The 2023 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays has officially Started! From Meeting Santa Claus at Holiday Hearth in the Odyssey Pavilion to Storytellers from around the World Showcase, Epcot Festival of the Holidays offers something for everyone this year. We were very excited to be at the opening this morning for the last major party to start for the 2023 season.
The new Festival Passport has been released and features:
FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
Take part in festive seasonal activities, such as a wintry scavenger hunt featuring Olaf or the Holiday Cookie Stroll.
FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE
Browse World Showcase, Creations Shop, and World Traveler at International Gateway to find holiday gifts for everyone on your list.
ENTERTAINMENT
Discover holiday traditions through the storytellers and musicians around the World Showcase. Then in the evening celebrate the season with the Candlelight Processional, a musical retelling of the Christmas Story at America Gardens Theatre.
HOLIDAY KITCHENS
Savor treasured seasonal recipes from around the globe.
Festival hours and offerings are subject to change. For up-to-date times, visit the My Disney Experience app.
FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES:
Cookie STROLL
Holiday Cookie Stroll Purchase five (5) delicious cookies from select locations during the Festival and receive a Festival treat.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt
Do you want to join a snowman? Set off on an adventure with Olaf for his Holiday Traditions Expedition Scavenger Hunt, a fun way to explore the World Showcase. Just purchase your map and stickers from select festival merchandise locations and seek out the “tradition” that Olaf has found in each pavilion. Whether or not you complete the quest, you can redeem your map at Creations Shop, Disney Traders, or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special festival holiday keepsake.
Santa Returns to the Odyssey Pavilion
I hope you’re ready to make your list – and check it twice! Santa Claus himself will visit with guests at the Odyssey pavilion from Nov. 24 through Dec. 24. Don your festive best for the perfect photo op and make sure you’ve been nice!
Bring the whole family for a classic, time-honored tradition—photos with Santa Claus!
Location: The Odyssey Pavilion
Show Times: 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM
Dates: Daily – November 24 through December 24, 2023
Holiday Hearth Desserts — The Odyssey Pavilion
Cozy with sweet treats, hot cocoa, blissful brews, and more. The Sanat meet and Greet, and Holiday Hearth look fantastic this year. Check out the walls since they project the story of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’.
Festival Merchandise to Remember Magical Moments
Finding the perfect keepsake – or holiday present – is half the fun when visiting EPCOT, and a sparkling new collection has something for everyone on your list (including you).
Snuggle up in the Festival of the Holidays Spirit Jersey featuring soft, faux shearling and glimmering gold touches.
The Festival of the Holidays Cookie Stroll Cookie Jar is the perfect place to stash those holiday-inspired sweets.
Whether you’re drinking warm apple cider or taking a peppermint mocha to go, you’ll sip in style with the Festival of the Holidays Mug and CORKCICLE Tumbler, both sporting this year’s signature motif of World Showcase icons.
Find these and many more treasures throughout the park in locations such as Creations Shop in World Celebration.
And as a bonus, enjoy a sparkling boat tour through Living with the Land in World Nature, where the greenhouses will be decked out with twinkling holiday light displays.
Storytellers From Around the World Share Tales and Traditions
… World Showcase comes alive with magical legends and lore as storytellers from around the globe captivate listeners with myriad tales. Celebrate the season with laughter in the Norway pavilion as a mischievous Barn Santa makes an appearance; observe the wonder of a Chinese Lion Dancer commemorating the Lunar New Year; join a fascinating journey to learn more about Hanukkah festivities around the world; and rediscover the magic of special moments as Pere Noel shares the delightful words of a child’s letter. As you stroll the park, don’t miss the beautiful and diverse décor throughout World Showcase – and beyond.
Finally, Disney Princesses are out in their Holiday attire and look stunning. Check out Belle in her beautiful winter dress, that has roses on the sleeves.
