Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: Sparking a memorable holiday celebration

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays tempts theme park visitors with a bounty of holiday dishes that celebrate the traditions around the world.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays invites guests to journey around the world and embrace all the holiday celebrations. From festive decorations to scrumptious food, this Epcot festival is more than an entertaining day at a theme park. This festival shows that the holidays spark a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Every culture has a holiday tradition and many of those holiday traditions involve food. Whether it is the classic ham dinner at Christmas, grandma’s matzo ball soup at Hanukah or a Buche de Noel for a classic holiday dessert, food is often a focal point of the holiday celebration. At the current Epcot festival, food plays a big role in the holiday festivities.

Of course, the gorgeous holiday displays throughout the Disney theme park put everyone in the holiday spirit. From the enormous Christmas tree on the edge of World Showcase to each country’s decorations, the holiday spirit is everywhere. Even if the weather might be a little warmer than frozen, the holiday spirit cannot be dampened.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, Queso Fresco-stuffed arepa, knish, photo by Cristine Struble

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Epcot, experience the International Festival of the Holidays and taste many of the delicious celebratory food. This one day experience not only satisfied my holiday cravings, but it also sparked many holiday memories. Even as I wandered through the park, little, quiet moments made me recall childhood moments, favorite flavors and even inspired me to create a few new memories with my own children. While I saw and tasted my way around the world, I think that a second visit before the festival ends on December 30 is definitely in order.

Since many of my personal holiday memories revolve around food, I was excited to try many of the holiday food tastings at Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. With my passport in hand (similar to the passport for Food and Wine, Flower and Garden and International Festival of the Arts), I set out to explore the culinary delights.

Located throughout World Showcase, the Holiday Kitchens highlight some holiday dishes from around the world. Whether you are looking for a hearty, warm dish or a sweet treat, each holiday kitchen has a tempting option. Of course, there are a few beverages to pair with all those amazing dishes.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, Pastrami on Rye, photo by Cristine Struble

New to this year’s festival is the L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen. While not necessarily just Hanukah food, these dishes highlight some of the flavors from a classic NYC deli. If you only eat one food at this festival, the Pastrami on Rye with house made pickles needs to be on your list.

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This pastrami sandwich transported me back to eating lunch with my grandmother in NYC. The pastrami is wonderfully flavorful. Plus, the pickle is a perfect balance of a spice, sweet and tangy. With a touch of mustard on the marble rye, the bite made me smile.

The other offerings at L’Chaim are equally as impressive. For hearty bite, the knish is a wonderful choice. The herb sour cream brightens the potato flavors.

Of course, do not pass up the opportunity to top off the dishes with an egg cream and a black and white cookie. This black and white cookie is a little different than the traditional deli version. There is a slight lemon flavor to the cookie itself, still is it quite delicious.

Another popular holiday kitchen is Feast of the Three Kings. This holiday kitchen celebrates the flavors from this holiday tradition. These dishes offered layered flavors and bold combinations. A personal favorite is the queso fresco-stuffed arepa. The slightly sweet tomato sauce combined with a bright crushed avocado aji makes you go back bite after bite. Topped with shrimp, this dish will make you appreciate a well-balanced dish.

Also, the Tres Leches Rice Pudding is a lovely alternative to a traditional tres leches cake. Topped with pumpkin seeds, this dessert offers a combination of textures, which makes for a satisfying bite. And, don’t forget to sip on a traditional coquito to finish the meal.

Another favorite holiday kitchen is Mexico. The enchilada de pollo con mole is robust in its flavor. The mole is deep, rich and perfect for a holiday dish. While the dish has a single enchilada, one plate is definitely enough for a small meal.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, Mexico holiday offerings, photo by Cristine Struble

If you can’t pass up a margarita in Mexico, I would recommend the Noche Buena Margarita. This margarita definitely represents the colors of the season. Red from the cranberry and green from the lime foam/sprinkles, this cocktail is quite festive. The lime foam really makes this cocktail. Although I was a little stumped by the candy cane garnish, I would happily sip this cocktail all holiday season.

While the holiday kitchens are a huge draw, Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is known for the nightly Candlelight Processional. A 50 piece orchestra, Voices of Liberty and choir join together to bring the story of the season to life.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, Candlelight Processional, photo by Cristine Struble

Throughout the holiday season, various celebrities give voice to the traditional story. On the night that I attended, Alfonso Ribeiro made his debut as narrator. The beaming smile on his face throughout the performance was as endearing as his swaying to the music.

One of the best ways to enjoy the nightly Candlelight Processional is by booking the Candlelight Dining Package. Guests can pair a fine dining experience with a reserved seat for the show. It is definitely the best way to ensure that you get to see this exceptional holiday experience.

If you are looking to spark a holiday memory, create a new tradition or just enjoy a day with friends and family, Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is definitely a worth a visit. The Epcot event runs through December 30. Other Walt Disney World theme parks are celebrating the holidays through January 6.

I would like to thank Walt Disney World for hosting me and providing the opportunity to experience this special holiday event.