Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays officially kicks off TODAY!

And while we’re jazzed about all of the delicious food and drinks...especially after seeing this year’s menus, we’re also really excited to check out some of our favorite Festival of the Holidays traditions.

When people think Festival of the Holidays, they likely think delicious food booths, the Candlelight Processional, and Christmas decor.

As the festival kicks off TODAY, we thought we’d share some of our favorite Festival of the Holiday traditions. So, let’s hop into our sleighs to check out a few of these timeless traditions together!

The Storytellers

Did you know that the Festival of the Holidays has the potential to offer guests a glimpse into how different cultures celebrate holidays that take place throughout Winter? Well, they do, with the Festival of the Holidays Storytellers. These performers share stories that will give you the opportunity to see how other countries celebrate the holidays!

And speaking of Storytellers…Santa and Mrs. Claus actually meet for photos at the American Adventure Pavilion.

They’re typically outside, and they too will tell a short story and will be available to snap a photo afterward. If Santa and Mrs. Claus are too busy with their North Pole duties you may see that their pal Santa Goofy will take their place!

We love this timeless tradition because it really gets us in the mood for Christmas. Buuut we love it even more because this is a great way to meet Mrs. Claus and Santa without a lengthy line. While they do make their ways around the parks, they’re pretty popular people. So, this will give you the ability to snag a quick photo with less of a hassle and much less waiting!

Belle Meeting in her Enchanted Christmas Outfit

Another thing we LOVE to do every year is to meet Belle in her stunnnnnnning Enchanted Christmas outfit! You know, the rich velvet red and gold dress that she wore in the Beauty and the Beast Enchanted Christmas film!!

Well, Belle actually greets guests in this outfit throughout the festival! You will typically find her meeting at the gazebo in the France Pavilion where Aurora typically meets! While you can also see her in her lovely Christmas attire if you’re attending a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, this should be a great place to meet her with a shorter wait time! So, Belle lovers, be sure to take advantage!

Her times should be posted on the My Disney Experience app and they may possibly be on a placard near the gazebo.

Gingerbread Displays in America

Many of you may know about the stunning Gingerbread displays at Disney’s Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Yacht and Beach, but did you know that there are typically incredible Gingerbread displays in Epcot as well.

You can find these throughout the holiday season at The American Adventure. In the past, we’ve seen gingerbread creations of the United States Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial.

Annnnnnd the creators typically use over 50 POUNDS of gingerbread! We love taking a step away from the crowds to head into The American Adventures to see what Disney has come up with this year.

The Voices of Liberty Carolers

Speaking of the American Adventure Pavilion, did you know that The Voices of Liberty perform as Dickens Carolers during Festival of the Holidays? They dress in festive ware and sing classic holiday tunes throughout the day! You’ll find the group inside the American Adventure building (so you can stay warm while you listen to their lovely tunes.)

This area is usually decorated with stunning garland and you can stop by and listen before or after taking a look at the incredible Gingerbread House.

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is filled with unique traditions that can make the holidays really special. While we love all of these overlooked traditions, we also cannot wait to dine at some of our favorite food kitchens.

Check out the 2019 International Festival of the Holidays menus here!!

And we cannot wait to see Neil Patrick Harris and the rest of the 2019 performers grace us with their presence at The Candlelight Processional.

Take a look at who is performing in the 2019 Candlelight Processional here!

November 29th is almost here, folks! So, no need for the holiday blues because the days of glistening Christmas Tree lights across the World Showcase Lagoon are upon us!

Looking to fill your Christmas void? Then, take a peek at some of the 2019 Epcot Festival of the Holidays merch!!

Are you planning to visit the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays? What are your favorite traditions? Chat with us about it in the comments below!