For the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, Santa Claus will relocate his meet‑and‑greet location from the Odyssey Pavilion to CommuniCore Hall.
The meet‑and‑greet sessions are set to run daily from November 28th through December 24th, with appearances at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5 p.m.
Prior to being in the Odyssey, Santa was located outside near The American Adventure.
CommuniCore Hall as the New Venue
CommuniCore Hall, a flexible indoor festival space, opened in mid‑2024 as part of EPCOT’s festival infrastructure expansion. During past festivals, the hall has hosted seasonal displays, exhibits, and festival merchandise. For instance, in the 2024 Festival of the Holidays, the hall featured a gingerbread “Spaceship Earth” display.
Spaceship Earth and the Christmas tree at EPCOT – Disney Parks Blog
Between festival seasons, the hall sometimes closes temporarily to prepare for new exhibits. In early 2025, the space was closed for installation of a Disney on Broadway exhibit during EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts.
Implications and Considerations
Relocating Santa to CommuniCore Hall suggests a shift in how Disney is arranging guest flow and festival logistics. Because the hall is indoors, it offers shelter from weather and may allow a more controlled environment for queuing and photo backdrops.
Mickey Mouse in the Disney Christmas Parade – Disney Parks Blog
Disney has not publicly explained the specific reasons for the relocation. Some observers have raised uncertainty about whether previous decorative elements—such as the gingerbread Spaceship Earth—will be included alongside Santa’s setup in the new location.
Festival Context
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays includes cultural storytellers, seasonal entertainment, food booths, and character appearances. In 2025, the “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season” show will move to the CommuniCore Plaza stage, with performances daily from November 28th to December 30th. Showtimes are 2 p.m., 3:05 p.m., 4:05 p.m., and 5:10 p.m.
The full stage for the EPCOT Candlelight Processional – Disney Parks Blog
In the Mexico Pavilion, Las Posadas will be presented on select days, while the Norway Pavilion will host a “Barn Santa” performance in Sigrid’s Christmas story.
At the America Gardens Theatre, the Candlelight Processional will host its annual live retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a full orchestra and massed choir.
Guidance for Visitors
Guests who plan to meet Santa should note the fixed daily times and aim to arrive early, especially for later dates in December when demand may be higher. Because CommuniCore Hall is indoors, guests may benefit from more comfortable conditions than in outdoor or pavilion spaces. Santa will also be meeting guests in Disney Springs, which does not require a theme park ticket.
Magic Kingdom at Christmas – Disney Parks Blog
In sum, Santa’s move to CommuniCore Hall reflects evolving strategies in how EPCOT is staging its seasonal offerings. While the change aligns with Disney’s broader festival infrastructure plans, certain details—such as accompanying decorations—remain unconfirmed.
Will you be spending the holidays with Santa this year at EPCOT? Let us know in the comments!
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