Epcot, which is truly fascinating and interesting to visit any time of year (and yes, for all ages) truly comes into its own around Christmas time. It's a natural fit, truly, in the International Showcase. There, you can find great shopping from a variety of countries as well as Santas from around the globe.
Here are some highlights and must-see attractions during Christmas at Epcot.
Epcot Candlelight Processional
This is a must-do that should be on the top of the list for those visiting Epcot over the holidays. It is simply majestic, and it features a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra. There are also celebrity narrators, which included Neil Patrick Harris, Virginia Madsen, Angela Bassett and Courtney Vance in 2008. The event is included with entry to Epcot. You can also book a candlelight dinner with special seating, which should be done ahead of time.
Holidays Around the World at Epcot
If you like learning about (or teaching the kids about) different cultures, a visit to Epcot makes that fun and easy. You can find holiday traditions for various cultures in their respective countries in the World Showcase. For example, Pere Noel speaks about Christmas in France at Epcot France and you can find real life-size nutcrackers in Epcot Germany.
Christmas Shopping at Epcot
Perhaps one of the best reasons to hit Epcot during the holidays is to find unique gifts imported from around the world. A must-visit for fans of Christmas is Epcot Germany, where you can find a Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) stand. There are also stunning German handcrafted German Christmas ornaments, as well as Mickey Mouse nutrackers and a vast selection of holiday decor.
You can also simply circle the World Showcase to find imported gifts from Italy, Morocco, Norway, China, Japan and more. Near the entrance to Epcot, you can also find Disney framed art and animal cels to give as gifts.
Life-Size Gingerbread House and Christmas Lights
At Epcot's American area, you can find a real life-size gingerbread house. Stop by to order a hot cocoa and to visit with Santa Claus! This also happens to be near the Candlelight Processional. You can also see beautiful Christmas lights across a bridge and a huge Christmas tree, best seen after dark.
Christmas Fireworks
Epcot features a fireworks show each night during the holidays with a holiday theme. Epcot’s kaleidoscope of lasers, lights, fireworks and music, called “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” is described by Disney World as "over 1,100 pyrotechnic bursts and the extraordinary Earth Globe floats across the lagoon, revealing wonders of the seven continents on its curved LED screens — the first ever of their kind."
Kelby Carr - Kelby Hartson Carr is an Asheville, N.C. mother of three, a seasoned travel writer, and has extensive experience traveling with children. ...
