The holiday season at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT is a magical experience that brings to life the spirit of Christmas with unique touches, global influences, and vibrant decorations across its lands and pavilions. The International Festival of the Holidays is the centerpiece of the season at EPCOT, transforming the park with decor, music, and holiday cheer inspired by cultures worldwide. Here’s a look at some of the most impressive decorations you can see throughout the park.
1. Spaceship Earth: A Shining Christmas Beacon
One of EPCOT’s standout features at any time of the year is Spaceship Earth, the iconic geodesic sphere that has been EPCOT’s emblem since its inception. During the holidays, Spaceship Earth becomes an even more captivating sight, especially in the evenings. Disney transforms the sphere into a holiday wonderland of lights, illuminating it in festive colors like red, green, blue, and gold. During the International Festival of the Holidays, themed projections and light shows add a festive overlay that can only be seen during this time of year.
A synchronized music-and-light display that combines beloved holiday tunes and Disney classics complements this, making Spaceship Earth an unmissable stop for Christmas photos. It’s a spectacular, family-friendly experience that sets the tone for the entire park.
2. The World Showcase: Christmas Around the World
EPCOT’s World Showcase is one of the best places to experience Christmas from a global perspective. Each pavilion is decorated to reflect its own unique holiday traditions, bringing an educational and festive feel to the entire World Showcase. Let’s take a look at how each pavilion gets into the holiday spirit:
- Mexico Pavilion: Here, the decorations reflect Mexican holiday traditions like Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas Eve. Look for festive papel picado banners, vibrant poinsettias, and intricate nativity scenes that represent the Mexican cultural heritage.
- Norway Pavilion: In Norway, Christmas decorations are inspired by Norwegian folklore and feature items like julenissen (the Norwegian Christmas gnome). Traditional garlands and lights adorn the pavilion, and you’ll see themed decorations, such as red ribbons, to reflect Norway’s holiday charm.
- Germany Pavilion: With its Bavarian village vibe, the Germany Pavilion naturally lends itself to a cozy Christmas atmosphere. During the holidays, the pavilion is decorated with twinkling lights, wreaths, and garlands. Christmas trees line the area, and many are decked with traditional German ornaments. One highlight to watch for here is the miniature village in the pavilion’s model train set, which gets its own holiday-themed makeover.
- China Pavilion: Here, the celebration focuses more on the Lunar New Year, but during December, you’ll find Chinese-inspired holiday decor with red lanterns, banners, and traditional Chinese motifs mixed with holiday cheer.
- Italy Pavilion: Italy shines with classic elegance during the holidays. With its towering Christmas tree, the pavilion celebrates La Befana, a kindhearted witch from Italian folklore who brings gifts to children on Epiphany. Wreaths, ribbons, and Italian-inspired ornaments make this a memorable stop.
- Japan Pavilion: Japan’s decorations focus on Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year. Bamboo, pine trees, and plum blossoms symbolize health and happiness for the new year, and are subtly woven into the pavilion’s holiday decor.
- France Pavilion: Decorated with sparkling lights and glamorous garlands, the France Pavilion exudes holiday romance. The pavilion takes inspiration from French Christmas markets, complete with ornaments, miniature Eiffel Towers, and decorations in gold, red, and white hues.
- United Kingdom Pavilion: This pavilion showcases the traditions of an English Christmas. Look for garlands adorned with bells and mistletoe, and traditional red and green decor. The UK Pavilion also highlights Father Christmas in their storytelling sessions, bringing joy to guests of all ages.
- Canada Pavilion: Canada features rustic holiday decor inspired by the country’s winter wonderland, with pinecones, plaid ribbons, and festive greenery reflecting a Canadian Christmas ambiance.
3. Holiday Kitchens: Festive Culinary Decorations
EPCOT’s holiday kitchens are a treat for the senses. Not only do they offer seasonal dishes from around the world, but each stand and booth is decorated to reflect the holiday spirit of the cuisine’s origin. From wreaths and fairy lights to traditional holiday motifs, these kitchens bring food and decoration together in a way that immerses guests in the joy of the season. Make sure to stop by the American Holiday Table in the American Adventure Pavilion, the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen in Germany, and the Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen in Mexico for tasty treats and charming decor.
4. The American Adventure Pavilion: Classic Christmas Charm
The American Adventure Pavilion takes a classic approach to Christmas. The colonial architecture is adorned with traditional holiday decorations, like wreaths, red ribbons, and Christmas trees. Inside, you’ll find displays that reflect various American holiday traditions, from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The pavilion also hosts the “Voices of Liberty,” a choir that performs traditional Christmas carols and hymns in the rotunda. This heartwarming performance, combined with classic decor, makes the American Adventure Pavilion a must-visit for traditional Christmas vibes.
5. Holiday Storytellers and Characters: Festive Fun for Families
Throughout the World Showcase, you’ll find Holiday Storytellers who share the traditions and folklore of each country’s holiday season. Each Storyteller appears with culturally inspired decorations, such as Father Christmas in the United Kingdom and La Befana in Italy. Their areas are adorned with lights, garlands, and themed decor that add a storytelling atmosphere, enhancing each country’s pavilion.
You’ll also spot some of your favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday best. From Mickey and Minnie in festive red-and-green attire to Goofy in a Santa hat, they add to the charm and provide great photo opportunities!
6. The Candlelight Processional: A Holiday Tradition
While not strictly a “decoration,” the Candlelight Processional is a holiday tradition that transforms the America Gardens Theatre into a stunning display of lights and sound. The Candlelight Processional is one of EPCOT’s most popular Christmas experiences, featuring a celebrity narrator, a full choir, and a 50-piece orchestra. The performers wear elegant costumes, and the stage is decorated with Christmas trees, candles, and twinkling lights that set a reverent, awe-inspiring atmosphere.
7. The Festival of the Holidays Centerpiece Tree
At the entrance to the World Showcase stands EPCOT’s towering Christmas tree, a sight that is both awe-inspiring and heartwarming. The tree is beautifully decorated with ornaments that reflect the many cultures represented in the World Showcase, with giant globes, ribbons, and themed ornaments that symbolize the global spirit of the holiday season.
As day turns to night, this tree is illuminated in a display that celebrates international unity and peace. It’s the perfect spot for a photo op and serves as a reminder of the holiday message of togetherness that Disney brings to life.
8. The Finale: Fireworks and Festive Projections
To cap off a magical day, EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular, often featuring a holiday-themed addition, lights up the skies. During the Christmas season, the show includes heartwarming seasonal music, festive lights, and projections. This display incorporates global holiday traditions in a beautiful, moving way and adds a final touch of enchantment to the park.
Conclusion
EPCOT during the holiday season is a must-see for anyone looking to experience Christmas with a global perspective. With its decorations, themed pavilions, holiday storytellers, and festive entertainment, the park offers a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration that combines cultural authenticity with Disney magic. Whether you’re there to savor the decor, taste seasonal treats, or listen to holiday music, EPCOT’s holiday decorations are sure to make your Christmas season a little brighter and a lot more magical.