A deep dive into EPCOT Festival of the Holidays traditions

The holiday season is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a world-spanning collection of stories, light, and shared history. At EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, running from now through Dec. 30, guests can journey around the World Showcase to discover these customs firsthand.

While the festival is famous for its seasonal kitchens and holiday entertainment (you must check out Norway for the Barn Santa and La Befana in Italy), much of the true magic is found in the “Storyteller Scrolls” located throughout the pavilions. These scrolls offer a glimpse into the diverse legends that define winter across cultures.

You’ll learn a lot of interesting facts and trivia, such as: how Reformation theologian Martin Luther is credited with being the first person to adorn a fir tree with candles, inspired by twinkling nighttime stars reminiscent of the Nativity Star; how Nutcrackers have their origin in German fables; how England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales gifted the world some of the most revered Christmas songs and carols including “Deck the Halls,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing;  and how in Mexico, Navidad, or Christmas, is celebrated with a tradition called las posadas, meaning “shelter.”

Here are some of the fascinating traditions they highlight:

• Norway’s Mischievous Barn Santa: In the Norway pavilion, visitors learn about the Nisse, a gnome-like creature that lives in barns. According to tradition, families leave out a bowl of warm porridge with butter on top to keep the Nisse happy. If ignored, these mischievous spirits might play tricks on the household!
• Italy’s Kind Witch, La Befana: In Italy, children look forward to the “Eve of the Epiphany.” The legend tells of La Befana, a kindhearted witch who flies on a broomstick, leaving gifts and sweets for good children. She is Italy’s version of Santa Claus, though her visit comes in early January.
• Japan’s Daruma Doll: The scrolls in Japan explain the customs of the New Year. One key tradition is the Daruma doll—a hollow, round symbol of perseverance. One eye is painted when a goal is set, and the second eye is painted only when that goal is achieved, representing the light of hope for the upcoming year.
• Hanukkah: The Glow of Victory: Nestled between the France and Morocco pavilions, the scroll tells the story of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights – an eight-day celebration honoring the trials and tribulations faced by the Maccabees in Israel between 160 and 166 B.C.E. Named for their leader, Judah Maccabee, this small band of Jews stood up against a large army to reclaim the Second Temple from the Seleucid Empire.  Following the battle, Judah led the Maccabees in cleansing the temple. They rebuilt the altar and lit the menorah, a seven-branched candelabra. However, they found only enough oil to last one night. Miraculously, the central light of the menorah remained lit for 8 days, allowing the Maccabees to cleanse the temple and find more oil. 
• Kwanzaa: A Soulful Celebration: Celebrated from Dec.  26 -Jan. 1, Kwanzaa was originated in America by educator Dr. Maulana Karenga. Inspired by harvest festival celebrations in Africa, the holiday is celebrated all over the world by people of African descent as well as others who embrace the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba. Families and communities celebrate Kwanzaa with the lighting of a seven-branched candelabra called the kinara.

Below are the various scrolls providing the complete explanation of what happens this time of year in each country.