The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (previously known as “Holidays Around the World”) will return to Epcot from November 19 through December 30. What can you expect this season? The return of the guest-favorite Candlelight Processional, new Holiday Kitchens, entertainment additions and more.
First up, the Candlelight Processional, a highlight of a holiday visit for many guests, features a retelling of the traditional Christmas story by a celebrity narrator and music from a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. This year the show will welcome a few new narrators to the season’s lineup, including Matt Bomer, CCH Pounder and Pat Sajak. Returning favorites Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg and Jaci Velasquez are also scheduled to appear. The Candlelight Processional is performed three times each evening, 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre from Nov. 24-Dec. 30. Candlelight dinner packages can be reserved now by visiting Disneyworld.com/holiday.
Guests can also enjoy entertainment throughout World Showcase, with each pavilion’s holiday traditions coming to life for guests through the sharing of joyful music and time-honored traditions.New this year is a fun, interactive musical group that interweaves the music of Hanukkah with jazz, rock and hip-hop influences! Returning favorites also include JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season and Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.
In addition to more entertainment, the park will also feature a total of 15 Holiday Kitchens this year, serving up more holiday cookies and other sweet seasonal treats than ever before. Stop into the Odyssey for snowflake sugar cookies and warm apple fritters with cinnamon ice cream, or head to the Canada pavilion for Maple Buche de Noel. (Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for a closer look at this year’s offerings in the coming weeks).
Guests can also finish their holiday visit at Epcot by watching “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” fireworks, which will feature a special holiday finale.
What are you looking forward to experiencing most this holiday season at Epcot? Tell us in the comments section below.
