Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays 2019
Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays 2019 will take place from November 29, 2019 – December 30, 2019. It is one of the most magical parts of Disney World during the holidays. Join in holiday traditions throughout all 11 World Showcase nations. Every night of the festival, a celebrity narrator tells the story of Christmas while a choir and orchestra provide beautiful and joyous songs of hope and joy. Of course what Epcot festival would be complete without the food booths! The holiday kitchens, as they are referred to during this festival, will be announced closer to the festival itself.
While the Candlelight Processional, holiday kitchens, and traditional festivities are some of the highlights of the Festival of the Holidays, there is so much more!
Holiday Kitchens
Check back soon when the holiday kitchens and treats are announced!
Food
- Potato Dumpling with Mushroom Sauce (kid-approved)
- Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Sauce and Spaetzle
- Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl with Fresh Steamed Baby Vegetables and Marble Potatoes (kid-approved)
- Black Forest Roulade with Cherry Whipped Cream
- Linzer Cookie
Beverages
- Possmann Pure Hard Apple Cider, Frankfurt, Germany
- Possmann Pure Hard Black Currant Apple Cider, Frankfurt, Germany
- Schöfferhofer Pomegranate Hefeweizen, Frankfurt, Germany
- Regional Riesling
- Glühwein: House-made Hot Spiced Wine
- Cider Flight also available
Beverages
- M.I.A. Beer Company White Christmas IPA, Doral, FL
- 3 Daughters Brewing 70 Degree Winter Weizen, St. Petersburg, FL
- Shipyard Candy Cane Coffee Porter, Clearwater, FL
- Anchor Brewing Christmas Ale, San Francisco, CA
- Barrel of Monks Brewing Figgy Terno Boca Raton, FL
- Castle Church Brewing Here I Stand Stout, Orlando, FL
- Beer Flights also available
Food
- Slow-Roasted Turkey with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce (kid-approved)
- Hand-carved Smoked Ham with Green Beans and Sweet Potato Casserole (gluten-friendly and kid-approved)
- Chocolate Pecan Tart with Whipped Cream and Whisky-caramel Sauce (vegetarian)
- Gingerbread Cookie
Beverages
- Hot Cocoa (non-alcoholic) (kid-approved)
- 81Bay Brewing Company Cinnamon Cranberry Orange Wheat Ale, Tampa, FL
- Shipyard Eggnog White Porter, Clearwater, FL
- Playalinda Brewing Co. Peppermint Chocolate Porter, Titusville, FL
- Cocoa Candy Cane: Hot Cocoa with Peppermint Schnapps
- Holiday Beer Flight also available
Food
- Seared Verlasso® Salmon with Crown Maple Whisky Glaze, Parsnip Silk, Apple Chutney and Hazelnut Croquant
- Canadian Wild Rice and Ham Soup with Almonds served with a Pretzel Roll
- Maple Bûche de Noël: Maple Mousse rolled in Gingerbread Chiffon Cake with Cranberry Sauce and Pecan Crumble (kid-approved)
- Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie
Beverages
- Frozen Coffee (non-alcoholic)
- Unibroue Éphémère Cassis
- Inniskillin Riesling Icewine
- Inniskillin Pearl Vidal Icewine
- Inniskillin Gold Oak Icewine
- Frozen Coffee with Tap 357 Whisky
- Icewine Flight also available
Food
- Pastelón: Sofrito-marinated Beef with Sweet Plantains and Olives (gluten-friendly)
- Queso Fresco-stuffed Arepa topped with Shrimp, Crushed Avocado Aji and Tomato Sauce (gluten-friendly)
- Arepas topped with Melted Queso Fresco (gluten-friendly and kid-approved)
- Tres Leches Rice Pudding with Pumpkin Seeds (gluten-friendly)
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
Beverages
- Coquito: Tropical Eggnog (non-alcoholic) (kid-approved)
- M.I.A. Beer Company Tres Reyes Mango Golden
- Coquito: Tropical Eggnog with a Bacardi Gold Dark Rum Floater
Food
- Peppermint Sundae: Chocolate Ice Cream, Whipped Cream and Peppermint Candy (gluten-friendly and kid-approved)
Beverages
- Hot Cocoa (non-alcoholic) (kid-approved)
- Chocolate Peppermint Shake Featuring Twinings® Peppermint Cheer Tea (non-alcoholic)
- Shipyard Eggnog White Porter, Clearwater, FL
- Hot Cocoa with Assorted Cordials (Baileys Irish Cream, Frangelico Liqueur or Fireball Cinnamon Whisky)
