Guide to Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays 2023
Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays 2023 will take place from November 24, 2023 from December 30, 2023. Of course what Epcot festival would be complete without the food booths! They will still have their holiday kitchen food booths this year to enjoy treats from around the world.
Holiday Kitchens
The Holiday Kitchens aka food booths for Festival of the Holidays 2023 have yet to be announced. However below is the list of the food booth menus from Festival of the Holidays 2022.
Food
- Slow-Roasted Turkey with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce
- Blackened Catfish with Hoppin’ John and Comeback Sauce
- Gingerbread Cookie
Beverages
- Crooked Can Brewing Company Bah HOPbug IPA, Winter Garden, FL
- 3 Daughters Brewing Eggnog White Porter, St. Petersburg, FL
- Playalinda Brewing Co. Peppermint Chocolate Stout, Titusville, FL
- Beer Flight
Food
- Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Sauce, Spätzle and Braised Red Cabbage
- Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl with Steamed Baby Vegetables and Marble Potatoes
- Linzer Cookie
Beverages
- Possmann Pure Hard Apple Cider, Frankfurt, Germany
- The Tank Brewing Co. Prost! Festbier, Miami, FL
- Köstritzer Schwarzbier Bitburger, Germany
- Regional Riesling
- Glühwein: House-Made Hot Spiced Wine
- Beer Flight
Food
- Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Prosecco Cocktail Sauce and Grilled Lemon
- Jonah Crab Claw with Stone-Ground Mustard Sauce
Beverages
- Moët & Chandon Impérial, Epernay, France
- Veuve Clicquot Rosé, Reims, France
- Dom Pérignon, Epernay, France
Food
- Roasted Porchetta with Lemon-Parsley Salsa Verde and Shaved Fennel Salad
- Grilled Impossible™ Spicy Sausage with Herbed Polenta, Puttanesca Sauce and Ricotta
- Meat Assorti: Trio of Shaved Meats with Baby Arugula, Pickled Mustard Seeds, Truffle Oil and Grilled Ciabatta
Beverages
- Krombacher Pilsner, Kreuztal, Germany
- North Coast Laguna Baja Vienna Lager, Fort Bragg, CA
- Motorworks Brewing Midnight Espresso Coffee Porter, Bradenton, FL
- GoGi ‘Birdie’ Pinot Noir, California
- Bloody Mary with Seaside Grown Bloody Mary Mix and Kurvball Barbecue Whiskey
- Beer Flight
Food
- Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
- Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie
- Mouse Crunch made with M&M’S chocolate candies
- Mint Chocolate Mousse
- Apple Caramel Crumb Cake
- Chocolate-Covered Toffee Brittle
- Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie
Beverages
- Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee (nonalcoholic)
- Frozen Caramel Hot Chocolate with TWIX® Cookie bar pieces and Whipped Cream (nonalcoholic)
- Wicked Weed Brewing Jack Frost IPA, Asheville, NC
- BrewDog It’s a Beaut Stout, Columbus, OH
- Wicked Weed Brewing Milk & Cookies Imperial Milk Stout, Asheville, NC
- Peppermint Cocoa: Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee with Peppermint Schnapps
- Beer Flight
Food
- Peppermint Sundae: Chocolate Ice Cream, Whipped Cream and Peppermint Candy
Beverages
- Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee (nonalcoholic)
- Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings® Peppermint Cheer™ Tea (nonalcoholic)
- Breckenridge Brewery Christmas Ale, Breckenridge, CO
- Brew Hub Sugar Plum Red Ale, Lakeland, FL
- Left Hand Brewing Co. Chai Milk Stout, Longmont, CO
- Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee with Assorted Liqueurs (Baileys Irish Cream, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream, or Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey)
- Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer™ Tea and Whipped Cream Vodka
- Beer Flight
Food
- Pastrami on Rye with House-Made Pickles and Deli Mustard
- Smoked Salmon Potato Latke
- Potato Latkes
- Rugalach: Pastry filled with Raspberry Jam, Walnuts and Cinnamon
- Black and White Cookie
Beverages
- Brooklyn Brewery Winter IPA, Brooklyn, NY
