EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 2025 in Orlando, Florida: A Global Celebration of Holiday Food, Drinks, and Entertainment, Boosting Tourism and Culture

Published on December 8, 2025

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 2025 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is set to be a highlight of the holiday season. From November 28 to December 30, this much-anticipated festival will bring together a global celebration of holiday traditions, festive food, drinks, and entertainment, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world. As one of the most exciting holiday festivals in Florida, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is not just a celebration of Christmas but also a display of cultural diversity, featuring holiday traditions from across the globe.

For tourists visiting Florida during the holiday season, this festival is the perfect way to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of Disney’s EPCOT. As the theme park transforms into a wonderland of holiday cheer, it offers a wealth of family-friendly activities, delicious seasonal foods, and enchanting entertainment, making it a must-visit event for those seeking to celebrate the holidays in a magical setting.

A Taste of the World: New and Returning Festive Menus at EPCOT

The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is set to feature an array of new menu items, returning favorites, and creative holiday cocktails. Each year, EPCOT introduces new festival kitchens that highlight seasonal dishes from around the world, providing a perfect opportunity for food lovers and tourists to indulge in international flavors during their visit.

This year’s festival offers a special focus on holiday cookies and savory dishes, with many of the park’s kitchens unveiling brand-new options. One of the most exciting additions is the Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow booth at CommuniCore Hall, where guests can enjoy two new festival cookies: the prototype cookie, which is designed to resemble the iconic Spaceship Earth design, and a delightful ginger-molasses cookie that stands out as a favorite among attendees.

In addition to sweet treats, several holiday kitchens have introduced new savory dishes, including the tostada de carne and tamal de pollo con mole at the Las Posadas kitchen in the Mexico pavilion. These dishes add to the growing list of traditional holiday foods from various countries, such as the BBQ char siu pork fried rice from the Shanghai Holiday Kitchen in the China pavilion and Salsiccia e Peperoni from the Tuscany Holiday Kitchen in the Italy pavilion.

For those looking to add a festive drink to their experience, the festival is introducing exciting new beverages as well. Highlights include a spiked hot cocoa featuring whipped-cream vodka at the Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow booth, a horchata margarita at Las Posadas, and a warm Apfel Cider at Sommerfest in the Germany pavilion. Additionally, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse at the American Adventure pavilion will offer a frozen gingerbread eggnog—a perfect treat for those looking to indulge in a festive beverage.

Holiday Kitchens Around EPCOT: A Global Culinary Journey

One of the key features of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is the expansive collection of holiday kitchens scattered throughout the park, each offering seasonal delights that celebrate the flavors of global holiday traditions. The World Showcase at EPCOT is home to many of the festival kitchens, where visitors can sample unique and authentic dishes from a variety of countries, including Mexico, China, Italy, and France.

The World Showcase offers the largest concentration of holiday kitchens, with each pavilion featuring its own take on holiday foods. Guests can enjoy mole and tamales in Mexico, maple treats in Canada, a sushi tree roll in Japan, and slow-roasted turkey in the USA pavilion. Each location provides a unique cultural experience, giving tourists the opportunity to taste and experience the holiday traditions of multiple nations all in one place.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Holiday Hearth Desserts booth at The Odyssey pavilion is the perfect stop for indulgent holiday sweets. Here, visitors can satisfy their cravings with seasonal treats, including the new cranberry-oatmeal cookie and red velvet cake pop, while also enjoying a variety of traditional desserts from around the world. Additionally, the Swirled Showcase, located between the World Showcase and Imagination pavilion, will offer frozen treats, including a new chocolate-peppermint mousse that captures the essence of the season.

For those looking for a non-traditional holiday experience, the Connections Eatery at World Celebration offers a special spiced caramel apple drink with Fireball cinnamon whiskey, bringing a modern twist to the traditional holiday beverage. These innovative drinks and dishes not only highlight the festive spirit but also bring a new dimension to the global holiday celebration.

Entertainment and Cultural Performances at EPCOT

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is not just about food and drinks; it also features an exciting line-up of entertainment and cultural performances that capture the essence of holiday traditions from around the world. One of the festival’s standout experiences is the Candlelight Processional, a beautiful performance that features a celebrity narrator and a full orchestra, bringing the story of Christmas to life through music and narration. The performance is a must-see for visitors, offering a touching and meaningful experience that resonates with people of all ages.

Throughout the festival, the global storytellers at each pavilion share traditional holiday tales, immersing visitors in the customs and legends of different cultures. For example, the Morocco pavilion features Tangierine Café, where guests can hear stories of Medina traditions, while in France, Le Marché de Noël hosts performances that tell the story of the French holiday season. These storytelling sessions offer visitors a chance to experience the diversity of holiday traditions and learn more about the global celebrations that take place during this special time of year.

In addition to the performances and storytelling, visitors can enjoy live music throughout the park, with holiday carolers singing traditional songs and live bands performing festive tunes. The music at EPCOT helps create a warm and joyous atmosphere, making the festival even more enchanting and memorable.

Tourism Impact: EPCOT’s Role in Orlando’s Holiday Travel Experience

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays plays a significant role in enhancing holiday tourism in Orlando, Florida. As one of the largest and most popular theme parks in the world, EPCOT attracts millions of visitors annually, and the holiday festival is one of the key drivers of seasonal tourism in the region. The festival draws both domestic and international tourists who are eager to experience the magic of Disney during the holidays.

For tourists, the festival offers a chance to experience the magic of Disney’s EPCOT while also immersing themselves in holiday traditions from around the world. The event appeals to families, food enthusiasts, and culture seekers who want to explore the diverse flavors, customs, and festivities of different countries, all in one location. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays not only enhances the guest experience but also contributes to the overall economic impact of holiday tourism in Orlando.

A Tradition for Years to Come: EPCOT’s Growing Holiday Appeal

As the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays continues to grow in size and scope, it is clear that the event will remain a central part of the holiday experience in Orlando. With its wide array of holiday kitchens, international storytelling, musical performances, and specialty drinks, the festival offers an unforgettable way to celebrate the season. For visitors to Orlando, the EPCOT festival is a must-visit event that combines the best of food, culture, and entertainment in one magical experience.

Looking ahead, the festival is likely to expand further, with even more international pavilions offering seasonal treats and new holiday traditions to explore. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays remains a shining example of how global cultures can come together to celebrate the holiday season, and it is sure to continue being a key destination for tourists seeking a unique and festive experience during their visit to Orlando.

Conclusion: A Global Celebration in the Heart of EPCOT

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 2025 is more than just a celebration of the season—it’s a global celebration that brings together cultures from across the world in a festive and enchanting atmosphere. Whether you’re sampling holiday cookies, enjoying international performances, or exploring new holiday dishes, the festival offers something for everyone. For tourists visiting Orlando, this event is a must-see attraction, enhancing the holiday spirit and making EPCOT the ultimate destination for a magical holiday experience.