It’s time! The holiday season has officially arrived in Disney World. Now, we’ve been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, so that just leaves one more big celebration to attend: the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays

Now, there is SO much to see and do at the festival, not to mention everything there is to eat. We’re LIVE at the first day of the festival, so follow along as we see, do, and EAT AND DRINK IT ALL! So come with us to check it out!

Festival Dates

The 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays runs from November 28th through December 30th, 2025. This is your opportunity to eat festival eats and drink festival drinks from around the World Showcase.

We’re kicking off this festival with a bang, and we’re bringing you along with us.

Getting Started and the Festival Passport

We arrived in EPCOT right at opening time, at 9AM, and made our way into the park. Guests staying at Disney World hotels are able to enter EPCOT as early as 8:30AM with Early Theme Park Entry.

We’re excited about everything the festival brings to EPCOT, but we’re most excited about the food. The festival features holiday kitchens, aka food booths, bringing the flavors of the holidays.

Don’t forget to grab a FREE Festival Passport, which has all the details you need to navigate the festival like a pro. Inside the passport, you’ll find descriptions of each booth, as well as full menus. There’s also some information about the merchandise available during the festival. The Passport will help you accomplish everything you want during your day at EPCOT.

The Passport also has details about the Cookie Stroll. To participate, you’ll purchase five cookies from festival marketplaces around EPCOT (there’s a list of cookies you can choose from in the passport, along with where to find them) and get your passport stamped at each booth when you buy a cookie.

Once you have five stamps, you can turn in your passport for a free treat.

Check Out All the Details of the Passport Here!

Crowds

Since it’s Thanksgiving week AND the start of a festival, the kickoff of Festival of the Holidays tends to be one of the busiest festival start days of the year. The crowds were already packed into World Celebration this morning, ready for rope drop.

Typically, the crowds will stay towards the front of the park in the morning — going on rides or checking out the festival merchandise at Creations Shop. Things won’t really heat up in World Showcase until around lunchtime. Most of the booths open at 11AM.

One of our first stops of the day was at Connections Cafe, and it was HOPPING. If you’re hoping to try the Holiday Cookie Stroll cookie here, you might not want to do it during the morning coffee rush.

We’ll make sure to report back with more crowd updates throughout the day.

Food Booths

You’ll be able to visit more than 18 festival food kitchens, many of which are bringing back some fan-favorite food and drinks. You’ll find some new eats, too — and we’ll be bringing you our reviews right here!

Swirled Showcase

We started our day having ice cream for breakfast, and we’re not mad about it! At Swirled Showcase near the entrance to World Showcase, you’ll find holiday-themed cold treats. We tried the Liquid Nitrogen Chocolate-Peppermint Mousse, which wasn’t as liquid nitrogen-y as snacks we’ve had here in the past.

If you want to see our thoughts, check out our booth review below!

See Our Review of Swirled Showcase Here!

Holiday Hearth Desserts

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you don’t want to miss a stop by Holiday Hearth Desserts! This booth is home to a menu stacked with treats like the new Cranberry-Oatmeal Cookie and the new Red Velvet Cake Pop.

You’ll find this booth located inside the Odyssey Pavilion, which (spoilers!) is where you can also meet Santa Goofy — more on that later.

Read Our Review of Holiday Hearth Desserts Here!

American Holiday Table

If you grew up in the USA, there’s no place that feels quite like “home for the holidays” more than American Holiday Table. This booth has a menu of classics like Slow-Roasted Turkey and a Chocolate Cookie, as well as the more adventurous Blackened Catfish.

We were seriously impressed with the spread here, so you might want to add this to your must-try list.

See Our Review of American Holiday Table Here!

Las Posadas

In the Mexico Pavilion, the holiday kitchen is Las Posadas. This is typically one of our favorite spots, and this year, the menu has three new items: the Tostada de Carne, the Tamal de Pollo con Mole, and a Dulce de Leche Churro.

The Chai-mazing Margarita and the Horchata Margarita are two new drinks in the lineup, and they join the returning Holiday Cerveza. 

See What We Thought of Las Posadas Here!

Connections Cafe and Eatery

Connections Cafe is the park’s Starbucks location, and it’s home to one of the items on the Holiday Cookie Stroll this year. You can snag the Holiday Sugar Cookie here — it’s covered in sprinkles!

Next door at Connections Eatery, you can snag the Figment Holiday Sweater Liege Waffle and the Spiced Caramel Apple beverage. We really loved one of the three items at Connections — check out our review to see what you should try!

See Our Connections Review Here!

Funnel Cakes

If you’re in the mood for a fun little snack halfway around the World Showcase, then you can head to the Funnel Cakes stand in the American Adventure and snag the Red Velvet Cookie Funnel Cake.

