We first experienced a “Taste” of an EPCOT festival earlier this year with the introduction of Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, and we’re already looking ahead to the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts in early 2021. It only makes sense for the park’s lighter take on its standard celebration to span the Christmas season, as well: Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will take place between November 27 and December 30, 2020 – and new entertainment has just been announced for the occasion.
First, let’s talk about what’s returning from the full-fledged holiday festival of years past. Guests can indulge in the holiday spirit with the Holiday Cookie Stroll, which sends them to five different holiday kitchens across World Showcase for – you guessed it – a variety of cookies. Once all five cookies have been collected, and their respective Festival Passport stamps have been received, visitors can visit the Sweets & Treats Holiday Kitchen to receive a complimentary Peppermint Minnie Cookie.
Speaking of holiday kitchens, 16 of them will be found across World Showcase – plus, seasonal flavors can be perused at a few additional venues, including Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company and Refreshment Outpost. The Refreshment Outpost is actually one location that has already revealed a new menu item: a warm brown-sugar-stuffed pretzel with soft-serve ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Another returning favorite is JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season. A talented vocal ensemble will grace the World Showplace stage with uplifting gospel, R&B, and holiday songs in celebration of the Christmas and Kwanzaa seasons. America Gardens Theatre will also be embracing the season with special holiday shows from the Voices of Liberty and the Mariachi Cobre, the latter of which will bring a celebration of Mexican holiday customs to life through music and dance. Finally, the JAMMitors will grace the Canada Pavilion’s Mill Stage with playful percussion.
So, what’s new for Taste of EPCOT Festival of the Holidays? Olaf’s Holiday Tradition is an all-new scavenger hunt that sends young guests searching for Olaf and his misplaced holiday traditions throughout World Showcase. Maps will be available for purchase at Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway. Once complete, it can be presented to receive “a gift worth melting for” (while supplies last).
If you’ve visited EPCOT recently, you may have seen character promenades gracing the World Showcase loop and beyond. Both the Mickey and Friends World Tour and Frozen Promenade will continue through the Christmas season, with the extra magic of these characters wearing their holiday best between November 27 and December 30. The standard Princess Promenade is promised to continue during this time, too.
Now, for the most festive news of all: the Santa Claus Promenade will take Santa on a grand tour around World Showcase in a horse-drawn carriage to share holiday wishes with guests between November 27 and December 24. (After all, Santa has places to be that night!)
Amongst these grand offerings, there is one noticeable gap in the holiday lineup: EPCOT will not be hosting its traditional Candlelight Processional this year, which typically shares the story of Christmas via a 50-piece orchestra, full choir, and celebrity narrator.
Ready to unwrap the holiday season at Walt Disney World? From decor to entertainment, follow along on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds for the latest seasonal updates – plus news and tips from Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions. And then be sure to discuss everything with thousands of other Disney die-hards in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook!
