The holiday season at Walt Disney World is a time when the parks shine in all their festive glory. From the first sight of towering Christmas trees at the park entrances to the holiday-themed entertainment, there’s no shortage of seasonal magic.
EPCOT is famous for its International Festival of the Holidays, where guests can experience cultural holiday traditions from around the world. But even as these beloved events gear up, Disney’s latest announcement has some fans asking: “Is Disney already moving past Christmas?”
On October 21, Disney World officially revealed the dates for the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Set to run from January 17 to February 24, 2025, the festival promises to celebrate all things creative, from art displays and culinary treats to performances in the Disney on Broadway Concert Series. While the news is certainly exciting, it comes just as the Christmas season is starting to pick up steam.
It’s not unusual for Disney to plan events well in advance, but this announcement has left some fans scratching their heads. The 2025 Festival of the Arts is still months away, yet here we are, deep into October, with Halloween still going and Christmas celebrations not even beginning yet.
For those ready to experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the magic of the season, the announcement feels like it’s jumping ahead too soon.
The Festival of the Arts has become a favorite for many EPCOT visitors. It offers an immersive experience that blends the visual, performing, and culinary arts. Guests can look forward to everything from interactive art installations to artist meet-and-greets and, of course, the Broadway-style performances that have become a signature of the event. But by making this announcement in mid-October, right before the holidays, it feels as if Disney is fast-tracking to the new year before giving Christmas its full due.
Of course, there’s still plenty of Christmas magic to go around at Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom’s decorations, EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ festive offerings are still the heart of this season’s excitement. However, for some fans, this latest announcement suggests that Disney is eager to move on from the holidays before they’ve even had a chance to enjoy it.
At the end of the day, it’s clear that Disney always has something new on the horizon. While the Festival of the Arts will undoubtedly be spectacular, fans are hoping Disney will keep the focus on the here and now—especially when it comes to celebrating Christmas in the parks.