Guide to Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays 2018
Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays 2018 will take place from November 18, 2018 – December 30, 2018. 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, are open from 12pm-8pm daily.
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
Food
- Slow-Roasted Turkey with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce (KA)
- Hand-carved Smoked Ham with Green Beans and Sweet Potato Casserole (GF, KA)
- Chocolate Pecan Tart with Whipped Cream and Whisky Caramel Sauce (V)
- Red and Green Chocolate Chip Cookie (V)
Beverages
- AMERICAN HERITAGE® Milk Chocolate Gourmet Hot Cocoa with Wondermade Marshmallows (kid-approved and non-alcoholic)
- Orange Blossom Brewing Cranberry Kringle Pilsner, Orlando, FL
- Shipyard Eggnog White Porter, Clearwater, FL
- JDub’s Season’s Greetings Peppermint Milk Stout, Sarasota, FL
- Holiday Beer Flight
- Cocoa Candy Cane: AMERICAN HERITAGE® Milk Chocolate Gourmet Hot Cocoa with Peppermint Schnapps
Food
- Potato Dumpling with Mushroom Sauce (KA)
- Sauerbraten, Red Cabbage and Spätzle
- Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl with Fresh Steamed Baby Vegetables and Marble Potatoes Featuring Melissa’s Produce (V, KA)
- Black Forest Roulade with Cherry Whip Cream
- Peppermint Sugar Cookie (V)
Beverages
- Possmann Pure Hard Apple Cider, Frankfurt, Germany
- Possmann Pure Hard Black Currant Apple Cider, Frankfurt, Germany
- Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen Pomegranate Beer, Frankfurt, Germany
- Cider Flight
- Regional Riesling
- Glühwein: House-Made Hot Spiced Wine
Food
- Pastelón: Sofrito-Marinated Beef with Sweet Plantains and Olives (GF)
- Queso Fresco-Stuffed Arepa Topped with Shrimp, Crushed Avocado Aji and Tomato Sauce (GF)
- Arepas Topped with Melted Queso Fresco (GF, V)
- Tres Leches Rice Pudding with Pumpkin Seeds (GF)
- Green and White Sugar Cookie (V)
Beverages
- Coquito: Tropical Eggnog (kid-approved and non-alcoholic)
- M.I.A. Beer Company Tres Reyes Mango Golden
- Coquito: Tropical Eggnog with a Bacardi Rum Floater
Food
- Peppermint Sundae: Chocolate Ice Cream, Whipped Cream and Peppermint Candy (GF, KA)
- Holiday Tree Sugar Cookie (V)
- Red and Green Mickey Sugar Cookie (V)
Beverages
- Hot Cocoa (kid-approved and non-alcoholic)
- T.G. Lee Eggnog (non-alcoholic)
- Chocolate Apple Shake Featuring Twinings® Winter Spice Tea (non-alcoholic)
- Shipyard Eggnog White Porter, Clearwater, FL
- Hot Cocoa with Assorted Cordials (Baileys Irish Cream, Frangelico Liqueur or Fireball Cinnamon Whisky)
- Firenog: T.G. Lee Eggnog with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
- Chocolate Apple Shake Featuring Twinings® Winter Spice Tea and Butterscotch Schnapps
Food
- Pastrami on Rye with House-Made Pickles and Deli Mustard
- Potato Knish with Herb Sour Cream (KA, V)
- Matzo Ball Soup
- Black and White Cookie (V)
Beverages
- Egg Cream: Milk, Chocolate Syrup and Seltzer (non-alcoholic)
- Brooklyn Brewery Brooklyn Lager
- Blue Cosmo Cocktail
Food
- Enchilada de Pollo con Mole: Chipotle Chicken in a Corn Tortilla Topped with Mole Negro and Garnished with Shredded Oaxaca Cheese and Sesame Seeds
- Tamal de Camarón: Corn Tamal Stuffed with Guajillo-Marinated Shrimp Topped with Mole Rojo and Shredded Cotija Cheese
- Arroz Con Leche: Rice Pudding with Cranberries
Beverages
- Cerveza Mexicana Artesanal: Allende Mexican Craft Ale served with a Floater of Kahlúa Liqueur
- Noche Buena Margarita: Libélula Joven Tequila, Cranberry and Lime Juices and Agave Nectar Topped with Lime Foam and Sprinkles
- La Posada Margarita: Cazadores Blanco Tequila, Horchata-Cinnamon Liquor, and Agua de Horchata Topped with Cinnamon
Food
- Napoléon de Saumon Fumé, Brioche á l’aneth: Smoked Salmon Napoleon in a Dill Brioche
- 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 (KA)
Beverages
- Spiced Rum Punch Slush: Spiced Rum, Rhum Clement V.S.O.P., Orange and Pineapple Juice with Cinnamon
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Blend, Château La Grand Moulin, Blaye, Côtes de Bordeaux
- Holiday Kir: Sparkling Wine and Monin Cranberry Syrup
