Disney World Unveils New Details for 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Image: EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. (Photo Credit: Walt Disney World Resort Media)
Image: EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. (Photo Credit: Walt Disney World Resort Media)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:10 PM ET, Mon October 9, 2023

Walt Disney World Resort officials announced new details of the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, including new traditions, entertainment, food and drinks.

The popular EPCOT Candlelight Processional returns in 2023 with new celebrity narrators telling the story of Christmas as a massive choir and a 50-piece orchestra set the scene. Disney World provided a complete list of this year’s celebrities:

Chrissy Metz (NEW): Nov. 24-25

Luis Fonsi (NEW): Nov. 26-27

Ann-Margret (NEW): Nov. 28-29

Simu Liu: Nov. 30-Dec. 2

John Stamos: Dec. 3-5

Neil Patrick Harris: Dec. 6-8

Marlee Matlin: Dec. 9-11

Brendan Fraser (NEW): Dec. 12-14

Eva Longoria (NEW): Dec. 15-16

Joey McIntyre (NEW): Dec. 17-18

Sterling K. Brown (NEW): Dec. 19-20

Jordan Fisher (NEW): Dec. 21-23

Steven Curtis Chapman: Dec. 24-26

Audra McDonald (NEW): Dec. 27-28

Lisa Ling: Dec. 29-30

To ensure a spot to watch, bookings for the Candlelight Processional Dining Package open on October 17, with travelers being able to choose from seven distinctive eateries, with breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Pricing and availability can be found on Disney World’s website.

At EPCOT’s Odyssey Pavilion, Santa Claus will be available for photo opportunities and last-minute Christmas lists from November 24 through December 24. The World Showcase area also comes alive with magical legends and lore as storytellers talk about how the winter holidays are celebrated around the world.

Visitors can experience uplifting Gospel and R&B songs celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa at the Season in World Showcase Plaza, in addition to taking a festive boat tour through Living with the Land in World Nature.

For the foodies in the group, more than 15 Holiday Kitchens will be highlighted during the International Festival of the Holidays—including returning favorites like slow-roasted turkey with stuffing—as well as the delectable Holiday Cookie Stroll.

Children in the group can experience Olaf and his Holiday Traditions Expedition Scavenger Hunt, which lets visitors seek out the “tradition” found in each pavilion and earn a special festival holiday keepsake.


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Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

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