A Magical Guide to Candlelight Processional at EPCOT
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The air is filled with the enchanting melodies of the holiday season, and the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT takes center stage as a timeless celebration of joy, tradition, and festive splendor. Join us on a magical journey as we unwrap the details of this beloved event, offering tips and tricks to make your experience truly unforgettable! Enjoy the Candlelight Processional from November 24 to December 30, 2023 and is part of EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays.
What is the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT?
Picture this: a grand orchestra, a mass choir, and a celebrity narrator weaving together a retelling of the Christmas story. That is the Candlelight Processional – a dazzling spectacle that transforms EPCOT’s America Gardens Theatre into a winter wonderland of music and light. The event is a harmonious blend of a 50-piece orchestra, a mass choir comprised of talented cast members and community members, and the heartfelt narration of the Christmas story by a celebrity guest. It’s a musical journey that captures the essence of the season, immersing the audience in the magic of Christmas.
The Star-Studded Candlelight Narrators
EPCOT doesn’t do things by halves, and the Candlelight Processional is no exception. The event features a lineup of celebrity narrators, adding an extra dash of star power to your holiday experience. From beloved actors to iconic voices, you might just find yourself wrapped in the warmth of a Christmas tale told by a familiar face.
2023 Candlelight Narrators
- Chrissy Metz – NEW! – November 24 to 25, 2023
- Luis Fonsi – NEW! – November 26 to 27, 2023
- Ann-Margret – NEW! – November 28, 2023
- Ashley Eckstein – November 29, 2023
- Bart Millard – November 30, 2023; December 1 to 2, 2023
- John Stamos – December 3 to 5, 2023
- Neil Patrick Harris – December 6 to 8, 2023
- Marlee Matlin – December 9 to 11, 2023
- Brendan Fraser – NEW! – December 12 to 14, 2023
- Eva Longoria – NEW! – December 15 to 16, 2023
- Joey McIntyre — NEW! – December 17 to 18, 2023
- Sterling K. Brown — NEW! – December 19 to 20, 2023
- Jordan Fisher – NEW! – December 21 to 23, 2023
- Steven Curtis Chapman – December 24 to 26, 2023
- Audra McDonald – NEW! – December 27 to 28, 2023
- Lisa Ling – December 29 to 30, 2023
Talent is subject to change without notice.
Where to Watch the Candlelight Processional
The America Gardens Theatre, nestled in the heart of EPCOT’s World Showcase, transforms into a festive performance venue for the Candlelight Processional. This outdoor theater provides an intimate setting, allowing you to be immersed in the rich sounds of the orchestra and choir. Whether you choose a seat near the stage or opt for a spot further back, the enchanting atmosphere of the venue ensures a magical experience for all.
Candlelight Showtimes
There are three showtimes each night of Candlelight in 2023:
- 5:15 PM
- 7:00 PM
- 8:30 PM
The show itself lasts around 40 minutes.
How Much Does it Cost to See the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT?
The magic of the Candlelight Processional is available to all guests with a valid theme park ticket for that day. While the standard admission to EPCOT grants you access to the park and the opportunity to view the Candlelight Processional from the standby line, splurging on a Candlelight Processional Dining Package can provide a premium experience. Dining packages typically include a meal at a select EPCOT restaurant and guaranteed seating for the show. Prices vary depending on the restaurant, making it an option to fit different food preferences and budgets.
How to Watch Candlelight: Snagging Your Seat for the Spectacle
Now, you might be wondering how to snag a seat for this festive performance. Fear not! Here are a few tips to ensure you have the best seat in the house.
Candlelight Dining Packages
Consider booking a Candlelight Processional Dining Package that pairs a delicious meal at one of EPCOT’s delectable restaurants with guaranteed seating for the show. Choose from 8 unique eateries at EPCOT that include an appetizer, entree and dessert, or one full buffet or family-style meal, as well as a non-alcoholic beverage. The dining packages have a pre-fixe price that varies by restaurant and the price does not include tax or gratuity.
Candlelight Showtimes
The Candlelight Processional runs multiple times each night during the holiday season, so plan your visit accordingly. Check the official Disney calendar or ask a friendly cast member for showtimes, then make sure to arrive a bit earlier to snag that perfect spot.
Candlelight Standby Seating
Can’t swing a dining package? Fear not! There’s always the standby line. While it might take a bit of patience, the experience is well worth the wait. Be sure to start lining up early, especially for very popular narrators, to get a seat. I have seen the standby line start to form as early as noon for a well-known celebrity!
Get all of the info on celebrating the holidays at Walt Disney World!
Is the Candlelight Processional Religious?
The Candlelight Processional at EPCOT features the retelling of the Christmas story, read straight from the pages of the Bible by a celebrity narrator. Although Disney doesn’t classify this event as a religious one, it does celebrate Christmas with the story of the birth of Jesus. In addition to the readings from the narrator, the choir and orchestra perform a number of Christmas hymns.
Tips for a Merry Candlelight Processional Experience
Let’s sprinkle a bit of holiday magic into your Candlelight Processional experience with these insider tips:
Prepare for the Weather
Central Florida weather can be unpredictable, even in winter. Bring a cozy blanket to snuggle up in during the chilly evenings and grab a cup of hot cocoa from one of the nearby kiosks. It’s like a warm hug in a cup!
The Early Bird Gets the Best Seat
Arrive early! Not only does it give you a chance to soak in the festive atmosphere, but it ensures you won’t miss a single note of the Candlelight Processional magic. For some narrators, guests will start to line up for the standby line an hour or more ahead of time.
Capture the Moment: A Picture-Perfect Spectacle
Whether you’re an Instagram aficionado or want to capture the holiday joy, don’t forget your camera or smartphone. The Candlelight Processional is truly gorgeous and you’ll want to relive those magical moments again and again.
In the heart of EPCOT, the Candlelight Processional casts a radiant glow on the spirit of the season. With celebrity narrators, stunning visuals, and the magic of the holidays in the air, it’s an experience that will leave you humming carols long after the final note. Gather your loved ones, embrace the festive cheer, and join in the harmony of the Candlelight Processional – where joy and magic unite to create a Christmas memory to last a lifetime. May your days be merry and your Disney dreams be bright!
