Holidays from around the World

Epcot’s Holidays Around the World offers guests the opportunity to experience holiday traditions from around the globe through music, stories, and (our favorite) cuisine!

So, grab your passport… (yup — they have passports this year!)

…because we’re about to take a trip around the world! Epcot’s World Showcase, that is!

First things first: be sure to pick up a Guide Map at Epcot’s entrance for this experience.

Even if you know your way around Epcot, this map — unique to the festivities – shows you which treats are available and where you can find them (it provides times for special holiday performances as well).

Mexico

Let’s take it one country at a time, starting in Mexico, where La Cantina de San Angel is serving Sweet Tamales!

While the corn-based dough in this dish isn’t at all sugary (with just the slightest hint of cinammon spice), the strawberry glaze on top delivers a nice bit of sweetness. The filling is tangy, with a guava puree (and I believe a hint of pineapple, as well).

Holiday Waffles and Drinks at Promenade Refreshments

Now, before we hit the rest of the countries in World Showcase, Promenade Refreshments is offering a few treats exclusive to the holidays, too!

We’ll be back soon with a full review of both waffles and some of that peanut butter hot cocoa, but here’s a pic of the Savory Waffle to whet your whistle!

Portable holiday dinner!

Rice Cream in Norway

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in Norway has featured a favorite treat for the holidays… Rice Cream!

Be sure to check out AJ’s review here, and don’t forget to grab the recipe if you’d like this treat to be part of your holiday festivities.

Usually available at Kringla Bakeri year-round, I hadn’t seen it in quite a while. This gem of vanilla rice pudding topped with a generous helping of strawberry sauce is the perfect blend of creamy-and-tart.

It’s wonderful when an old friend returns for the holidays, isn’t it?

Kaikouxiao (Happy Face Fried Cake) in China

China’s Joy of Tea wins the grand prize for “Favorite Name of Anything I’ve Eaten in Disney World, EVER”! (Not exactly an Oscar, perhaps, but an honor nonetheless!)

Behold: Happy Face Fried Cakes! Otherwise known as Kaikouxiao :).

While the name is “fried cakes, ” the Cast Member I spoke with called them “fried cookies, ” and that seems more appropriate, as they are quite dense and crunchy. And these fried cookies are unlike anything I’ve ever had.

The flavor is truly unique. While it’s got a taste all its own. The flavor of the sesame seeds is very pronounced, and adds a truly unexpected element.

From the first bite, I was expecting something sweeter. But with each additional taste, I enjoyed it more and more. By the end, I could’ve happily gone for one or two more!

Holiday Drinks and Eats in Germany

Christkindlmarkt in the Germany Pavilion is featuring a few fun beverages: the must-have Werther’s Original Hot Salted Caramel Drink, and Werther’s Original Caramel Mocha Iced Coffee Drink.

You can find them in the Prost! stand, along with a few other drinks and Werther’s caramel treats.

Hot, spiced Gluhwein is available again this year; however, it is sold in Sommerfest. Stollen (holiday fruit cake) can be found here as well.

Gluhwein is also available in a 6 ounce pour in the Weinkeller.

Holiday Drinks in Italy

Buona Festa is the name of this stand in the Italy Pavilion, where you can enjoy a Hot Chocolate with Caffe Espresso Liquer.

Holiday Eats at American Adventure

In the American Adventure Pavilion, the Sugar and Spice Bake Shop is your one-stop-shop for all manner of traditional Christmas cookies, Peppermint Bark, Hot Cocoas and Apple Cider.

We can definitely recommend the peppermint bark!

Teriyaki Chicken Karaage in Japan

Looking for some out of the box fried chicken? Check out the Teriyaki Chicken Karaage in Japan’s Kabuki Café! This is a great one to grab on your way to get in line for the Candlelight Processional!

Hot Mint Tea in Morocco

Tangierine Café in Morocco is the place where you can grab a Traditional Hot Mint Tea. (Be sure to head to the Pastries and Coffee Bar, as opposed to the regular counter service line.)

While this is usually always available — especially at Marrakesh — it’s a fun addition to the holiday specialty menu as well.

Gingerbread Ice Cream and Yule Log in France

Aaah, France… while this Pavilion offers an abundance of magical treats any time of year, it has managed to bring two more to the table for the holidays: Housemade Gingerbread Ice Cream at L’Artisan des Glaces…