- Chocolate Peppermint Shake Featuring Twinings® Peppermint Cheer Tea and Whipped Cream Vodka
Food
- Pastrami on Rye with House-made Pickles and Deli Mustard
- Smoked Salmon Potato Latkes
- Potato Latkes with Sour Cream (kid-approved)
- Sufganiyot: Mini Jelly-filled Donuts
- Black and White Cookie
Beverages
- Egg Cream: Milk, Chocolate Syrup and Seltzer (non-alcoholic)
- Shmaltz Brewing Company Chanukah Hanukkah Pass the Beer, Clifton Park, NY
- Blue Cosmo Cocktail
Food
- Rillette de Saumon: Salmon Spread with House-made Bread
- Bouchée à la Reine Traditionnelle: Turkey and Mushrooms in a Veloute Cream Sauce served in a Light Puff Pastry
- Bûche de Noël au Chocolat “Christmas Log”:Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Caramel Ganache (kid-approved)
Beverages
- Sparkling Rose Veuve Dubarry Cuvée Prestige
- Syrah, Grand Vallon, Charles Brotte
- Kir Imperial: Sparkling Wine and Chambord Liqueur
- Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini: Grey Goose Vanilla Vodka and Chocolate Milk
Food
- Grilled Lamb Kefta Kebab and Grapes with Euro Cucumber, Red Pepper, Pickled Pearl Onions and Harissa-Cilantro Dressing
- Confit of Chermoula Chicken Drum with Cinnamon Granny Smith Apple, Toasted Almonds, Brussels Sprouts and Pinot Noir Glaze
- Sfenj: Warm Beignets, Cream with Cinnamon Sugar, and Chocolate Sauce
Beverages
- Casa Beer
- Bonassia Red Wine
- The Andalusian “Poinsettia” Cocktail: Sparkling Wine, Orange Liqueur and Cranberry Juice topped with Orange Blossom Water
- Walnut Spiced Coffee with Walnut Liqueur and topped with Cinnamon and Whipped Cream
Food
- Bianca Neve: Italian Flatbread, Mozzarella and Parmesan (kid-approved)
- La Genovese: Rustic Flatbread, Vidalia Onions, White Wine Braised Beef Tenderloin Tips and Mozzarella
- Collezione Barilla: Pennette Pasta, Sweet Sausage, Caramelized Onions and Creamy Sauce (kid-approved)
- Crespelle di Mele: Cinnamon Apple Fritters and a Vanilla Sauce Drizzle with Confectioners Sugar
- Bacio al Cioccolato: Warm Hazelnut Chocolate Cake with Caramelized Berry Sauce
- Panettone Mignon: Miniature Traditional Italian Christmas Fruitcake
Beverages
- Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner
- Pinot Grigio, Santa Marina
- Chianti, Gabbiano
- Prosecco, Villa Sandi
- Corbinello, Montegrande
- Moscato Fior D’Arancio, Montegrande
- Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
Food
- Pork and Vegetable Egg Rolls (kid-approved)
- Mongolian Beef Bao Bun and a Fortune Cookie
- Celebration Barbecue Pork with Steamed Rice and a Fortune Cookie
- Chengdu Street Fries
Beverages
- Tsingtao Beer
- Firework: Jose Cuervo Tequila Gold, Vodka, Mango Syrup, Orange Juice and Soda Water
- Marco Boba: Amaretto, Iced Coffee, Milk and Boba
- The Lucky Mo: Peach Schnapps, Peach Syrup, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice and Coconut Milk
Food
- New Year Celebration Soba: Buckwheat Soba Noodles in Hot Dashi Soup with Kakiage (Vegetable Tempura) and Chopped Green Onion
- Chirashi Sushi Tree: Sashimi-grade Tuna, Salmon, Ikura and Yellowtail with Vegetables decorated on a bed of Rice
- Matcha Crème Brûlée: Creamy Green Tea Custard with a Caramelized Sugar Crust topped with Mochi, Red Bean Jam and Strawberry
Beverages
- Ichigo Milk Boba: Strawberry Cream Drink with Japanese Calpico and popping Strawberry Boba Pearls (non-alcoholic)
- Sapporo Draft Beer
- Tsubaki Whiskey Sour: Plum Wine with Whiskey, Cranberry Juice, Sugar and Lemon
Food
- Giant Tostada de Puerco: Braised Pork served on a Giant Tostada with Chipotle Black Bean Spread, Guajillo Sauce, Queso Fresco, Crema Mexicana, Pickled Onion and topped with Chicharron Dust (gluten-friendly)
- Tamal de Pollo: Braised Chipotle Chicken served in a Corn Masa with Yellow Mole and topped with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Queso Cotija and Crema Mexicana (gluten-friendly and kid-approved)
- Horchata Cheesecake: Creamy Rice Cheesecake served with Cajeta Sauce
Beverages
- Holiday Cider: Hard Apple Cider with Cinnamon-infused Tequila
