Last week I got to make my way to the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Although this is the shortest festival of the year, it is power packed with festivities! This festival showcases Christmas style celebrations and traditions from all over the world. Storytelling, singing, tastes, and decorations from many countries dot the landscape of the World Showcase and spill into the corners of Future World too!
As usual, my mission was clear….try as many amazing things as humanly possible in the time I had in the park! You guys know food is always at the top of the list!
My top picks for dishes this year were pretty different from one another. My favorite slot was filled by L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen and their delicious potato latkes! These were crispy perfection topped with a creamy dill sauce! Absolute Hanukkah perfection!
My second spot on food was the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen played host to the giant tostada de Barbacoa! Braised Barbacoa Beef on a huge tostada with chipotle black bean purée, salsa verde, queso cotija, and crema Mexicana. This was the perfect combination of flavors. Not overly spicy but completely packed with flavor!
The top drink this year has got to be the very festive Cranberry Mimosa! Pol Remy Sparkling Wine with Orange juice and cranberry syrup was a refreshing combination of holiday flavors! This drink was featured at the Le Marche de Noel Holiday Kitchen. It’s also worth mentioning this booth has one of the festival’s most popular offerings that are also super high on the list of awesome things to try!
The frozen hot chocolate martini is a festive holiday hit! Grey Goose La Vanille Vodka, Vodka, chocolate milk, and whipped cream make up this slushy goodness! Do not miss this one for sure!
Other highlights of the festival are performances by celebrity narrators at the Candlelight Processional and various musical performances throughout the showcase. This year also as in years past had various Santa like storytellers from around the globe telling the tales of their traditions and lands far away.
And also featured was Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt! The map for this adorable quest can be purchased for $9.99 at the Port of Entry. As you meander through the showcase you’ll search for Olaf in various places! Collect the stickers from each Olaf tradition and you can redeem your map for a keepsake ornament at the end! This is definitely great fun for the entire family!
The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is a great adventure to add to your plans when visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season! What an amazing learning experience for the entire family to have together. It’s the perfect way to make holiday memories together in a park that may surprise you!
