Overview of Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays for 2022

The holidays at Walt Disney World are one of the most popular times of the year to visit, and for good reason!

Epcot brings its own special touch to the season with the popular Festival of the Holidays.

The shortest of the Epcot festivals, this special celebration transforms Epcot into a yuletide spectacular.

Ready to learn more? Check out our overview below!

When is the Festival of the Holidays at Epcot?

This year, the Festival of the Holidays runs from November 25 – December 30, 2022.

Like other festivals at Epcot, it is included with the price of your admission.

What is there to do at the Epcot Festival of the Holidays?

Although the Festival of the Holidays is one of the shorter festivals at Epcot, it is still packed full of holiday fun and activities.

Here’s what you’ll find:

Looking for show times? You can check for that in your My Disney Experience app.

Candlelight Processional

Probably the most well known piece of the Festival of Holidays, the Candlelight Processional is one of those traditions that many families return to see year-after-year.

You’ll find the Candlelight Processional in the outdoor American Gardens Theatre, which is located in the American section of the World Showcase.

There, celebrity narrators read a presentation of the Christmas Story while joined by a huge choir and fantastic 50-piece orchestra.

Trust us: the entire thing is quite moving.

This 40 minute show usually takes place 3 times a day (5:15, 7:00 and 8:30 p.m.).

There is no cost to attend, although it is very popular so securing a seat can be a challenge.

While the show was a bit different in 2021 than it had been prior to the 2020 shutdown, Disney has announced that in 2022 the experience will return to its original form. This means that guest choirs will be once again joining the show.

These guest choirs will join a live orchestra and a celebrity narrator retelling the traditional Christmas story.

Our favorite way to guarantee a seat is to book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package which pairs a meal with a ticket for a seat at the Candlelight Processional.

Depending on which of the 5 restaurants you choose, prices range between $64-$100 for an adult and $28-$46 for a child. But, if you are interested in snagging one, you’ll have to be quick because bookings for 2022 packages are NOW OPEN.

Keep in mind that prices below exclude tax and gratuity:

RESTAURANT	ADULT (AGES 10 & UP)	CHILD (Ages 3 TO 9)
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Norway Pavilion	$79.00	$51.00
Biergarten Restaurant Germany Pavilion	$65.00	$37.00
Coral Reef Restaurant The Living Seas	$74.00	$30.00
Garden Grill Restaurant The Land Pavilion	$71.00	$46.00
Le Cellier Steakhouse Canada Pavilion	$100.00	$39.00
Rose & Crown Dining Room United Kingdom Pavilion	$64.00	$28.00

If you weren’t able to snag one of the packages before you arrive, there are limited spots for day-of dining packages available at 2 restaurants: Regal Eagle Smokehouse (Quick Service) and Spice Road Table.

If you are interested in one of those, you’ll need to sign up at the restaurant as soon as possible on the day of the performance.

RESTAURANT	ADULT (AGES 10 & UP)	CHILD (Ages 3 TO 9)
Regal Eagle Smokehouse American Adventure Pavilion	$40.00	N/A
Spice Road Table Morocco Pavilion	$52.00	$23.00

Without a Dining Package ticket, your only option to see the Candlelight Processional is to try for a standby seat, which for some performers can mean standing in line for 2 hours (or more). 

And even if you DO have a dining package, for the busiest times of the year (or the most popular narrators like Neil Patrick Harris), since your seat isn’t assigned with the dining package, you’ll still want to get there early. 

45 minutes ahead of the performance is generally fine (except for NPH if he’s performing; you’ll want to get there earlier for him!), unless you are extra particular about your seat. 

Here is a list of the confirmed narrators for the 2022 Candlelight Processional:

• Simu Liu (NEW) — November 25 and 26, 2022
• Chita Rivera — November 27 through 29, 2022
• Raul Esparza (NEW) — November 30 and December 1, 2022
• Whoopi Goldberg — December 2 and December 3, 2022
• Isabella Rossellini — December 4 through December 6, 2022
• Daymond John (NEW) — December 7 and December 9, 2022
• Josh Gad (NEW) — December 10 through December 12, 2022
• Gloria Estefan (NEW) — December 13 and December 14, 2022
• Neil Patrick Harris — December 15 through December 18, 2022
• Mariska Hargitay (NEW) — December 19 and December 20, 2022
• Cal Ripken Jr. — December 21 through December 23, 2022
• Marie Osmond — December 24 through December 26, 2022
• Courtney Vance — December 27 and December 28, 2022
• Angela Bassett — December 29 and December 30, 2022

Take a look at a sampling of a show that was hosted by my pretend BFF, Neil Patrick Harris, who normally narrates CP for a couple of nights.

Joyful! A Celebration of the Season

JOYFUL! celebrates Kwanzaa and Christmas through spectacular Gospel and R&B vocals. It has been a staple for the Festival of the Holidays for many years, and they will return in 2022.

