With the arrival of Thanksgiving week, Walt Disney World is preparing resort wide for Christmas season. Festive decor is going up across the 43 square mile property, and as Epcot winds down it’s last week of the 2025 International Food and Wine Festival, the park is being prepared for the upcoming 2025 International Festival of the Holidays.
Christmas Decorations in EPCOT – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
We stopped by Epcot recently to check on the progress, noting garland with bright blue sphere ornamentation at the park entrance, some poinsettias and other red and green flowers in various planters, plus the arrival Epcot’s main internationally themed Christmas Tree.
Epcot’s Main Christmas Tree Has Arrived
All four Walt Disney World theme parks have their own “main” Christmas tree that celebrates the particular identity of the park it represents.
The EPCOT Christmas Tree in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
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The main Epcot Christmas tree stands at the entrance to World Showcase and at roughly over 30 feet tall can’t be missed. It’s adorned with gold garland, large bell ornaments, snow globes, and Christmas balls representing the various countries highlighted at the park. Several photopass photographers are stationed at the base of the tree for photo opportunities at a variety of angles.
The Iconic Christmas Trees of Walt Disney World
The Epcot tree is not only one of the four main theme park trees, but one of 20 iconic trees throughout Disney World.
The EPCOT Christmas Tree in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
These trees decorate the various resort hotel properties such as Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, The Grand Floridian, and others.
Aside from its icon tree, Disney Springs offers the Christmas Tree trail, with each of those trees decorated to a Disney attraction or character theme. Each tree is unique to it’s property and makes the holiday season an incredibly special time to visit “the most magical place on earth.”
The EPCOT Christmas Tree in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
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Of these unique trees David Sabila of Disney Parks Blog writes, “At the heart of this holiday celebration, 20 dazzling ‘icon Christmas trees’ stand tall and proud, each one a shimmering symbol of tradition, joy, and pure Disney storytelling. These magnificent trees invite you to unwrap seasonal magic and create memories that sparkle as brightly as their glimmering lights.”
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
The installation of the tree at Epcot means the International Festival of the Holidays is around the corner. Beginning on “Black Friday”, November 28, 2025 this festival celebrates the holiday season throughout the world.
Spaceship Earth and the Christmas tree at EPCOT – Disney Parks Blog
Each pavilion around the World Showcase will have it’s own unique entertainment offerings, including how that particular country represents Santa Claus.
The main Santa Meet and Greet will be located in Communicore Hall, which is currently closed to prepare for the festival. The highlight of the festival is the Candlelight Processional, featuring a full orchestra, choir of cast members, and a celebrity narrator who tells the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus, along with music and song.
Members of the choir in the EPCOT Candlelight Processional
The celebrity line up this year includes fan favorite Gary Sinise, and the return of Brendan Fraser. Among the newcomers in 2025 will be Henry Winkler and Brie Larson. This year’s full List of celebrity narrators can be found on the Disney Parks Blog.
The Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
Disney has seen it’s share of low crowds this last year, but note that as the holidays arrive at Disney World, so do the crowds. The Epcot tree stands high, the resort is decorated, and while we still miss the incredible Osborn Family lighting display that saw it’s last season at Hollywood Studios in 2015, this is still the most magical season to visit.
The EPCOT Christmas Tree in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
Be prepared for the crowds, be patient and kind to the cast members, and above all, have a safe and happy holiday if you plan to visit Epcot and Walt Disney World this Christmas.
Will you be going to see the Epcot Christmas tree in 2025? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
holiday tree, right?