Joy to the (Disney) World! Disney just dropped some BIG news about a SUPER popular holiday tradition, and it involves some serious star power.
Candlelight Processional
That’s right. We’re talking about the Candlelight Processional, a live show in EPCOT that tells the story of Christmas with the help of a celebrity narrator. It’s one of the season’s biggest events, and we finally have the FULL LINEUP of celebrity narrators for the 2024 holiday season.
The Candlelight Processional is a POPULAR event. As we mentioned, this beloved show shares the story of Christmas, featuring a celebrity narrator, a mass choir of Disney Cast Members and singers from the community, a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets, and the insanely talented Voices of Liberty.
Candlelight Processional sign
We’ve also got an important change this year! Disney noted that the showtimes this year are slightly different; you can catch a performance at 5PM, 6:45PM, and 8:15PM.
2022 EPCOT Candlelight Processional
OK, now, let’s get to the most exciting part! Here’s a FULL LOOK at this year’s list of celebrity narrators at the America Gardens Theatre:
- 11/29 – 11/30 Josh Gad
- 12/1 – 12/2 Nico Santos (NEW)
- 12/3-12/5 Chrissy Metz
- 12/6 – 12/7 Whoopi Goldberg
- 12/8 – 12/10 Tituss Burgess (NEW)
- 12/11 – 12/12 Brendan Fraser
- 12/13 – 12/14 Ralph Macchio (NEW)
- 12/15 – 12/16 Gary Sinise
- 12/17 – 12/18 Neil Patrick Harris
- 12/19 – 12/21 Pat Sajak
- 12/22 – 12/23 Gloria Estefan
- 12/24 – 12/26 Edward James Olmos
- 12/27 – 12/28 Sterling K Brown
- 12/29 – 12/30 Jodi Benson
In the past, we’ve seen Candlelight Processional performances fill up QUICKLY. If you want guaranteed access to a Candlelight Processional show, you can purchase a dining package, which includes reserved seating for the show. EPCOT offers fifteen different qualifying restaurants, including spots like the Garden Grill Restaurant and Le Cellier Steakhouse. You can book your dining package starting October 29th; stay tuned for more details!
Regal Eagle Dining Packages
We’ll be sure to update you with everything you need to know before the first show. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
Disney World Candlelight Processional Dining Package
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I have seen many Candlelight Processionals over the years, but the most memorable was my first. It was in the Magic Kingdom and done only one night a year. The chorus made its way through the park while the crowd along Main Street and in the bleachers in the Town Square were entertained by an orchestra including the gentleman who performed the song that he wrote – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. As the chorus arrived and filled in around the living tree formed by the Disney employee choir, the reader took his position at the top of the “tree” and read the Christmas Story. The reader was James Earl Jones! To hear his voice boom throughout the Town Square accompanied by the orchestra and singers gave everyone goosebumps. It was over 40 years ago and I vividly remember it to this day.
We have been coming to the candlelight professional ever since it was initially started. It is one of the few family traditions that we have. We go every single year and it always is a beautiful way to get in the Christmas spirit.
I went in 2019 and loved it. Ming-Na Wen was the narrator and announced that she was going to be in season 2 of The Mandalorian. A lady on the front row of the choir fainted (not linked to this news, I hasten to add) and someone from backstage nipped out, scooped her up and whipped her away whilst no one in the choir batted an eyelid.
Whoopi (Karen) Goldberg! I would not go to hear that piece of garbage. What an embarrassment that woman should never have been allowed to be in this. Wake up Disney!
I have seen the Candlelight Processional many many times – it is my favorite thing at Disney World at Christmastime. I have watched it change over the years- not for the better such as dropping “ One Solitary Life” from the program and changing and shortening the message which is read from the scriptures- the Christmas story.
In spite of that it is still an absolutely beautiful concert with incredible music and very talented musicians. After last Christmas Eve in EPCOT I have noticed less and less “ Christmas “ in that park and I have been going over the Christmas holidays for many years. Sad to say-
I am still a fan of Disney World but I can not understand why every year Whoopi Goldberg is on the list of guest narrators. The reading of the Bible scripture- the true Christmas message is about God’s love and sending a savior – peace and goodwill to man. She is not a good messenger of that beautiful story in my opinion.
I have enjoyed so many of the guest narrators over the years but will not go to when she is the guest narrator.