Celebrate Holidays Around the World at Epcot

A huge thanks to Walt Disney World for inviting us to experience Holidays Around the World.

Our family always makes it a point to visit the Disney Parks during the Christmas season, and this year we spent the day celebrating Holidays Around the World at Epcot. You may remember that my oldest daughter was in the Disney College Program last year, and her assignment was in Epcot. Her dad and I couldn't have been happier as it has always been our favorite park.

Between the Food & Wine Festival, the Flower & Garden Festival, and the fantastic restaurants that are there all year long, Epcot is the place to be for foodies!

Just this last summer while at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, we discovered Schofferhofer Grapefruit beer in Germany, so that was our first stop when arriving at Epcot. I mean, we had to walk through several countries at that point and needed sustenance. No judging.

And you can't visit Germany without getting a bratwurst, right? If you have had one in Epcot, you know what I mean. If you haven't, don't miss it next time.

Holiday specialties can be had at certain kiosks around the park. Look for these spots to grab a snack you will only find during Holidays Around the World:

• Alpine Haus
• American Holiday Table
• Feast of the Three Kings
• Holiday Eats and Treats
• Seasonal Southern Delights
• Mexico

Once we had our snack, it was time to explore the park. With 11 World Showcase nations to visit, we had a lot to do! Pick up your Passport when you enter the park and you can get stamps for each stop.

One of our favorite performances was in Mexico.  

During the performance, you will learn about holiday traditions of Mexico. It really is fascinating, and as many times as we've seen it, we have to stop and listen every time.

Continue on through all the countries to discover more holiday celebrations and decorations.

I loved the Victorian Christmas trees, and learning about the first Christmas cards. Did you know the popularity of Christmas cards led to the creation of the greeting card industry? And it cost just a penny to send a card back in the 1800s.

A walk around Epcot will have everyone in a holiday mood! Besides the live productions and decorations, the kids can see Santa and Mrs. Claus at The American Adventure. Santa even takes notes when the kids share their Christmas list!

The main reason we decided to visit the park on this particular day was the Candlelight Processional. In case you aren't familiar with this program, it's the Biblical story of Christmas told by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and amazing choir.

This year, there were 12 narrators, including Anthony Mackie, Whoopi Goldberg, Neil Patrick Harris, and Steven Curtis Chapman. We were thrilled to be able to get tickets to the show narrated by Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ. You may also know him from roles on CBS' Person of Interest as well as The Count of Monte Cristo

Caviezel joked that his playing Christ did not have much affect on his 6-year-old, who was in the audience, but seeing Mickey Mouse was a very big deal.

The choir was truly amazing, and it was clear Caviezel enjoyed it, too.

Seats fill quickly for this show, so you will want to get in line early. There are dining packages available that will guarantee seating, which is a great option.

I was sorry we missed Joyful, the Gospel Celebration, but we just didn't have time to do it all.

We ended the evening as we always do at Epcot, with IllumiNations. If you haven't seen it, this is not your ordinary fireworks display. It's absolutely spectacular. It begins with The Story of the Earth, where you'll see the 350,000-pound Earth Globe, the world's first spherical video display system. This presentation is truly magical, and during the holidays there is a special Holiday Finale.

Please find your spot to watch and enjoy. Many people think they can watch and walk as they are leaving the park, but you miss so much of the story. It's best to find a spot to relax so you can really soak it all in.

Holidays Around the World a special celebration you and your family will always remember. And making memories is what the holidays are all about, right?