Performances begin at 2:40 PM, 3:45 PM, 4:50 PM and 6:10 PM daily at World Showcase Plaza.

Mariachi Cobre

Marichi Cobre joins in the with dancers and piñatas for the Los Posadas festivities in the Mexico Pavilion.

Voices of Liberty

It simply would not be the Festival of the Holidays without Voices of Liberty.

During the holidays, the popular a cappella group becomes the “Dickens Carolers” and can be seen performing charming holiday melodies in the American Adventure rotunda. 

You can find showtimes in the My Disney Experience app.

JAMMitors

The JAMMitors typically modify their performances based upon the season. Currently, they can be found performing in the entrance plaza to the right of Spaceship Earth.

Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses

Decorations inside Living with the Land are a relatively new thing, and we are so very excited to see them back again in 2022. This year, the overlay also has a new name.

The ride is the same, but instead of “Living with the Land: Merry & Bright Nights,” it’s called “Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses”!

Honestly, we weren’t certain this attraction could get any better, but the addition of the beautiful lights is the cherry on top!

Spaceship Earth Holiday Lighting Composition

Similar to last year’s holiday-themed composition on Spaceship Earth, in 2022 guests will experience a new light show through December 30.

The 2022 display “will invoke some of the sights of winter, including snowflakes, northern lights and warm candles.”

Here’s concept art of the 2022 light show on Spaceship Earth:

Here’s what the holiday composition looked like in 2021:

Holiday Kitchens

For most people, a trip to Epcot and the Festival of the Holidays isn’t complete without sampling food and drink from around the World Showcase.

And, just like the other festivals at Epcot, the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays also serves up sweet and savory treats (and beverages) in kiosks scattered throughout the World Showcase section of the park.

Here’s the 19 festival Holiday Kitchens confirmed for 2022:

• American Holiday Table – American Adventure Pavilion
  Enjoy a seasonal salute—dig into traditional dishes reminiscent of grandma’s cooking at the American Adventure Pavilion.
• Bavaria Holiday Kitchen – Germany Pavilion
  Willkommen—help yourself to heartwarming holiday dishes and refreshing beverages at the Germany Pavilion.
• Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen – Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
  Join in on the festivities when you visit this new location offering cinnamon-glazed nuts and holiday beverages.
• Connections Café & Eatery – World Celebration
  Try holiday cookies and specialty beverages.
• The Donut Box – Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
  Enjoy a classic dessert dressed up in a little holiday cheer when you try one of our seasonally-themed donuts!
• Holiday Hearth Desserts – The Odyssey Pavilion
  Discover the hearth you’ll call home, with holly jolly desserts, hot cocoa and so much more.
• Holiday Sweets & Treats – Near Port of Entry
  Rock around the Christmas tree with tasty desserts and festive sips sure to top the “nice” list.
• L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen – Between Morocco and France Pavilions
  Propose a toast to life—sink your teeth into classic deli noshes with a side of New York flair.
• Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen – France Pavilion
  Feast on très magnifique fare, wine and specialty cocktails from the France Pavilion.
• Mele Kalikimaka – Near Port Of Entry
  Savor the flavor of fabulous, festive food and beverages from the islands of Hawa i‘i.
• Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen – Mexico Pavilion
  Feliz Navidad—celebrate with mariachi dancing and south-of-the-border fare at the Mexican Pavilion!
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie – France Pavilion
  Order a festive macaron that’s in the shape of a Christmas tree.
• Nochebuena Cocina – Near Port of Entry – NEW!
  Delight in a delicious plant-based offering while celebrating the happiest season of the year!
• Shanghai Holiday Kitchen – China Pavilion
  Have yourself a merry little meal—tempt taste buds with popular plates and potables from the China Pavilion!
• Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen – Japan Pavilion
  Please your palate with an array of festive dishes and drinks served at the Japan Pavilion.
• Sunshine Season – The Land Pavilion
  Find a special Christmas cookie here that’s part of the Holiday Cookie Stroll.
• Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina – Morocco Pavilion
  Travel to the Morocco Pavilion for delicious kebabs and cocktails.
• Tuscany Holiday Kitchen – Italy Pavilion
  Mangiare—savor a seasonal take on some of the world’s best-loved food and beverages at the Italy Pavilion!
• Yukon Holiday Kitchen – Canada Pavilion
  Jingle your bells with delightful dishes and libations from the Great White North—at the Canada Pavilion.