These funnel cakes are usually hit or miss, but we were pretty hyped to try this year’s version!

See What We Thought of the Funnel Cake Here!

Favorites of Festivals Past

If you’ve been to the Festival of the Holidays in past years, this booth was MADE for you. Here, you’ll find some beloved dishes from past festivals, including the Reuben Croquettes, Brown Sugar and Mustard-glazed Ham Sliders, and the Panettone Holiday Trifle. 

The menu is also host to SEVERAL alcoholic beverage options, so it’s a good place to stop for a unique drink.

See Our Review of This Booth Here!

Tangierine Cafe

The Tangerine Cafe brings its standard festival fare every year, and every year it’s delicious. Here you’ll find the Moroccan Wrap with three choices: chicken, lamb, or falafel. Rounding out the food choices is the Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with dips.

Don’t forget about the booth’s drinks for the festival, the Sparkling Holiday Fig Cocktail, along with three hard ciders (which can be ordered in a flight).

See What We Thought of This Booth Here!

Experimental Prototype Cookies of  Tomorrow

It isn’t the holidays without a good cookie or two…or three, or four! This booth puts a fun, tasty twist on the acronym for EPCOT. Here you’ll find the new Prototype Cookie and Ginger-Molasses Cookie, as well as the returning Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie.

You’ll also find a Gingerbread Milk Shake in a non-alcoholic and a boozy version. Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s is available, and a Beer Flight and Seasonal Wine are also up for grabs.

See Our Review on The Cookies Here!

Baravia Holiday Kitchen

The Bavaria Holiday Kitchen is possibly best known for Cheese Fondue in a bread bowl — cheese lovers, you know where to go. You’ll also find the Pork Schnitzel and the Hazelnut Linzer Cookie.

The Beverage Flight is a mix of two beers and a hard cider this year. You can also try the glass of Regional Riesling and the traditional warm Glühwein.

See Our Review on The Baravia Holiday Kitchen Here!

Tuscany Holiday Kitchen

Wondering what Italy is serving up for the holidays? The Tuscany Holiday Kitchen has both new and returning items. The Salsiccia e Peperoni and the sweet Pizza e Cioccolato are new, whereas the Montanara is back again.

Don’t forget about the beers, wines, sangria, and the Italian-inspired Blood Orange Margarita.

See What We Think of The Tuscany Holiday Kitchen Here!

Nochebuena Cocina

The Nochebuena Cocina is bringing back the plant-based Chorizo Tamal, while introducing the Pan de Jamón, Traditional Latin Christmas bread, rolled ham, raisins, and green olives.

The Ponche Navideño is a non-boozy Christmas punch with apple, pears, guava, oranges, dried hibiscus, brown sugar, tamarind, cinnamon sticks, and cloves served warm. You can also get the Left Hand Brewing Co. Mexican Hot Chocolate Milk Stout.

See Our Review of This Booth Here!

L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen

A lot of items are back again this holiday season at this booth. You can try the Pastrami on Rye, Potato Latkes, a Smoked Salmon Potato Latke, and the Rugelach. Oh, and can’t forget the Mickey-shaped Almond Black and White Cookie.

You’ll also find the returning Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout and Frozen New York Whiskey Sour.

See Our Review of This Holiday Booth Here!

Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen

We were running to get back to this holiday kitchen! Not only was it one of our favorites last year, but they have a new treat, the Strawberry Bun! Returning is the Sushi Tree Roll and Toshikoshi Soba.

For drinks, there’s the new Yuzu Refresher and the returning Japanese Punch and Chocolate Nigori. Sapporo Premium Black Beer makes a return, too.

See What We Think of The Booth This Year Here!

Chestnuts and Good Cheer

Over at Chestnuts and Good Cheer, you’ll find Cinnamon-glazed Almonds, Pecans, and Cashews. Of course, the holiday classic Fire-roasted Chestnuts are back to.

Speaking of tradition, you’ll find Eggnog here in both non-alcoholic and boozy versions. Or you might opt for a Chestnut Praline Imperial Ale. Let’s get in the yuletide spirit and dig in!

See What We Think of This Traditional Holiday Booth

Shanghai Holiday Kitchen

The new BBQ Char Siu Pork Fried Rice is joined by the returning Beef Noodle Soup Bowl and Vegetable Spring Rolls at the Shanghai Holiday Kitchen.

Here, they also have the brand-new Tiger Bubble Milk Tea. It’s joined by Brew Hub Year of the Dragon: Dragon Fruit Lager and a few cocktails: the Butterfly Lantern, the Lychee Martini, and the Peach of Longevity, all returning from last year!

See Our Review of This Booth Here!