- Frozen New York Whiskey Sour featuring Manifest Whiskey and Manischewitz Blackberry Wine
Food
- Giant Tostada de Chorizo: Giant Tostada with Chipotle Black Bean Purée, Ground Chorizo, Salsa Verde, Queso Cotija, Crema Mexicana and Pickled Onions
- Tamale de Barbacoa: Shredded Barbacoa Beef in a Corn Masa topped with Mole Negro, Queso Cotija, Crema Mexicana and Pickled Onions
- Dulce de Leche Churro sprinkled with Cinnamon-Sugar
Beverages
- Apple Margarita: Centinela Blanco Tequila, Apple Purée, Black Tea-Cinnamon Cordial and Nixta Corn Liqueur topped with Whipped Cream and Holiday Salt
- Horchata Margarita: Cinnamon-Infused Ilegal Mezcal, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, Agua de Horchata and Cinnamon-Horchata Rum
- Holiday Cerveza: Mexican Artisanal Craft Lager with Black Currant Liqueur
Food
- Crème de Saumon Fume en Brioche à l’Aneth, Concombre: Cream of Smoked Salmon in House-Made Dill Brioche Bread with Cucumber
- Rôti de Jambon Sauce Moutarde à l’Ancienne, Patate Douce Rôties: Roasted Ham with Mushrooms, Pearl Onions, Bacon, Mustard Sauce and Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Bûche de Noël au Pain D’Épices, Ganache Chocolat au Lait et Noisettes: Gingerbread Christmas Log with Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Ganache
Beverages
- Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini: Grey Goose La Vanille Vodka, Vodka, Chocolate Milk and Whipped Cream
- Le Joyeux Cocktail de Noël: Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, Cold Brew Coffee, Sea Salt Caramel Toffee and Peppermint
- Blood Orange Mimosa: Pol Remy Sparkling Wine, Orange Juice and Blood Orange
Food
- Tamale with Plant-Based Chorizo, Plant-Based Cotija Cheese and Spicy Red Chile Sauce
- Pernil: Mojo Pork with Tostones and Ketchup-Mayonnaise
- Spiced Chocolate Cookie
Beverages
- 81Bay Brewing Co. Horchata Beer, Tampa, FL
Food
- Chicken Skewer with Creamy Peanut Sauce
- Beef and Noodle Soup Bowl with Slow-Braised Beef Shank, Green Onion and House-Made Chili Oil
- Vegetable Spring Rolls with Citrus Sauce
Beverages
- Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Boba Pearls (nonalcoholic)
- Brew Hub Year of the Dragon: Dragon Fruit Lager, Lakeland, FL
- Butterfly Lantern with Butterfly Pea Blossom Gin, Vodka, Prickly Pear, Lychee, Soda Water and Boba
- Kung Fu Master with Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango, Orange Juice and Soda Water
- The Lucky Mo with Citrus Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Piña Colada Mix, Orange Juice and Soda Water
Food
- Sushi Tree: Sushi Roll with Krab Meat and Cream Cheese topped with Aonori Seaweed, Ikura Salmon Roe and Spicy Mayonnaise
- New Year Celebration Soba: Buckwheat Soba Noodles in a Hot Dashi Soup with Yuzu, Shrimp Tempura and Chopped Green Onion
- Sweet Potato Mochi Cake: Gooey Sweet Potato Mochi Cake with Purple Sweet Potato Cream, Strawberry, Black Sugary Syrup and Sesame Seeds
Beverages
- Ichigo Milk Boba: Cranberry and Yuzu Cream drink featuring Japanese Calpico Soft Drink and Popping Strawberry Boba Pearls (nonalcoholic)
- Japanese Christmas Punch: Shōchū, Plum Wine, Cranberry and Lemon
- Choya Sparkling Plum Wine
- Sapporo Premium Beer
Food
- Mickey-shaped Liquid Nitro Cake
- Soft-Serve in a Waffle Cone
- Vanilla
- Apple-Cinnamon
- Salted Caramel
- Cream Soda Float with Vanilla Soft-Serve
- Fanta® Grape Float with Vanilla Soft-Serve
Beverages
- Frozen Apple Pie (nonalcoholic)
- Cinnamon Apple Cider (nonalcoholic)
- 3 Daughters Brewing Toasted Coconut Porter, St. Petersburg, FL
- 3 Daughters Brewing Toasted Coconut Porter Float with Salted Caramel Soft-Serve
- Berry Fizz Fragolino Red Sparkling Wine Float with Vanilla Soft-Serve
Food
- Grilled Kebabs with Carrot-Chickpea Salad and Garlic Aïoli
- Lamb Kefta
- Chermoula Chicken
- Stone-Baked Moroccan Bread with Hummus, Chermoula and Zhoug Dips
Beverages
- Bold Rock Orchard Frost Hard Cider, Nellysford, VA
- Woodchuck Winter Chill Hard Cider, Middlebury, VT
- Gulf Stream Brewing Company Holiday Snakebite, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- Fig Cocktail with Sparkling Wine, Fig Vodka and Cranberry Juice