Additional Locations

• Funnel Cake – Between the American Adventure Pavilion
  Satisfy your sweet tooth with a holiday classic: Sweet Potato Casserole Funnel Cake.
• Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company – Throughout EPCOT
  Salute the season with the usual selection of coffees, plus a tasty holiday-themed treat!
• Refreshment Outpost – Between the China and Germany Pavilions
  Chow down on this year’s holiday surprise: Peanut Stew with sweet potatoes, mustard greens and roasted peanuts. (Sorry, guess it’s not a surprise now.)
• Refreshment Port – Showcase Plaza
  Savor the flavor of holiday poutine and toast the season with specials like Coquito Soft-serve, also available with Spiced Rum.

“Olaf’s Holiday Tradition” Scavenger Hunt

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Scavenger Hunt is back for 2022!

To participate, guests simply need to pick up a map, which is available for $9.99 from many of the shops in Epcot, including Creations Shop, Disney Traders, and World Traveler, and then keep their eyes open for the traditions.

Once spotted, there are special stickers you can add to your map. After you complete it, you can take your map back to Creations Shop, Disney Traders, or World Traveler at the International Gateway to redeem for your prize.

And, keep in mind that you don’t have to complete it all in 1 day. As long as you redeem your map by December 31, 2022 you’ll be able to collect your prize that Disney says is “worth melting for”.

Santa Claus

You’ll be able to say hello to Santa Claus in the Odyssey Pavilion through December 24th.

Santa will be available every day for 60 minute windows at the following times: 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app to confirm schedules on the day of your visit.

World Showcase Storytellers

Back again for 2022 are the World Showcase Storytellers. These storytellers share holiday traditions from around the world.

• Mexico: Las Posadas Celebration – Feliz Navidad! Join the fun and pageantry of Las Posadas with dancers, piñatas and the music of Mariachi Cobre
  • Performance Details:
    • Sundays through Thursdays
    • 11:05 AM, 12:05 PM, 1:05 PM, 3:05 PM, 4:10 PM and 5:15 PM
    • 25-minute performances
• Norway: A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa – Celebrate the season with laughter as a mischievous Barn Santa visits Sigrid, an unsuspecting Christmas storyteller
  • Performance Details:
    • Sundays through Saturdays
    • 11:35 AM, 12:35 PM, 1:35 PM, 2:35PM, 4:35PM, 5:35 PM, 6:35 PM and 7:10 PM
    • 15-minute performances
• China: Chinese Lion Dancer – Catch a glimpse of this colorful performance that brings good fortune and happiness in the Lunar New Year
  • Performance Details:
    • Sundays through Saturdays
    • Noon, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
    • 15-minute performances
• Italy: La Befana – Listen to the tale of La Befana, a kind-hearted witch who visits sleeping children on the eve of the Epiphany
  • Performance Details:
    • Sundays through Saturdays
    • 11:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:40 PM, 3:35 PM, 4:20 PM, 5:05 PM and 5:45 PM
    • 15-minute performances
• The Odyssey Pavilion: Santa Claus  – Get ready for Christmas with Santa Claus through December 24. Whether you know him as St. Nick, Père Noël or Father Christmas, a visit with jolly Santa Claus brings good cheer to the season
  • Performance Details:
    • Sundays through Saturdays
    • 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM
    • 60-minute performances
• Japan: Daruma Storyteller – Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year! 
  • Performance Details:
    • Sundays through Saturdays
    • 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM
    • 15-minute performances
• Between France & Morocco: Hanukkah Storyteller – Guests will discover an entertaining celebration of Hanukkah along World Showcase promenade, where a storyteller recounts traveling abroad to explore the diverse music and traditions of Hanukkah around the world. 
  • Performance Details:
    • Sundays through Saturdays
    • 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:40 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:45 PM, 3:45 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
    • 15-minute performances
• France: Père Noël – Visit with Père Noël and rediscover the magic of Christmas through the letter of a delightful child
  • Performance Details:
    • Sundays through Saturdays
    • 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:10 PM, 12:50 PM, 2:15 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:30 PM and 5:15 PM
    • 15-minute performances
• United Kingdom: Father Christmas – Join Father Christmas as he rings in the season, sharing the traditions of the United Kingdom and good cheer
  • Performance Details:
    • Sundays through Saturdays
    • 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:40 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
    • 15-minute performances
• Canada: Canadian Holiday Voyageurs – Explore holiday customs from the various regions of Canada on a musical tour of the Great White North with the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
  • Performance Details:
    • Sundays through Saturdays
    • 11:45 AM, 12:45 PM, 1:45 PM, 3:25 PM, 4:30 PM and 6:35 PM
    • 20-minute performances

Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Overlay

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is known for its music, and during the holiday season, they’ll be switching out their current list for a new song that’s a “mash-up” of all your favorite Christmas hits. Experience the Holiday Remix from November 25 to December 30, 2022.

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• The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Returns March 2022
• 2022 Epcot Festival of the Holidays Menus Are Here
• Disneyland Announces 2022 Holiday Events, Including World of Color – Season of Light
• 2022 Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators & Dining Packages Announced
• 2022 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dates Announced