- Mexican Fruit Punch: Mezcal, Red Wine and Blackcurrant Liqueur infused with Star Anise, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger and Orange Peel (served warm)
- Horchata Margarita: Tequila, Horchata Rum, Cinnamon Whisky and Agua de Horchata, served on the rocks
Food
- Bûche de Noël au Chocolat: Chocolate Christmas Log with Chocolate Orange Cream Mousse and Chocolate Crunch Biscuit (kid-approved)
Food
- Pecan Maple Bark with Maple Sugar
Food
- Holiday Apple Pie Sundae with Soft-serve Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce and Crunchy Streusel Topping (kid-approved)
Food
- Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake
Beverages
- Future World East: Choco-Latte: Latte with Chocolate Sauce and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
- Canada: Ginger Chai Madness: Chai Latte with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur and Gingerbread Syrup
- Showcase Plaza: Coconut Snowstorm: Latte with RumChata and Coconut Syrup
- The American Adventure: Toffee Coffee: Latte with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur and Sea Salt Caramel Toffee Sauce
Food
- Traditional Holiday Rice Cream
Food
- Glace au Pain d’Epices: Gingerbread Ice Cream with Gingerbread Pieces (kid-approved)
Food
- Warm Caramel-Stuffed Salted Pretzel with Soft-Serve Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce (kid-approved)
Beverages
- Shipyard Eggnog White Porter, Clearwater, FL
Food
- Turkey Poutine: Sweet Potato Fries with Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Relish and Crispy Onions
Beverages
- T.G. Lee Eggnog (non-alcoholic)
- T.G. Lee Eggnog with Spiced Rum
Beverages
- Twinings Iced Christmas Toddy: Twinings Iced Christmas Tea with Honey (non-alcoholic) (kid-approved)
- Twinings Iced Christmas Toddy: Twinings Iced Christmas Tea with Honey and Drambuie
Beverages
- Mulled Cider: Strongbow Hard Apple Cider, Twinings Orange and Cinnamon Herbal Tea, Pimms No. 1 and Apple Juice with Star Anise (served warm)
Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional is a chance for you and your family to listen to the story of Christmas at Epcot. While on the surface that might seem silly to sit and listen to someone repeat a story you have heard before, it is something that should not be skipped.
Every day at 5:00pm, 6:45pm, and 8:15pm, from November 29 until December 30, experience the story of Christmas in a way you never have before. While a celebrity narrates, a 50-piece orchestra and choir bring to life the story a baby born in a manger.
Candlelight Processional Dining Package Restaurants
If you are interested in securing seating for a performance, consider booking a Candlelight Processional dining package. Each package includes an appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage or a full buffet, depending on the restaurant.
If you are considering booking a package, visit Disney’s website or call (407) WDW-FEST or (407) 939-3378 to reserve your plans. If you are using the Disney Dining Plan this will use 2 table-service credits a person.
Ale & Compass is located outside of Epcot at the Yacht Club Resort. Breakfast features delicious buffet options such as homemade has, cornbread waffles, or even salted caramel-apple french toast. Lunch you will find Main lobster rolls, fish & chips, and other classic New England staples. Dinner will stick with the New England seafood options and combine with a few classic entrees, such as cabernet-braised short ribs or pappardelle pasta.
- Breakfast: $40 for adults; $23 for kids
- Lunch: $57 for adults; $25 for kids
- Dinner: $67 for adults; $25 for kids
Biergarten is located in the Germany pavilion and serves traditional German food. The atmosphere in this restaurant is one of the hidden gems in Epcot’s World Showcase. You will be seated at a communal table, like a true biergarten, so if you don’t have a big party you will be seated with strangers. Depending on your personality this is either a positive or a negative, so be aware of that when you book your table. It is a rotating buffet with selections like bratwurst, rotisserie chicken, pork schnitzel, Bavarian cheesecake, and more!
