✨ EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays ✨

📅 Dates & Hours

November 27 – December 25, 2026

Included with your EPCOT admission. The festival transforms EPCOT into a winter wonderland with special entertainment, food, and holiday magic throughout the park.

Evening is most magical — arrive at dusk to see the lights come alive!

🎄 What to Expect

Immerse yourself in global holiday traditions from cultures around the world. From the Candlelight Processional to holiday kitchens, storytellers, and festive treats, there's something magical for every visitor.

Included with admissionFamily-friendlyMust-do event

How It Works

The Magic: Purchase cookies at participating booths throughout EPCOT during the Festival. Collect stamps in your souvenir map or guide as you go.

The Reward: After collecting stamps from participating locations, you're eligible for a FREE specialty cookie at a designated redemption booth. It's the perfect way to explore and earn a special treat!

Cost: Individual cookies typically range from $5–$8. A complete stroll might cost $40–$60.

🎯 Strategy for Success

Prioritize High-Demand Booths First:

• Germany pavilion (always busy!)
• France pavilion
• America pavilion

Pro Tips:

• Start early in the day before lines get long
• Go during meal times (fewer cookie shoppers!)
• Share cookies with friends to try more varieties
• Visit booths in numerical order to save walking time

📅 Best Dates to Visit

Sweet Spot for Lower Crowds: Early December weekdays (December 2-6, 9-13)

Peak Crowds: Thanksgiving week, Dec 14-23, weekends

Hidden Gems: Weekday mornings (gates open through 10am) are magical and less crowded. Consider arriving early!

Evening Magic: Arrive at 5pm or later — the park transforms as lights come on and creates peak festive atmosphere.

🎟️ Candlelight Dining Package Timeline

DO THIS FIRST:

• 60+ Days Before: Call (407) WDW-DINE to book dining packages
• Online booking opens: Usually 60 days in advance on disneyworld.com
• Best availability: Book at exactly 60 days for widest selection
• Price range: $39–$59 per person (kids may be less)

This is THE most important booking of your festival visit!

💰 Budget Breakdown

EPCOT Admission: $109+ (varies by date)

Candlelight Package (optional): $39–$59 per person

Holiday Kitchens: $80–$120 (trying 6-8 booths)

Cookie Stroll: $40–$60

Treats & Extras: $30–$50

Total Per Person (with dinner package): $300–$450+

Budget less if skipping the dining package or limiting food sampling.

⏰ See All Storytellers in One Day

Quick Guide:

• 9:00am–10:00am: Mexico (Las Posadas)
• 10:15am–11:15am: Norway (Holiday Traditions)
• 11:30am–12:30pm: China (New Year)
• 1:00pm–2:00pm: Germany (Helga's Nutcracker) — LUNCH
• 2:30pm–3:30pm: Italy (La Befana)
• 3:45pm–4:45pm: America (Voices of Liberty)
• 5:00pm–6:00pm: Japan (Daruma)
• 6:15pm–7:15pm: Morocco, France, UK, Canada

This requires purposeful movement and minimal lingering. Consider skipping detailed conversations with some storytellers if time is tight.

🌙 The Evening Strategy

Arrive at dusk (around 5pm) for maximum festival magic:

• All lights come alive as darkness falls
• Holiday decorations glow with their full beauty
• Cooler temperatures make strolling more comfortable
• Crowds tend to be eating dinner (fewer people at booths)
• Storyteller performances continue into evening

Pro Move Attend the early Candlelight show (5:30pm) if you have a dining package, then explore festival attractions afterward!

📱 Mobile Ordering & Apps

Use the My Disney Experience App:

• Check storyteller performance times in real-time
• View current wait times for Candlelight lines
• Mobile order from participating Holiday Kitchens
• Make dining reservations (critical for Candlelight!)

Battery Saver Tip: Bring a portable charger — the app is your essential festival companion!