Mele Kalikimaka

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day! It’s also the booth you need to visit during the holidays! You can get Pork, Salmon, dessert, and plenty of drinks, all with a Hawaiian twist.

There were quite a few things we were looking forward to here, and they did not disappoint!

See Our Review of This Booth Here!

Yukon Holiday Kitchen

Yukon Holiday Kitchen is serving up the Seared Salmon, as well as the Beef Bourguignon with crushed potatoes. There’s also a cookie stroll item here in the Maple Leaf Shortbread Cookie.

Oh Canada, how delighted we are to try some of your holiday dishes!

See What We Think of This Holiday Booth Here!

 Le Marche De Noel

The Le Marche De Noel is serving up some new delicious holiday eats and treats, including the Dinde Rôtie (Roasted Turkey) and the Macaron de Noël aux Épices (a gingerbread macaron). While the Crème de Saumon Fumé en Brioche (Smoked salmon spread on a sesame brioche roll) makes a return!

It seems like every guest goes here, becuase they’re all carrying the Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini. Other drinks here are the Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé and Vin Chaud French Mulled Wine.

See Our Review of This Booth Here!

Joffrey’s

Oh the classic, Joffrey’s. This year they have a Holiday Cookie Latte on the menu.

You’ll find this special holiday offering at each of the Joffrey’s locations in EPCOT!

See What Our Thoughts Are Here!

Refreshment Port

The Refreshment Port is alwasy an easy stop before you start wandering the World Showcase. It’s right there on your right, beside Swirled Showcase, as you enter from the Journey Into Imagination side. This year they have Turkey Poutine on the menu!

They also have the Keel Farms Cinnamon Sugar Donut Hard Cider and the Pasek Cellars Cranberry Wine.

See Our Review Here!

Holiday Sweets and Treats

If you’re looking for a sweet treat, it makes sense to go to Holiday Sweets and Treats along the World Showcase Promenade! Here they have a Peppermint Sundae.

What we’ve really looked forward to was the Festive Flight, which is comprised of Christmas Sugar Cookie Hot Cocoa, Gingerbread Hot Cocoa, and a Cookie Butter Hot Cocoa! Other things you can find here are Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s, Carib Brewery Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree IPA and Stevens Point Brewery Whole Hog Hazelnut Brownie Porter.

See What We Thought of These Holiday Treats Here!

Refreshment Outpost 

We have one more Refreshment Outpost to look at. This one is located past China, across the bridge. It has a new savory dish on the menu this year — Spiced Shrimp Stew.

Also returning is the Raspberry DOLE Whip, along with a collection of beer and ciders, and the Boyd & Blair Chai Tea Mule.

See Our Review of This Spot Here!

Merchandise

The festival also has its own exclusive merchandise. We spotted a large portion of the collection in Creations Shop in World Celebration. First up on the docket are these beautiful Christmas sweater-inspired EPCOT ears!

One of the other highlights of the collection is the Figment Loungefly bag! It has Figment in his iconic holiday sweater, you guys. We’re in LOVE!

If you want to see more of the items available at the festival, check the list below!

Click Here to See the Festival of the Holidays Merchandise!

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition is back once again! Guests can purchase a Scavenger Hunt map and stickers at locations like Creations Shop and World Traveler at International Gateway. Once they have that, go find Olaf aroudn World Showcase!

Once you find ALL the Olafs, you can visit Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway to redeem the map for a special gift!

Entertainment

The fesitval is filled with all sorts of cheerful holiday entertainmet. You can catch Joyful: A Celebration of the Season at the CommuniCore Plaza Stage! This show features gospel mixed with jazz, R&B, and more, celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa.

The main event is the gorgeous Candlelight Processional, where the Christmas story is told by a celebrity narrator while a 50-piece orchestra and choir accompany the retelling. The event is held on select nights, three times a night!

We can stress enough that this is a MUST-SEE!

Check Out EVERYTHING You Can Do

Ride Overlays

One of our favorite rides, Living With the Land, has already embraced the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays with its Glimmering Greenhouses overlay. You’ll get to see this ride in a new way while it’s, well…glimmering for the season.

Be sure to make time to ride Living With the Land!

We’ll be updating this post to ALL DAY as we explore the Festival of the Holidays, so keep checking back for more! If you’re interested in more updates, make sure you’re following us on Instagram.

Trying to plan the PERFECT trip to the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays? We’ll be keeping you updated on all of the latest. Click our links below for the information you need to know:

• Learn about the Candlelight Processional and Dining Packages
• Check out ALL of the 2025 Festival of the Holidays booth Menus

And don’t forget to pick up our 2025 DFB Guide to the Holidays at Disney World! See more details about the book below.

Will you be attending the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays this year? Let us know in the comments!