Epcot’s holiday offerings have expanded and received a new name this year.
The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, previously known as “Holidays Around the World,” returns with its popular Candlelight Processional, new Holiday Kitchens, and a scavenger hunt led by Chip and Dale.
This year’s event will debut 15 Holiday Kitchens serving up holiday cookies and other sweet seasonal treats. The Odyssey will feature snowflake sugar cookies and warm apple fritters with cinnamon ice cream. The Canada pavilion will offer Maple Buche de Noel.
Epcot will introduce an interactive musical group that interweaves the music of Hanukkah with jazz, rock and hip-hop influences. Returning favorites also include JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season and Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.
Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree is a chipmunk-led scavenger hunt to find ornaments. Participants purchase a $6.99 map at select merchandise locations that guides their journey.
The Candlelight Processional features a retelling of the traditional Christmas story by a celebrity narrator and music from a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. The show will welcome a few new narrators including Matt Bomer, CCH Pounder and Pat Sajak. Returning favorites Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jaci Velasquez also are scheduled to appear.
The Candlelight Processional is performed three times each evening, 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre from Nov. 24-Dec. 30.
The evening ends with IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks, which will feature a special holiday finale.
Epcot’s annual holiday festival runs November 19 through December 30.