- Willm, Brut Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine
Beverages
- M.I.A. Beer Company White Christmas IPA, Doral, FL
- Central 28 Beer Company My Favorite Things Brown Ale, DeBary, FL
- Copperpoint Brewing Company Cold Brew Coffee Lager, Boynton Beach, FL
- 3 Daughters Brewing 70 Degree Winter Weizen, St. Petersburg, FL
- Big Storm Brewing Co. Dunder & Blixem Winter Ale, Tampa Bay, FL
- Shipyard Candy Cane Coffee Porter, Clearwater, FL
- Holiday Beer Flight 1
- Holiday Beer Flight 2
Food
- Grilled Lamb Kefta Kebab with Whole Wheat Pita, Cucumber, Olives, Tomatoes, Mint Yogurt Sauce 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, Toasted Almonds and Chocolate Sauce
Beverages
- Casa Beer
- Kasbah Prestige Red Wine
- The Andalusian “Poinsettia” Cocktail: Sparkling Wine, Orange Liqueur and Cranberry Juice topped with Orange Blossom Water
- Walnut Spiced Coffee with Walnut Liqueur, Topped with Cinnamon and Whipped Cream
Food
- Pork and Vegetable Egg Rolls (KA)
- Mongolian Beef Bao Bun and a Fortune Cookie
- Celebration Barbecue Pork with Steamed Rice and a Fortune Cookie
- Spicy Mala Chicken with Steamed Rice and a Fortune Cookie
Beverages
- Sweetened Bubble Milk Tea: Mango Flavored Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls (non-alcoholic)
- Jasmine Beer
- Plum Wine
Food
- New Year Celebration Soba: Buckwheat Soba Noodles in Hot Dashi Soup with Chicken and Spinach
- Holiday Green Tea “Yule Log”: Delicate Spongecake Rolled with Whipped Cream Filling
Beverages
- Ichigo Milk Boba: Popping Strawberry Boba Cream Drink with Japanese Calpico (non-alcoholic)
- Sapporo Draft Beer
- Cinnamon Apple Cider: Plum Wine, Orange Juice with Lemonade and Apples
Food
- Cavatappi ai Quattro Formaggi: Baked 4-Cheese Pasta, Parmesan Crumble and Truffle Essence (kid-approved)
- Mozzarella in Carozza: Golden-Crusted Fried Mozzarella Sandwich and Tomato Sauce (kid-approved)
- Crespelle di Mele: Cinnamon Apple Fritters and Vanilla Sauce Drizzle with Chocolate Caramel Sauce
- Bacio al Cioccolato: Warm Hazelnut Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Mascarpone Cream
- Panettone Mignon: Miniature Traditional Italian Christmas Fruitcake
Beverages
- Moretti Lager
- Moretti La Rossa Double Malt Beer
- Pinot Grigio
- Chianti
- Prosecco
- Corbinello
- Moscato
Food
- Seared Salmon with Crown Royal Whisky Glaze, Parsnip Silk, Apple Chutney and Hazelnut Croquant
- Traditional French Canadian Tourtiere with Canadian Ketchup (KA)
- Maple Bûche de Noël: Maple Mousse rolled in Gingerbread Chiffon Cake with Cranberry Sauce and Pecan Crumble (KA, V)
- Gold Chocolate Chip Cookie (V)
Beverages
- Frozen Coffee (non-alcoholic)
- Unibroue Éphémère Strawberry & Rhubarb
- Inniskillin Riesling Icewine
- Inniskillin Pearl Vidal Icewine
- Inniskillin Gold Oak Icewine
- Ice Wine Flight
- Frozen Coffee with Tap 357 Whisky
Culinary Treats
- Pecan Maple Bark
- Holiday Apple Pie Sundae with Soft-Serve Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce and Crunchy Streusel Topping (kid-approved)
- Budweiser Reserve Collection Copper Lager
- Mickey Santa Hat Cupcake
- Mistletoe Mile: Brown Jug Bourbon Cream with Eggnog Topped with Whipped Cream and a Dash of Cinnamon
- Naughty and Nice: Grey Goose and Kahlúa with Eggnog Topped with Whipped Cream and a Dash of Cinnamon
- Rum Rudolf: RumChata with Eggnog Topped with Whipped Cream and a Dash of Cinnamon
- Cheerful Elf: Baileys Salted Caramel with Eggnog Topped with Whipped Cream and a Dash of Cinnamon
- Traditional Holiday Rice Cream
- Glace au Pain d’Epices: Gingerbread Ice Cream with Gingerbread Pieces (kid-approved)
- Bûche de Noël au Chocolate: Chocolate Christmas Log with Chocolate Mint Cream Mousse and Chocolate Crunch Biscuit (KA)
- Warm Caramel-Stuffed Salted Pretzel with Soft-Serve Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce (kid-approved)
- Shipyard Eggnog White Porter, Clearwater, FL
- Turkey Poutine: Sweet Potato Fries with Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Relish and Crispy Onions
- Eggnog Shake (non-alcoholic)
- Eggnog Shake with Baileys Irish Cream
