Why Epcot is a must-visit park at Disney World during the holidays, according to travel experts

09.11.2023 - 14:35 / insider.com / Eva Longoria / Disney World

You might think Magic Kingdom is the be-all and end-allof the Christmas season at Disney World, with highlights including Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, holiday parades, holiday fireworks, and snow raining down on Main Street USA.

But it's not the only park you should make time for during a vacation to Disney World during the holidays.

Three travel experts told Insider their favorite park during the holidays is actually Epcot, even calling it "the hidden gem" of the Disney World holiday season.

Here's why they love it.

The World Showcase at Epcot is known year-round for illustrating different nations' culture and heritage through architecture, decorations, food, arts, and entertainment. The 11 nations included are the US, the UK, France, Canada, Morocco, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Germany, China, and Norway.

During the Christmas season, the newly named Festival of Holidays allows guests to experience the "sights, sounds, and flavors" of holidays around the world, according to Disney Parks.

"It keeps getting bigger every year, and it's a time when the World Showcase really shines in terms of getting to learn about the various countries that are represented, and it gives you the warm fuzzies about holidays all over the world, as well as brings everybody together," Jill Knonenborg, a travel agent who specializes in Disney destinations, told Insider.

In terms of entertainment, you can't leave without experiencing the beauty of the Candlelight Processional, said Rachael Saldana, a Disney travel-planning expert at Allonsy Travel. It is one of the best-kept secrets of Disney World during the holidays, she added.

The Candlelight Processional is a retelling of the story of Jesus, so while the story will not be for everyone, the event does include a full orchestra, a full choir, and the chance to listen to a celebrity narrator.

The event, which is free with park admission, is held three times a night at the America Gardens Theatre, and this year, it will feature celebrity narrators including John Stamos, Eva Longoria, Audra McDonald, and Neil Patrick Harris, among others.

The Candlelight Processional isn't the only entertainment at Epcot, according to Knonenborg, who shares her park advice with her 78,000 followers on TikTok.

Whether it's Father Christmas representing traditions in the UK, or the telling of La Befana, the good-natured witch who delivers gifts to children on the Eve of the Epiphany in Italy, holiday storytellers give short performances you can catch throughout the park.

"Each of the countries represented has a performer, an actor who is telling the story of that country's holiday tradition. It's just a really great way for families to do a little bit of 'funducation' on your holiday trip," she