The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is back, but on a slightly smaller scale like the Food & Wine Festival. So this year it’s being dubbed as the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.
The festival started on November 27 and will run through December 30, 2020. This event always features some fun activities for families, specialty food items, and Disney characters dressed in their holiday finest. Plus, guests can enjoy the festive decorations as they make their way around the World Showcase.
During this festival, Holiday Kitchens are placed around the World Showcase, including inside World ShowPlace Events Pavilion. These kitchens serve up some holiday specialty foods like the slow-roasted turkey, which can be found at the American Holiday Table. There are over 15 Holiday Kitchens around the World Showcase and all serve festive dishes that originate from the country the booth is representing.
Holiday Kitchens:
- American Holiday Table (American Adventure Pavilion)
- Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany Pavilion)
- Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)
- Festival Favorites (World Showplace)
- Holiday Hearth (World Showplace)
- Holiday Sweets & Treats (Promenade Refreshments)
- L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between Morocco and France)
- Le Marche de Noel Holiday Kitchen (France Pavilion)
- Mele Kalikimaka Holiday Kitchen (Showcase Plaza)
- Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico Pavilion)
- Prost! (World Showplace)
- Sapphire Holiday Kitchen (Morocco Pavilion)
- Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China Pavilion)
- Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan Pavilion)
- Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy Pavilion)
- Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada Pavilion)
In addition to the above Holiday Kitchens, guests can also get some festive goodies at the funnel cake stand, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company Stands, Refreshment Outpost, and Refreshment Port.
While enjoying food from the Holiday Kitchens don’t forget to try the cookies that are a part of this year’s Cookie Stroll. Grab a Festival Passport and look for the five official Holiday Cookie Stroll locations. Collect a stamp at each stop and once all five have been collected guests receive a complimentary peppermint Minnie Cookie from the Sweets & Treats Holiday Kitchen.
Cookie Stroll Locations
- American Holiday Table: Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
- Bavaria Holiday Kitchen: Linzer Cookie
- Festival Favorites: Gingerbread Cookie
- L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen: Black and White Cookie (Plant-based)
- Yukon Holiday Kitchen: Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie
- Holiday Sweets & Treats – Complimentary Minnie Peppermint Cookie (After the previous five have been purchased and all stamps have been collected)
Special character experiences are also part of this festival. Disney characters are dressed in their holiday outfits and Santa Claus makes appearances as well.
Character Experiences
- Queen Anna and Elsa in the “Frozen Holiday Promenade”
- Mickey Mouse and friends in “Mickey and Friends Holiday World Tour”
- Santa Claus makes appearances throughout the day taking a grand horse-drawn tour around World Showcase.
In addition to the character experiences, there is other entertainment as well. While some of the entertainment has been scaled back or put on hold for this year, there are still some fun acts to see.
Holiday Entertainment
- Voices of Liberty are performing favorite carols at the America Gardens Theatre.
- Mariachi Cobre is celebrating Mexican holiday customs through music and dance.
- The JaMMinators perform on the Mill Stage at the Canada Pavilion throughout the day.
- JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season is performing inside the World Showplace.
Scavenger Hunt
Finally, for a fun family activity check out the new “Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition.” Follow the expedition map to find hidden Olafs throughout the World Showcase pavilions. Once all the Olafs have been found, guests will receive a free gift. Maps can be purchased at Mouse Gear, Disney Traders, or World Traveler at International Gateway.
Lots of fun is happening at the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Are you planning to attend this year?
Thanks for reading!
Liz