- Cider Flight
Food
- Montanara: Fried House-Made Pizza Dough with Pomodoro Sauce, Parmesan and Fresh Basil
- Dolce Pizza: Fried House-Made Pizza Dough with Sugar and Cinnamon
- Farfelle Salmone Affumicato: Farfalle Pasta with Smoked Salmon and Cream Sauce
- Torta Caprese: Flourless Chocolate Torta with Chocolate Sauce and Vanilla Cream
Beverages
- Prosecco
- Moscato
- Chianti
- Italian Sangria Red or White
- Italian Margarita with Tequila and Limoncello
- Peroni Pilsner
Food
- Assorted Artisanal Cheeses and Accoutrements
- Boursin Fig & Balsamic Soufflé with Fig Tapenade
- Southern Pimento Cheese with Bread-and-Butter Pickled Vegetables and Grilled Bread
- Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese: Assorted Artisanal Cheeses paired with Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling, Hartley Apple Brandy and Florida Orange Groves Winery Black and Blue Port
Beverages
- Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Mosel
- Hartley Apple Brandy, Kentucky
- Florida Orange Groves Winery Black and Blue Port, St. Petersburg, FL
- Flight
Food
- Seared Salmon with Butternut Squash Purée, Maple Bourbon Glaze and Fennel-Arugula Salad
- Beef Bourguignon with Crushed Potatoes
- Snickerdoodle Cookie made with SNICKERS bar pieces
Beverages
- Frozen Joffrey’s Coffee (nonalcoholic)
- 81Bay Brewing Co. Peanut Butter Banana Porter, Tampa, FL
- Playalinda Brewing Co. Maple Cookie Blonde Ale, Titusville, FL
- Collective Arts Coffee Maple Porter, Hamilton, Ontario
- Regional Icewine
- Regional Red Wine
- Frozen Joffrey’s Coffee with Tap 357 Whisky
- Beer Flight
Food
- Holiday Cinnamon Celebration Funnel Cake topped with Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Ice Cream, Cinnamon Cookie Crunch, Cream Cheese Whipped Cream and Gold Dust
Food
- Horchata Cold Brew – a holly jolly blend of Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican™ Cold Brew and Horchata topped with Whipped Cream and Cinnamon
- Spirited version available with Creamy Spiced Rum
Food
- DOLE Whip Raspberry
- Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes, Mustard Greens and Roasted Peanuts
Beverages
- Ciderboys Caramel Apple Hard Cider, Stevens Point, WI
- 81Bay Brewing Co. Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Wheat Ale, Tampa, FL
- Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Gingerbread White Stout, Orlando, FL
- Chai Ginger Mule featuring Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka
Food
- Turkey Poutine: Sweet Potato Fries with Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Relish and Crispy Onions
Beverages
- Gingerbread Milk Shake (nonalcoholic)
- Eggnog (nonalcoholic)
- Keel Farms Hard Pumpkin Cider, Plant City, FL
- Pasek Cellars Cranberry Wine, Mount Vernon, WA
- Gingerbread Milk Shake with Whipped Cream Vodka
- Firenog: Eggnog with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
Food
- Holiday Sugar Cookie
Food
- So Many Wishes: Pomegranate-Green Tea, Hibiscus, Lemon and a dash of Shimmer (nonalcoholic)
- Coquito Milk Shake (nonalcoholic)
Beverages
- Coquito Milk Shake with Bacardí Superior Rum
Food
- Jingle Sugar Cookie made with M&M’s chocolate candies
Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional is a chance for you and your family to listen to the story of Christmas at Epcot. While on the surface that might seem silly to sit and listen to someone repeat a story you have heard before, it is something that should not be skipped.
Every day at 5:15 pm, 7:00 pm, and 8:30 pm, from November 24 until December 30, experience the story of Christmas in a way you never have before. While a celebrity narrates, a 50-piece orchestra and choir bring to life the story a baby born in a manger.
Candlelight Processional is back for 2023. If you are missing some of the magic there are quite a few videos on YouTube of your favorite narrators such as Gary Sinise or Neil Patrick Harris.
Disney has announced the celebrity narrators for the 2022 Candlelight Processional.
