While the EPCOT Taste of International Festival of the Holidays doesn’t begin until begin until Friday (11/27), the holidays have begun to arrive to the park. Want to join me for a virtual look around? Grab your peppermint mocha and settle in!
First things first: the park’s Christmas tree is just as lovely as ever. The tree is covered in wire globes, bells, and ornaments that feature holiday greetings in a variety of languages.
The tree is also covered in oversized gold garland and ornaments bearing the flags of the World Showcase nations.
As we proceed clockwise (so sorry to those of you who normally travel counter-clockwise around the World Showcase), the first hint of holiday decorations in the Mexico pavilion are seen over the entrance to La Cantina de San Angel, Mexico’s counter service restaurant. The dominant colors used at La Cantina are jewel-toned pinks and purples.
We see holiday swags featuring varying shades of red and blue just outside of La Hacienda de San Angel, one of the pavilion’s table service locations.
Little touches differentiate the World Showcase pavilions from each other. In Mexico’s garland, you’ll find small boots and piñatas tucked in among the brightly-colored ornaments and dried floral stems.
Moving to Norway, we see bright reds and greens used throughout the lush garland and wreaths adorning Kringla Bakeri og Kafe. Small reindeer cookie ornaments are seen in Kringla’s wreaths; a hint at the baked goods found inside of the shop.
Toward the back of the Norway pavilion, muted tones of reds and rust are seen, and large jingle bells and Santa Claus (Julenissen) ornaments are tucked into the swags.
The Germany pavilion‘s decorations are among my favorite. Almost every spot that could have a holiday decoration, does. As you approach the pavilion, you’ll notice that Karamell-Kuche’s wreaths and garland feature predominantly red glossy and matte ornaments.
The fullness of the decorations used throughout the pavilion is very noticeable. They brought their “A” game.
The decorations at Der Teddybear, a space most recently used as part of the Annual Passholder Pop Up Shop, are just stunning. Reds, greens and golds are used in the plentiful swags and garland.
The decorations in the Italy pavilion seemed to be less than in normal years, but what was in place was beautiful.
As the park’s host pavilion, The American Adventure has its own Christmas tree. Artificial fruit is used throughout the pavilion’s tree and garland. During colonial times, pineapples were a sign of hospitality, and they’re tucked here and there in the decorations. The tree’s garland is made of silk poinsettias, and flickering lanterns are scattered throughout. Red, white, and blue ornaments cover the Christmas tree.
It’s Regal Eagle Smokehouse‘s first holiday season, and a bit of garland drapes the restaurant’s front.
The France pavilion, in my mind, ties Germany in the holiday decoration category. The snowflakes that are normally strung across La Petite Rue have thankfully returned this year.
Poinsettia-covered ribbon artificial fruit encrusted in clear glitter to replicate sugared fruit are found in the swags along La Petite Rue.
Lush and full garlands, along with an oversized wreath, adorn the exterior of Impressions de France. Deep reds and dark greens are featured in this part of the pavilion’s decorations.
The large ornament dioramas have returned to the pavilion for the season, and feature the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and a Bûche de Noël, a traditional French holiday dessert.
Swags with red, blue, and gold ornaments cover the lampposts in the United Kingdom pavilion.
In a nod to the traditions of the pavilion’s kingdom, Christmas crackers are tucked into the evergreen garland. Touches like this make stopping to look at the decorations so much fun.
I appreciated that even the shops that aren’t currently open have decorated for the season. Shop windows feature Christmas scenes, and it’s delightful to take a moment and look at the displays.
Canada‘s Mill Stage is the Jammitors’ home for the holidays, and it’s been outfitted beautifully for the season. Full garland and Christmas trees join with new physical distancing markers to create the perfect spot to stop and listen to the group.
The Canada pavilion’s decorations include the use of snow-covered pinecones and pine trees, as well as plaid ribbon.
Sprays of dried foliage, along with red and white ornaments drape the entrance of the walkway that leads to Le Cellier and Canada Far and Wide.
Port of Entry and Disney Traders, merchandise locations found in World Showcase Plaza, get in on the holiday decorating as well.
Decorations can be found both inside and outside of the stores.
Bright red garland adorns the entrance area. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the large ornaments in the middle of the garland are globes. It’s the perfect wink and nod at what guests will experience in the park.
Is EPCOT your favorite park for holiday decorations? Which pavilion is on the top of your list during the holidays?