PLEASE NOTE, THIS POST MAY INCLUDE AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING THAT IF YOU CLICK ON A LINK AND MAKE A PURCHASE, I'LL RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISION. THIS WILL COME AT NO COST TO YOU.
I love Disney World’s Epcot. I can visit Mexico, Paris, Norway, and China all in one day, and without the expensive airfare.
Since being in a play as a kid named, Christmas All Over the World, I’ve been obsessed with how people around the world celebrate the holidays. Books, movies, television specials, I gobble them up. Upon arriving at Disney World during the holidays, I couldn’t wait to finally get a chance to experience the International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot, especially the shows.
The UK
In the UK, we encountered Father Christmas.
Father Christmas shares the history behind some popular Christmas traditions, like mistletoe and the giving of Christmas cards. He also leads the crowd in a rousing sing-a-long of Deck the Halls, while one lucky kid rings Father Christmas’ jingle bells during the tune.
I was delighted by Father Christmas, because he reminded me of the Ghost of Christmas Present from The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Germany
In Germany, Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree.
Helga then tells the story of The Nutcracker. She tells the audience that she has a special surprise, which turns out to be a giant, life-size, walking, nutcracker.
We have a friend who finds nutcrackers creepy in the way that many people find clowns creepy. As the giant nutcracker came lumbering towards the audience, I had to agree, it was kind of creepy.
Germany is a great spot to stop and have a snack. Mmmmm…stroopwafels…..
Mexico
In Mexico, there is a mariachi band and dancers. Children are invited to join in the dance, and then they are handed a stick and encouraged to whack a pinata.
If you have the time, I recommend taking a peek inside the pyramid. The year round lights mixed with the holiday lights is a lovely sight.
China
In China, it’s all about the New Year. The New Year’s dragon appears to perform a festive dance. The show is energetic and fun, and the dragon is very cute.
Norway
In Norway, the Anna-esque Sigrid, graces the stage to tell everyone about Julenissen, a mischievous barn Santa.
Sigrid does not believe in Julenissen, therefore she can not see him. Julenissen has to work hard, using some special Zack Morris level, freezing time shenanigans, to spread his mischief so that Sigrid can finally believe.
If you (or your child) are into audience participation, sit in the front. Julenissen chooses one audience member to take part in the show.
This was my favorite World Showcase holiday show. It’s silly and highly entertaining. It’s especially exciting for the person who gets to ring the bell.
America
In the American Adventure lobby, you can glimpse a fancy gingerbread house,
and hear The Voices of Liberty sing festive, holiday songs.
The best part about visiting America, is Santa!
Now you can see Santa most places, but it’s not every Christmas that you get to meet the Mrs.. Clearly she took a shining to me. I’m waiting for my invitation to the North Pole cottage.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus were charming. Getting to spend time with them and get photos, was a highlight of our day at Epcot.
Night Time in Future World
Be sure to stay in Epcot after the sun goes down.
The tree that sits between Future World and The World Showcase, is a sight to behold when it’s all lit up.
Also, exit the park via Future World, as there are some fun light displays to make you smile.
It was a memorable day, indulging in my obsession with learning about holidays around the world. I wish we had more time to see all of the shows, but we did get to see some of the most popular ones. If you are heading to Disney World during the holidays, make it a priority to spend time in The World Showcase, celebrating the holidays around the world.
If you are looking for a fun travel community, check out WeekendWanderlust
Comments are closed.
Amanda
atI love Epcot, such an easy way to travel the world. I would to see it during the holidays.
obligatorytraveler@gmail.com
atNow that I’ve been to Epcot during the holidays, it’s my favorite time to be there. I just love how each country has their own unique decorations, food, and shows.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
atChristmas around the world looks like a lot of fun, especially because you don’t have to actually travel to experience it – lol!
obligatorytraveler@gmail.com
atSince we live on the East Coast, the plane ticket is definitely less expensive than one to actual Norway, Germany, or France. It’s fun to talk to the case members as they are from the actual countries. Our waiter in France was fantastic.
Jill
atI’m a big EPCOT fan – in fact, I spent my 50th birthday there so I could go “around the world”. I never even thought that they would have “Christmas around the world”. Would love to visit to experience this. Disney just does it right!
obligatorytraveler@gmail.com
atFun. I really want to go to Disney for my birthday one year, just to hear all of the happy birthday greetings all week. Christmas at Epcot was even better than I thought it would be. I also liked some of the extra food treats offered by the different countries.
Jillian
atThis is so fun! I have the opinion of DW being severely overpriced, but this is worth going to visit! I do a Christmas Around the World Storytime every year, and it would be so cool to see all these traditions alive!
Brittany Quaglieri
atI’ve never been to Epcot, but this looks like a fun way to experience holidays “around the world.”
Lara Dunning
atIt has been forever since I’ve been to Epcot, and it wasn’t during the holidays. Seeing all the world traditions would be fun. Love strompwaffles!
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)
atWe love Christmas, and we love Epcot! And yet, every year we find ourselves NOT at Epcot during the holidays. What is wrong with us??? As usual, we’re saying, “Next year, for sure!” Thanks for sharing your visit on #WeekendWanderlust – at least we can enjoy it vicariously! 😉