- Chrissy Metz – November 24 and 25, 2023
- Luis Fonsi – November 26 and 27, 2023
- Ann-Margret – November 28 and 29, 2023
- Simu Liu – November 30 to December 2, 2023
- John Stamos – December 3 to 5, 2023
- Neil Patrick Harris – December 6 to 8, 2023
- Marlee Matlin – December 9 to 11, 2023
- Brendan Fraser – December 12 to 14, 2023
- Eva Longoria – December 15 and 16, 2023
- Joey McIntyre – December 17 and 18, 2023
- Sterling K. Brown – December 19 and 20, 2023
- Jordan Fisher – December 21 to 23, 2023
- Steven Curtis Chapman – December 24 to 26, 2023
- Audra McDonald – December 27 and 28, 2023
- Lisa Ling – December 29 and 30, 2023
Candlelight Processional Dining Package Restaurants
If you are interested in securing seating for a performance, consider booking a Candlelight Processional dining package. Each package includes an appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage or a full buffet, depending on the restaurant.
One thing that has changed for Festival of the Holidays 2022 is the addition of same-day dining packages. Regal Eagle Smokehouse and Spice Road are available to be purchased the day of your visit and still give you guaranteed seats to a Candlelight Processional.
If you are considering booking a package, visit Disney’s website or call (407) WDW-FEST or (407) 939-3378 to reserve your plans.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is located in the Norway Pavilion. It is a classic American breakfast buffet with a few Norwegian inspired foods as well. Lunch and dinner feature Scandinavian seafood, imported cheeses, cured meats, and more. You will also have your choice of a hot entree from its rotating menu and finish with The Royal Chef’s Dessert Plate that contains 3 desserts served family-style. It is a popular restaurant because you can meet Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Princess Aurora, or even Ariel!
- Breakfast: $71 for adults; $45 for kids
- Lunch/Dinner: $83 for adults; $53 for kids
Biergarten is located in the Germany pavilion and serves traditional German food. The atmosphere in this restaurant is one of the hidden gems in Epcot’s World Showcase. You will be seated at a communal table, like a true biergarten, so if you don’t have a big party you will be seated with strangers. Depending on your personality this is either a positive or a negative, so be aware of that when you book your table. It is a rotating buffet with selections like bratwurst, rotisserie chicken, pork schnitzel, Bavarian cheesecake, and more!
- $65 for adults; $37 for kids
Coral Reef is located in Future World, in the Living Seas pavilion. It is one of my personal favorites as well. They offer delicious seafood options as well as classic favorites. The real draw here is the setting. Panoramic windows in the restaurant give you a chance to view the underwater world that is home to 85 species of tropical fish. This option will provide you with a three course meal to be enjoyed in a serene and beautiful setting.
- $78 for adults; $32 for kids
The Garden Grill is a buffet character meal located in Future World’s Land pavilion. Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat while rotating through Living with the Land. This unique experience combined with the character interactions make it a favorite for every Disney fan no matter the age.
- Breakfast – $63 for adults; $40 for kids
- $78 for adults; $50 for kids
Le Cellier Steakhouse is an upscale dining option in Canada. It is the most expensive option, but also the most high-end. The cheddar cheese soup is a fan favorite for a reason!
- Dinner: $104 for adults; $42 for kids
Regal Eagle Smokehouse is located in the American Adventure pavilion. It was a welcome addition to the quick-service options at Epcot specializing in barbecue dishes.
- $41 for adults
Rose and Crown is located in the United Kingdom pavilion and offers traditional British cuisine. Enjoy a three course meal with selections such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, vegetable cottage pie, and more!
- $66 for adults; $29 for kids
Spice Road is located at the Moroccan pavilion overlooking the water. They offer Mediterranean inspired cuisine such as, garlic shrimp, fried calamari, beef and chicken skewers, and coriander-crusted rack of lamb.
- $55 for adults; $24 for kids
Holiday Cookie Stroll
Who doesn’t love holiday cookies?! When you purchase one of the five select holiday cookies you will receive a unique sticker for your Festival Passport. Once you purchase 5 cookies, you get a special complimentary sixth cookie, which in previous years was a Peppermint Minnie Cookie located at Sweets & Treats Holiday Kitchen! You don’t have to get 5 different cookies either! You just need to have purchased 5 cookies on the list.
The cookies for 2023 have yet to be announced, but the cookies for 2022 included:
- Nochebuena Cocina: Alfajores – Vanilla Shortbread Cookie with Dulce de Leche and Coconut
- Yukon Holiday Kitchen: SNICKERS®-Doodle Cookie made with SNICKERS® Bar pieces
- L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen: Black and White Cookie (plant-based)
- American Holiday Table: Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
- Bavaria Holiday Kitchen: Linzer Cookie
- Holiday Hearth Desserts: Gingerbread Cookie
- Sunshine Seasons: M&M’s® Sugar Cookie
- Connections Café: Sugar Cookie
Holiday Storytellers
Holiday storytellers bring the holiday magic from around the world right to you. Learn about the holiday traditions for each country represented in Epcot. You will learn about how the holidays are celebrated and hear stories about their heritage as well.
