Epcot's Holidays Around the World
Holidays at Epcot
By: Rebecca JonesSeptember 3, 2015
The winter holidays are an amazing time to be at Walt Disney World in Florida. Almost every theme park has special events planned, and the resorts are decked out in all their holiday glory. While Magic Kingdom has Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Hollywood Studios has the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, today I’d like to focus on Epcot’s offerings – Holidays Around the World.This event takes place along the World Showcase, and encompasses several chances to get into the holiday spirit. There is special shopping in almost each pavilion, but be sure to check out the Christkindlmarkt in Germany and Santa’s Village in the America pavilion. Each has extraordinary items you can purchase for those special people on your list.In each pavilion along the World Showcase you will find a Storyteller, who will share with you the traditions and stories from their country. This has been my favorite part of the holidays at Epcot. Actors portray different characters and people, and tell stories about how the holidays are celebrated in their countries.
For example, in Germany you’ll learn about the first Nutcracker, while in Italy you’ll hear from the good Christmas witch. In America you can learn about Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, and in Chin, you hear from the Monkey King, who tells of celebrating the Chinese New Year.My favorite, though, is in Norway, where they tell you of the Christmas gnome, Julenissen, who is very mischievous. 
He watches over the family, helping with chores and bearing gifts during the holidays. It’s a really entertaining time, with lots of laughter as he plays tricks on the narrator with the help of someone from the audience.These are just some of the storytellers who share their traditions with you. The stories are usually 10-15 minutes long. Be sure to check the Times Guide when you enter Epcot to see when each storyteller will be out.Possibly the most well-known event at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional. This amazing retelling of the Christmas story features a full orchestra and an amazing choir, led by the Voices of Liberty. There are guest conductors, as well as celebrity narrators who read the story of the birth of Jesus, accompanied by some of your favorite Christmas songs, like Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful. For 2015, they have announced Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg and Amy Grant as some of the celebrity narrators.
The Candlelight Processional is typically performed multiple times per night, and only on select nights. Seating at the American Adventure Pavilion can be very limited for the Candlelight Processional, so the best bet for reserved seating is to schedule a Candlelight Processional dinner package. Available at most restaurants in Epcot, these dining packages give you access to preferred seating for the show, although you still need to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled time to ensure access. If you are taking advantage of the Disney dining plan, these packages will use two table-service meal credits, even at those locations that are normally one table-service credit.As you can see, there is so much to do at Disney during the holidays! I’d love to help you plan a vacation your family won’t forget. Contact me at Rebecca@wishesfamilytravel.com, and follow my Facebook page. I hope to hear from you soon!