- Lunch: $60 for adults; $34 for kids
- Dinner: $60 for adults; $34 for kids
Chefs de France is located in the France pavilion in the World Showcase. It is themed like a charming French café in Paris. The food is simple and elegant. While the menu changes seasonally you can expect to find beef tenderloin, classic onion soup, or a roasted duck with cherries.
- Lunch: $65.99 for adults; $17.99 for kids
- Dinner: $75.99 for adults; $22.99 for kids
Coral Reef is located in Future World, in the Living Seas pavilion. It is one of my personal favorites as well. They offer delicious seafood options as well as classic favorites. The real draw here is the setting. Panoramic windows in the restaurant give you a chance to view the underwater world that is home to 85 species of tropical fish. This option will provide you with a three course meal to be enjoyed in a serene and beautiful setting.
- Lunch: $74 for adults; $25 for kids
- Dinner: $74 for adults; $25 for kids
The Garden Grill is a buffet character meal located in Future World’s Land pavilion. Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat while rotating through Living with the Land. This unique experience combined with the character interactions make it a favorite for every Disney fan no matter the age.
- Breakfast: $56 for adults; $34 for kids
- Lunch: $68 for adults; $41 for kids
- Dinner: $68 for adults; $41 for kids
La Hacienda de San Angel is located in the Mexican pavilion. Enjoy dinner with a beautiful view right on the water. You will find traditional Mexican cuisine such as toasted sweet peppers, queso fundido, or build your own tacos! Be sure to try their handcrafted margaritas with your meal.
- Dinner: $85 for adults; $25 for kids
Marrakesh is located in the Morocco pavilion in the World Showcase and is one of my personal favorite hidden gems. I’m not sure if the cuisine scares people away, but the food, atmosphere, and entertainment make for an incredibly unique dining experience. From the second you walk into this restaurant you are immediately transported. You can choose a Moroccan delicacy like roast lamb, shish kebab, or couscous, or children can stick with chicken tenders, pasta, or hamburgers.
- Lunch: $52 for adults; $19 for kids
- Dinner: $63 for adults; $19 for kids
Nine Dragons is located in the China pavilion of the World Showcase. It is one of the cheapest dining packages you can pick from. This restaurant specializes in Cantonese, Mongolian, Szechuan, Hunan, and Kiangche-style dishes. Even picky eaters can find something delicious on this menu.
- Lunch: $52 for adults; $16.99 for kids
- Dinner: $59.95 for adults; $19 for kids
Rose and Crown is located in the United Kingdom pavilion and offers traditional British cuisine. Enjoy a three course meal with selections such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, vegetable cottage pie, and more!
- Lunch: $62 for adults; $25 for kids
- Dinner: $62 for adults; $25 for kids
San Angel Inn is located inside the Mexican pavilion and arguably has the most unique setting of any Disney restaurant. You will dine inside the Mayan ruins of the pavilion while the boats from the Grand Fiesta Tour pass by. It is a similar setup like Blue Bayou in Disneyland. San Angel Inn features options like tortilla soup topped with avocado to cheesecake topped in caramel sauce.
- Lunch: $63 for adults; $20 for kids
- Dinner: $78 for adults; $25 for kids
Spice Road is located at the Moroccan pavilion overlooking the water. They offer Mediterranean inspired cuisine such as, garlic shrimp, fried calamari, beef and chicken skewers, and coriander-crusted rack of lamb.
- Lunch: $52 for adults; $19 for kids
- Dinner: $63 for adults; $19 for kids
Teppan Edo is located in the Japan pavilion of the World Showcase. It is one of our favorite places to eat whenever we are at Disney World. If you have ever had hibachi before you know it is a treat to eat and to watch. You can select from steak, chicken, seafood, or vegetable entree choices that come with Udon noodles and steamed rice.
- Lunch: $72 for adults; $20.50 for kids
- Dinner: $84.25 for adults; $23 for kids
Tokyo Dining is located in the Japan pavilion and is also a great choice. If you are having a hard time deciding between Tokyo Dining or Teppan Edo, they are both delicious. Tokyo Dining is best known for their sushi and Bento Box.
