Trying to plan a day at Epcot to see all the holiday "stuff"...what's "not to miss??

[IvyandLace]

I'm trying to plan a day in early December to see as much holiday "stuff" that Epcot has to offer as possible. I already know that the Candlelight Processional is held 3 times a night (5pm, 6pm, and ~8:30pm) and that a Christmas tree lighting is held nightly at 6pm. What other special holiday offerings are there to plan to experience? How long does the Candlelight Processional last? My plan so far is to get to Epcot as soon as possible to enjoy the World Showcase dressed up for the holidays and to listen to the Santas around the World before a late lunch (it's a budget trip so I'm not buying the CP dinner package) at Le Cellier. Do the Santas have a schedule that they follow? After lunch I'm planning on continuing around World Showcase to see as much as I can before the first CP begins at 5pm. When would we need to get in line for seats? After this, I would really like to see the Christmas Tree lighting. Where is this held and how long does this last? DH wants to see the last showing of CP as well if possible so we will try to make that. We'll stay for the 9:30pm showing of IllumiNations. This is a super short trip to see as much of WDW holiday entertainment and decorations as possible so we're not interested in doing rides.

I"d like as much information as possible since we have such a short time to see everything! Thanks for the help!

IVY

 

[kilee]

I haven't been at the holidays. However, I'm going to give this a bump back up so someone can help you.

 

[danny1649]

Need to que up for CP performances at 1 hour before in most cases to get a seat.You can stand just outside seating area and see CP.When you enter EPCOT get your guide they are handing out in it you will see schedule of holiday events for that day.You will want to see the Holiday Storytellers at the countrys around World Showcase.At England they put on a great holiday skit.Plus talk to CM'S to give you timing tips on to see as much as possible.The CM'S are a great source of info on little inside tips that will help you make the most of your day.Have a magical day.

 

[LuvTigger]

There are a couple of things I remember about EPCOT during our December visit several years back...

Each country had a miniature Christmas village, and a description of how the holidays are celebrated (I took a picture of every one).

The other thing that I wasn't expecting, was all the characters dressed in holiday garb on the double-decker bus. They got off and sang holiday songs representing the different countries. I would definitely love to see that again!

 

[LoveMickey]

CP lasts for 45 mins. Yes, you do have to que up prior to getting in.

The Holiday Santas are listed in the brochure.

Unfortunately we were unable to see CP and the Holiday Tree lighting in the same night. But we went to a different CP show.

Try to get both in though.

 

[leebee]

Depending on your tarvel dates, if there isn't a huge difference in the price of late lunch at Le Cellier (plus the cost of supper later in the evening) and dinner at a Tier 1 restaurant, I'd consider the CP dinner package. I've tried to go to CP three times, waiting in line a minimum of 1.5 hours, and have never had a seat for the show. In addition to the cost of the meal, what is your time worth? Do you want to give up an hour and a half, waiting in a queue and hoping you'll get into a show?

 

[Kruuzin]

Doing the Santas around the world will take longer than you think. It took us all day but was well worth it. There is a schedule for their performances in the daily schedule.

 

[mickeysaver]

Check Steve Soares' Holiday Archive for info on the storyteller's schedules. They did not change much in the last 2 years. Maggie