll is fun and delicious, especially for kids! Collect stamps as you buy cookies from various Holiday Kitchens around the World Showcase. Once you get five stamps, you earn a free completer cookie.
Mom Tip:
Bring a ziplock bag or reusable container to save cookies for later. You don’t need to eat them all in one go (and trust me, your kids don’t need that sugar rush all at once).
3. Pack a “Festival Kit”
You’ll thank yourself for packing a small festival survival kit. Include:
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Hand sanitizer & wipes (cookies = sticky fingers)
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A refillable water bottle
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Small snacks (for picky eaters who skip the global cuisine)
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Stroller fan (yes, even in December)
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A portable charger (you’ll take so many photos)
4. Don’t Skip the Holiday Storytellers
Around the World Showcase, cultural performers and storytellers share seasonal traditions from their home countries. From Père Noël in France to La Befana in Italy, these performances are both educational and magical.
Mom Tip:
Check the My Disney Experience app or pick up a Festival Passport for times and locations so you don’t miss your favorites. These are great moments for a snack break while the kids are entertained.
5. Sample the Holiday Kitchens (Without Blowing the Budget)
EPCOT’s food booths offer festive bites from around the world. While tempting, those $6-$10 items add up fast.
Mom Tip:
Set a food budget and use a Disney gift card to help stick to it. Share dishes among the family so everyone gets a taste. Pro tip: many Holiday Kitchen dishes are snack credit-eligible if you’re on a dining plan!
6. Capture the Holiday Magic (Without the Fuss)
The park is dressed to the nines for the season—think wreaths, lights, and photo ops galore.
Mom Tip:
Use PhotoPass to get everyone in the picture. If you’re skipping Memory Maker, cast members are still happy to snap a photo with your phone. Try to take pictures early before the kids are messy/tired.
7. End with the Candlelight Processional (IF your kids can hang)
This moving performance features a live orchestra, massed choir, and celebrity narrator reading the Christmas story. It’s beautiful but runs 40+ minutes and often draws a crowd.
Mom Tip:
For younger kids, consider dining package seating to avoid long lines. Or enjoy the music from afar if they can’t sit still—there’s often standing room at the back of the theater.
Bonus Mom Hack: Let Kids Be “Cultural Explorers”
Make it a mission to “collect” greetings from around the world (e.g., “Feliz Navidad” in Mexico, “Joyeux Noël” in France). Turn it into a game or sticker chart. Great for curious minds!
Here are my picks for the best of the best of the Festival of the Holiday food from years past!
American Holiday Table – America Pavilion:
Slow Roasted Turkey with Ben’s Original Stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans and cranberry sauce: $6
The perfect Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings, in one bowl! For only $6 you cannot go wrong with this dish.
Bavaria Holiday Table – Germany Pavilion:
Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl with steamed baby vegetables and marbled potatoes: $8.25
I dream about this dish year after year. How can you go wrong with a bowl of bread full of cheese?! My only complaint is that there’s never enough cheese – I guess I need to just order 2. I will go back year after year for this dish!
Refreshment Outpost – Between the China and Germany Pavilions:
Peanut Stew with sweet potatoes, mustard greens and roasted potatoes: $5.25
This dish is one of my favorite festival foods of all time. The peanut stew is on the spicy side so be mindful of that. It is served over plain white rice and for me, this piece was a little bit of a miss. The rice is just plain, I’d only wish it had a little bit of butter or something – this is me really splitting hairs about this dish but it truly is so good.
Cookie Stroll: Bavaria Outpost – Germany Pavilion:
Linzer Cookie: $3
My favorite cookie of all time. It is literal perfection – the cookies are so soft and the jam doesn’t ooze out the sides when you bite into it. I’ve tried to replicate these without luck. I am trying again, so here is hoping my replica can be just as good as these. The Cookie Stroll is a must for our family – because how can you say no to all those yummy cookies?!
There you have it! My recommendations for the Festival of the Holiday eats!
Also, you cannot go wrong with EPCOT all dressed up for the holidays. The decor, the music and the storytellers are sure to get you into the holiday spirit! You also can see Santa in the Odyssey Pavilion (between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion) this year!
Don’t know where to start when planning a day in EPCOT? Check out my suggested itinerary to make the most of your day here!
Don’t know what to pack in your park bag for your day in EPCOT? Check out what I ALWAYS have in my park bag here!
First published 12/13/22, updated 11/14/23, updated 10/17/2024, updated 9/28/25