- Lunch: $68 for adults; $20.50 for kids
- Dinner: $78 for adults; $23 for kids
Trattoria al Forno isn’t located in Epcot. It is actually at the Boardwalk Resort. You can enjoy breakfast or dinner for your dining package option. The breakfast here is a hidden favorite for character meals. The Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast features Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel, and Flynn Rider. You have plated entree options like frittatas, pancakes, or even a breakfast calzone. If you want something more classic Italian, come for dinner. There are no characters, but there is plenty of delicious options. They offer over 25 wines by the glass, and 60 wines by the bottle!
- Breakfast: $58 for adults; $35 for kids
- Lunch: $68 for adults; $25 for kids
- Dinner: $68 for adults; $25 for kid
Tutto Italia is located in the Italy pavilion. If you are in the mood for authentic Italian cooking, this is a great option. You have entrees like pan-roasted fish, grilled steak, or classic pasta. You can sit in the dining room that has murals of ancient Rome and chandeliers to set the Italian mood. Or if you prefer, you can sit on the outdoor patio and pretend you are in Rome.
- Lunch: $64 for adults; $22 for kids
- Dinner $70 for adults; $25 for kids
Via Napoli is probably one of the few places in Disney World that makes delicious pizza. This should be no surprise because it is located in the Italy pavilion. If you are looking for a menu that almost anyone can enjoy this is the restaurant try. I have eaten here a few times and have yet to be disappointed with the food or service.
- Lunch: $54 for adults; $20 for kids
- Dinner $57 for adults; $24 for kids
Celebrity Narrators 2019
- Ming-Na Wen – November 29 through December 1
- Neil Patrick Harris – December 2 through 5
- Whoopi Goldberg – December 6 and 7
- Isabella Rossellini – December 8 through 10
- Chita Rivera– December 11 and 12
- Gary Sinise – December 13 through 15
- Pat Sajak – December 16 through 18
- Warwick Davis – December 19 through 21
- Steven Curtis Chapman – December 22 through 24
- Edward James Olmos – December 25 and 26
- Marlee Matlin – December 27 and 28
- Lisa Ling – December 29 and 30
Holiday Cookie Stroll
Back for 2019, the International Festival of the Holidays has added a cookie stroll. When you purchase one of the five select holiday cookies you will receive a unique sticker for your Festival Passport. If you fill up your passport, you get a special complimentary sixth cookie! The cookies are:
- Bavaria Holiday Kitchen at the Germany Pavilion Linzer Cookie
- American Holiday Table at the America Pavilion Gingerbread Cookie
- Yukon Holiday Kitchen at the Canada Pavilion Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie
- Feast of the Three Kings near the Mexico Pavilion Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
- L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen between the Morocco and France Pavilions Black-and-White Cookie
Holiday Storytellers
Holiday storytellers bring the holiday magic from around the world right to you. Learn about the holiday traditions for each country represented in Epcot. You will learn about how the holidays are celebrated and hear stories about their heritage as well.
Between the Morocco and France pavilions you will find the Hanukkah Storyteller. Hear stories and listen to songs about what Hanukkah means!
Festive Activities
Activities made for kids and adults alike! While they tend to be targeted more towards children, I definitely will be picking up a scavenger hunt again.
Chip and Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree
Similar to the Remy scavenger hunt during the Food and Wine Festival or searching for Figment at the Festival of the Arts, this is a festival scavenger hunt. Help find Chip and Dale throughout the World Showcase as they collect ornaments for their Christmas tree. You can pick up a map for $6.99 plus tax at Pin Central, Disney Traders and World Traveler at International Gateway.
Once finished, take your completed map to Disney Traders or World Traveler and you will get a festive surprise from the chipmunks as a favor!
JOYFUL!
JOYFUL! helps put you into the holiday spirit by experiencing the joy through Gospel, R&B, and holiday songs. They perform daily at the Future World Fountain Stage. Be sure to check for daily showtimes!
Holiday Music Around the World
The World Showcase doesn’t just showcase the holiday stories from around the world, but the music of the holidays. Such acts include El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia in Mexico and Durch & Durch in Germany.
Ready to go?
One of the reasons I am excited to be an annual passholder this year is because I intend to use it to visit every festival and party this year. I cannot wait to see all of the exciting activities Disney has in store!
If you are thinking about heading to Disney World for the festival, check out these other posts to help with your planning and decision process:
- Renting Disney Vacation Club Points
- How to Use Swagbucks to Save for a Disney Vacation
- What Is Always In My Disney Bag
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