- Croissant Doughnut with Chocolate and Holiday Sprinkles (kid-approved)
- Croissant Doughnut with Eggnog Pastry Cream and Gingerbread Crumbs
- Pancake Milkshake (non-alcoholic)
- Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red
- Twinings® Iced Christmas Toddy: Twinings® Iced Christmas Tea with Honey (non-alcoholic)
- Twinings® Iced Christmas Toddy: Twinings® Iced Christmas Tea with Honey and Drambuie
- TG Lee® Eggnog (non-alcoholic)
- TG Lee® Eggnog with Irish Whiskey
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 from November 22 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-DINE 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.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is located in the Norway Pavilion. It is a classic American breakfast buffet with a few Norwegian inspired foods as well. Lunch and dinner feature Scandinavian seafood, imported cheeses, cured meats, and more. You will also have your choice of a hot entree from its rotating menu and finish with The Royal Chef’s Dessert Plate that contains 3 desserts served family-style. It is a popular restaurant because you can meet Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Princess Aurora, or even Ariel!
- Breakfast: $65 for adults; $38 for kids
- Lunch: $73 for adults; $43 for kids
- Dinner $73 for adults; $43 for kids
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: $38 for adults; $22 for kids
- Lunch: $54 for adults; $23 for kids
- Dinner $64 for adults; $23 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: $55 for adults; $30 for kids
- Dinner $55 for adults; $30 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: $65.00 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: $70 for adults; $23 for kids
- Dinner $70 for adults; $23 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: $48 for adults; $28 for kids
- Lunch: $61 for adults; $36 for kids
- Dinner $61 for adults; $36 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 $80 for adults; $17.50 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 $62 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: $50 for adults; $16.99 for kids
- Dinner $58 for adults; $18.50 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: $60 for adults; $22 for kids
- Dinner $60 for adults; $22 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: $60 for adults; $15.50 for kids
- Dinner $75 for adults; $17.50 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: $62 for adults; $16.99 for kids
- Dinner $74 for adults; $20.75 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: $62.99 for adults; $16.99 for kids
- Dinner $74 for adults; $16.99 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: $52 for adults; $30 for kids
- Dinner $64 for adults; $23 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 2018
- Chita Rivera – November 22 to 23, 2018
- NEW! Helen Hunt – November 24 to 25, 2018
- NEW! Alfonso Ribeiro – November 26 to 27, 2018
- Robby Benson – November 28 to 30, 2018
- John Stamos – December 1 to 2, 2018
- Neil Patrick Harris – December 3 to 6, 2018
- Whoopi Goldberg – December 7 to 9, 2018
- NEW! Bart Millard – December 10 to 12, 2018
- Blair Underwood – December 13 to 14, 2018
- Gary Sinise – December 15 to 17, 2018
- Pat Sajak – December 18 to 20, 2018
- NEW! Auli’i Cravalho – December 21 to 23, 2018
- NEW! Joey Fatone – December 24 to 25, 2018
- Jodi Benson – December 26 to 27, 2018
- Cal Ripken Jr. – December 28 to 30, 2018
Holiday Cookie Stroll
New for 2018, 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:
- Red and Green Chocolate Chip Cookie at Feast of the the Three Kings
- Peppermint Sugar Cookie at Bavaria Holiday Kitchen
- Green and White Sugar Cookie at American Holiday Table
- Black and White Cookie at L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen
- Gold Chocolate Chip Cookie Cookie at Yukon Holiday Kitchen
- Completer Cookie – Red and Green Mickey Sugar 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. Once your map is complete, 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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