Live Life On Vacation
with The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando Blog The Complete Q&A Guide to EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays – 2025 Edition
© Disney
The holidays at Walt Disney World® Resort are nothing short of magical, and at EPCOT®, the season takes on an extraordinary global flair. The EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays is a cherished annual event that invites guests to journey across continents, experiencing how cultures around the world celebrate the season. From candlelit choruses and international delicacies to family-friendly festivities, the festival is a luxurious blend of tradition, flavor, and festivity.
Whether this is your first holiday visit to EPCOT® or a beloved tradition, this guide answers all your questions about everything you need to know for a seamless and unforgettable experience.
What exactly is EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays?
This festival is EPCOT® at its most enchanting. Each pavilion in the World Showcase transforms into a cultural stage, sharing authentic seasonal traditions through music, performances, and dining. Guests can stroll from Germany to Japan, Mexico to Norway, all while sampling festive bites and enjoying live entertainment that highlights the beauty of the holidays around the globe.
It’s not just an event, it’s an immersion into worldwide traditions, carefully curated to both delight and educate. Guests leave with not only full hearts but also a deeper appreciation for the cultural diversity of the season.
When does the festival take place?
In 2025, the Festival of the Holidays runs from November 28 through December 30. While dates vary each year, they typically fall within this late November to late December window. For guests seeking to experience both the magic of EPCOT® and the comfort of a luxurious Orlando retreat, the festival provides a perfectly timed holiday getaway.
How important is food at the festival?
Food is at the very heart of this celebration. The Holiday Kitchens showcase seasonal dishes from across the globe, prepared with authentic flair. Each bite tells a story, whether it’s the warmth of Swiss-inspired fondue in Germany, the spice of traditional tamales in Mexico, or the comfort of American-style sweet potato casserole.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Holiday Cookie Stroll is a delightful adventure. Collect stamps with each cookie purchase, indulge in a variety of flavors, and enjoy a festive reward at the end. It’s a playful yet indulgent way to savor the season.
Pair your tastings with seasonal beverages, from mulled wines to crafted hot cocoa, to make the experience even more decadent.
What entertainment makes the festival so special?
The entertainment lineup is nothing short of extraordinary. Every performance is designed to immerse guests in the richness of global holiday celebrations:
- Candlelight Processional: Perhaps the most iconic of EPCOT®’s holiday traditions, this breathtaking performance pairs a celebrity narrator with a mass choir and full orchestra. Together, they retell the story of Christmas in a way that feels both deeply moving and grandly spectacular.
- Holiday Storytellers: Each pavilion presents captivating stories that reveal the heart of its holiday traditions. From the tales of La Befana in Italy to the legends of Hanukkah in America, these performances bring cultural heritage to life.
- JOYFUL!: A vibrant stage show filled with gospel, R&B, and holiday rhythms that leave audiences clapping and smiling.
- Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition: Children (and the young at heart) delight in this interactive scavenger hunt, discovering festive surprises throughout the World Showcase.
- Santa Meet & Greet: Of course, no holiday celebration is complete without Santa Claus himself, who is always ready for cheerful photos and heartfelt wish lists.
Do EPCOT® attractions receive holiday enhancements?
Yes, several beloved EPCOT® attractions sparkle with seasonal updates:
- Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses: A gentle boat ride becomes a serene holiday wonderland with twinkling lights woven throughout the lush greenhouses.
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Holiday Remix: This high-speed adventure swaps its usual soundtrack for festive beats, adding humor and joy to the intergalactic thrills.
- Spaceship Earth: The park’s iconic sphere is transformed at night into a glowing symbol of holiday spirit, adorned with brilliant light projections perfect for photos.
Are fireworks part of the celebration?
Yes, and they are breathtaking. EPCOT®’s nightly spectacular, Luminous: The Symphony of Us, already wows with its sweeping orchestration and dazzling pyrotechnics. During the holidays, seasonal elements are added for an even more festive finale. Guests can gather around the World Showcase Lagoon, enjoy a seasonal treat in hand, and watch as the sky erupts in holiday color.
Is this festival family-friendly?
Absolutely. Families find it particularly rewarding because the festival balances festive fun with cultural enrichment. Children adore Olaf’s scavenger hunt, decorating cookies, and interacting with characters in their holiday attire. Parents appreciate the way these experiences also introduce young ones to diverse traditions and global celebrations. It is a rare combination of festive, flavorful, and educational.
What are the best tips for visiting?
- Arrive Early: The atmosphere is calmest earlier in the day, allowing you to explore at leisure.
- Plan with the App: Use the My Disney Experience app for up-to-the-minute show schedules and wait times.
- Dress Festively: Many guests wear holiday sweaters, Mickey-themed Santa hats, or elegant attire for photos.
- Pause and Recharge: The Festival can fill an entire day. A midday siesta ensures energy for the evening spectaculars.
Where should I stay to complement the experience?
After immersing yourself in such a vibrant festival, the perfect finishing touch is a stay that is equally remarkable: The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando. Located just minutes from EPCOT®, it is a haven of sophistication and comfort, designed for those who seek privacy and elegance.
- Private Luxury Vacation Residences: Spacious multi-bedroom vacation homes with private pools, gourmet kitchens, and refined living spaces, perfect for family gatherings or entertaining.
- Concierge Services: From personalized park itineraries to arranging in-home holiday dining, every detail is handled with care.
- Complimentary Theme Park Transportation: Effortless access to EPCOT® and beyond ensures more time enjoying, less time driving.
- Exclusive Resort Experiences: Spa treatments, on-site resort dining, championship golf, and curated seasonal activities mean the holiday magic continues even beyond the parks.
- Unlimited Access to Three Water Parks: Guests also enjoy access to three spectacular water parks, including the award-winning Island H2O Water Park, offering vibrant slides, wave pools, and family fun. It’s a refreshing way to balance festive park days with sun-soaked relaxation.
Why pair EPCOT® with The Bear’s Den Resort?
The Festival of the Holidays celebrates culture, tradition, and togetherness on a global stage. At The Bear’s Den, that same spirit is reflected in luxury accommodations and guest-first service. Guests can also enjoy holiday experiences right on property, from a festive feast delivered straight to your door to specially curated resort activities that capture the magic of the season.
Together, they create the ultimate holiday escape, one where each day is filled with discovery, and each evening is spent in comfort and elegance.
A Holiday to Remember
The EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays is more than just a seasonal event, it’s an invitation to celebrate the world, savor new flavors, and create lifelong memories with those you love. With a stay at The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando, you’ll experience the best of both worlds: festive enchantment by day and a luxurious private retreat by night.
This season, make every moment extraordinary by celebrating the holidays in style, all while surrounded by magic, comfort, and joy.
Reserve your luxurious holiday stay today and let our team create the ultimate festive escape for you and your family, where you can truly Live Life on Vacation.
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