Between the Morocco and France pavilions, you will find the Hanukkah Storyteller. Hear stories and listen to songs about what Hanukkah means!
Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration
Sunday through Thursday
¡Feliz Navidad! Join the fun and pageantry of Las Posadas with dancers, piñatas and the music of Mariachi Cobre.
Norway Pavilion – A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
Daily
Celebrate the season with laughter as a mischievous Barn Santa visits Sigrid, an unsuspecting Christmas storyteller.
China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer
Daily
Catch a glimpse of a colorful performance that brings good fortune and happiness in the Lunar New Year.
Italy Pavilion – La Befana
Daily
Come hear the tale of La Befana, the kindhearted witch who visits sleeping young children on the Eve of the Epiphany.
Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller
Daily
Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year!
Between the Morocco and France Pavilions – Hanukkah Storyteller
Daily
Witness a storyteller recount traveling abroad to explore the diverse music and traditions of Hanukkah around the world.
France Pavilion – Pere Noel
Daily
Visit with Père Noël and rediscover the magic of Christmas through the letter of a delightful child.
United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas
Daily
Join Father Christmas as he rings in the season, sharing the traditions of the United Kingdom with good cheer.
Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
Daily
Explore holiday customs from the various regions of Canada on a musical tour of the Great White North with the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.
The Odyssey Pavilion – Santa Greeting
Daily through December 24, 2023
Stop by for a photo with jolly Santa Claus—also known as St. Nick, Père Noël and Father Christmas around the world!
Festival Scavenger Hunt
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition
Similar to the Remy scavenger hunt during the Food and Wine Festival or searching for Figment at the Festival of the Arts, this is a festival scavenger hunt. New this year, Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition follows Olaf as he finds and loses traditions found throughout the World Showcase. Help Olaf find the traditions he misplaced on his bumpy journey around the world.
To participate head over to Creations Shop and World Traveler to buy a map and play along! The map costs $9.99. You can usually also find them at Stroller Rental locations at the Main Entrance and at International Gateway, and the merchandise cart in the Canada Pavilion.
To play, keep an eye out throughout the World Showcase for Olaf and his sleighs with the lost traditions. When you find one, simply match the sticker and tradition to the location on your map. Once you have completed your map visit Disney Traders, Mouse Gear, or World Traveler to receive a prize!
I’m going to be honest, on the scavenger hunts I’ve done, they’ll give you the prize before you complete the map or even if you can’t find them all. They just stamp the back of your map saying you redeemed your prize. If you are in a hurry you can collect that first and then keep an eye out as you explore the World Showcase. This way you don’t have to worry about making it back before the park closes.
Festive Activities and Entertainment
Activities and entertainment made for kids and adults alike! The majority of these have scheduled performance times so be sure to check your My Disney Experience app.
Meet Santa Claus
From November 24 through December 24, 2023, you can meet Santa Claus at Epcot! He will be at The Odyssey Pavilion from 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm, 3:30 pm, 5 pm,and 6:30 pm.
Gingerbread Capital City – not confirmed for 2023
We might be getting the gingerbread houses at the monorail resorts, but they are bringing one to Epcot. You can find a United States Capitol Building, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and a 5-foot tall Washington Monument throughout the World Showcase.
JOYFUL!
JOYFUL! helps put you into the holiday spirit by experiencing the joy through Gospel, R&B, and holiday songs. They perform daily in the World Showcase Plaza at 1:15 pm, 2:20 pm, 3:25 pm, and 4:30 pm.
Voices of Liberty – Voices of the Season – not confirmed for 2023
The Voices of Liberty will still be a part of your holiday celebrations at Epcot! They will be dressed as Dickens Carolers singing your holiday acapella favorites. This will take place at the American Gardens Theater.
JAMMitors – not confirmed for 2023
They’re back! The JAMMitors will be located in the Canada pavilion on the Mill Stage.
Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses
Often during Epcot festivals they dress up Living with the Land. You usually can see what food is being used at the food booths, but for Festival of the Holidays there is an additional step taken. They decorate the inside of Living with the Land with beautiful lights for a festive glow.
Ready to go?
One of the reasons I was excited to be an annual passholder in the past was because I was able to use it to visit every festival and party this year. I cannot wait to see all of the exciting activities Disney has in store!
If you are thinking about heading to Disney World for the festival, check out these other posts to help with your planning and decision process:
- Renting Disney Vacation Club Points
- How to Use Swagbucks to Save for a Disney Vacation
- What Is Always In My Disney Bag
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