There’s nothing quite like EPCOT during the holidays.The lights shimmer across the World Showcase Lagoon, the smell of freshly baked cookies drifts through the air, and the park pulses with music, laughter, and excitement. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved seasonal traditions, drawing in visitors from all over the world.Credit: DisneyIt’s a feast for the senses: seasonal food booths from across the globe, performances by JOYFUL! and the famous Candlelight Processional, and even a chance to catch Santa himself. Add in the charming World Showcase Storytellers sharing holiday traditions from their homelands, and it’s easy to see why guests make special trips just for this festival.But for all the magic, there’s one reality that can’t be ignored—sometimes, EPCOT during the holidays is downright overwhelming.When the “Happiest Season” Becomes the Busiest SeasonCrowds are nothing new at Walt Disney World, but EPCOT during the Festival of the Holidays can hit another level entirely. With limited dates, beloved traditions, and some of the park’s best seasonal food, it’s no surprise everyone wants to join in. Unfortunately, that can mean jam-packed pathways, long lines for even the simplest snacks, and Candlelight Processional seating that fills up long before showtime.This year, crowd experts are going beyond their usual “try to visit on a weekday” advice. They’re flat-out warning guests to avoid certain dates altogether if they value their time—and their patience.Credit: DisneyFestival Dates to Avoid EPCOT in 2025The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs November 28 through December 30, 2025. That’s just over a month of holiday cheer—but not all days are created equal.According to crowd forecasts, these are the days you’ll want to skip if you’re hoping to avoid chaos:November 28, 2025 – Opening day and Black FridayNovember 29–30, 2025 – Opening weekend crowdsDecember 19–29, 2025 – Peak Christmas/New Year’s travel windowAll weekends in general – Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays draw heavy local trafficDecember 30, 2025 – Final day of the festivalWhy These Dates Are So PackedLet’s start with November 28. Opening day is always popular, but combine that with Black Friday and you’ve got a perfect storm of holiday vacationers, locals, and Disney influencers all flooding into EPCOT at the same time.November 29 and 30 bring the first full weekend of the festival. Locals show up in droves to sample new menu items before the reviews roll in, while many out-of-town guests are wrapping up their Thanksgiving week trips.Then there’s December 19–29, which is widely considered the busiest stretch of the entire year at Disney World. Families travel from across the country to celebrate the holidays in the parks, and EPCOT becomes a go-to spot thanks to its festive atmosphere and massive variety of holiday food. Add in higher ticket and hotel prices, and you’re paying more to stand in more lines.Finally, December 30 might seem like a safe bet—after all, Christmas has passed—but it’s actually one of the busiest days of the season. Guests pack in for one last hurrah before the festival ends, making it another wall-to-wall crowd day.Credit: DisneyThe Holiday Offerings Everyone Wants to SeeIt’s easy to understand why people are willing to brave the crowds. The Candlelight Processional is a must-see, telling the nativity story with a celebrity narrator, full orchestra, herald trumpets, and a choir that fills the America Gardens Theatre with Christmas music. Performances happen nightly at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m., but seating fills fast unless you have a dining package.World Showcase Storytellers bring cultural traditions to life, from the Las Posadas celebration in Mexico to Père Noël in France. Meanwhile, JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season fills the air with gospel, jazz, and R&B renditions of holiday classics.Food lovers have plenty to celebrate too. The Holiday Kitchens return with seasonal dishes and drinks from around the globe, while the Holiday Cookie Stroll offers a sweet scavenger hunt—buy five cookies, collect stamps, and get a special treat.For families, Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition scavenger hunt sends kids on a quest to find Olaf around the World Showcase, and Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses transforms into a glittering boat ride through festively lit greenhouses.Credit: Disney Parks BlogThe Weekend ProblemEven outside the “avoid at all costs” dates, weekends at EPCOT can be a struggle during the Festival of the Holidays. Locals with Annual Passes often drop in for a bite from the Holiday Kitchens, a quick ride, and a showing of the Candlelight Processional. While it’s not quite the madness of Christmas week, it’s still far busier than a typical weekday.If you can plan your visit for a Tuesday or Wednesday in early December, you’ll not only skip the worst of the crowds, but you’ll also enjoy cooler weather and shorter wait times.How to Plan Around the ChaosIf EPCOT during the Festival of the Holidays is on your bucket list, don’t let the crowd warnings scare you off completely—just plan smart. Book dining reservations for Candlelight Processional packages early if you want guaranteed seating. Aim for a weekday before mid-December for lighter crowds, and arrive early in the morning to enjoy attractions before the holiday rush picks up.And if your travel dates land on one of those “avoid” days? Consider park-hopping. Spend the morning in EPCOT enjoying rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Test Track, then hop to another park before the festival crowd surge in the afternoon.The post Disney World Fans Told to Cancel EPCOT Trips as “Nightmare” Dates Unfold appeared first on Inside the Magic.