NEWS: 2017 Candlelight Processional Narrators Announced – Dinner Packages On Sale

We may gearing up for a hot, humid 4th of July weekend, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be thinking of the holiday season, right? If you’re already counting down to Christmas (178 days left) or just love celebrating the holiday season at Disney World, you’ll be pleased that Disney has released the narrator list for Epcot’s Candlelight Processional and the dinner packages are now on sale. See all the details below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Charles Stovall:

I have memories of attending (and sometimes performing in) Candlelight Processional performances in every type of weather – from unseasonably warm winters where we were in shorts and T-shirts to chilly nights when we’ve had to bundle up in lots of layers.

It never ceases to thrill me – no matter what the temperature, and I’m always excited to bring you updates on the event – including the fact that dining packages are NOW ON SALE!

As a part of Holidays Around the World at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the Grand Opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the narrators confirmed so far:*

• TBD – November 24 to 26, 2017
• NEW! Matt Bomer – November 27 to 28, 2017
• TBD – November 29 to 30, 2017
• Whoopi Goldberg – December 1 to 3, 2017
• Pat Sajak – December 4 to 5, 2017
• TBD – December 6 to 8, 2017
• TBD – December 9 to 11, 2017
• NEW! Warwick Davis – December 12 to 14, 2017
• Trace Adkins – December 15 to 17, 2017
• Neil Patrick Harris – December 18 to 21, 2017
• CCH Pounder – December 22 to 24, 2017
• Jaci Velasquez – December 25 to 27, 2017
• Chandra Wilson – December 28 to 30, 2017

Please note: celebrity narrators, dates and other entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required.

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Holidays Around the World is an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional dining packages or to find out more information, call 407/ WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Things to Know About the Candlelight Processional at Epcot

by Jenn S.

Epcot has many great offerings for the Holiday Season, and the Candlelight Processional is arguably the best.  This event is held in the American Adventure Pavilion and debuted at Walt Disney World in 1993. If you are not familiar with this event or have never been before here are 5 things you need to know about the Candlelight Processional.

1 – What is it?

The Candlelight Processional is a Holiday favorite at Walt Disney World. Each evening a celebrity narrator tells the Christmas Story and is accompanied by the Walt Disney World Orchestra and a mass choir. The mass choir is made up of high school choirs, wearing the gold robes and a special Cast Member choir who wears the green robes. What is truly special about the Cast Member Choir is that they are not all Entertainment Cast Members. Cast from around Walt Disney World who work in any department can audition and volunteer their time to perform in this event!  The choir sings traditional Christmas songs that are are woven into the retelling of the Christmas nativity story. This event is offered at no additional charge.

2 – Dates and Times

In 2017, The Candlelight Processional will be each evening from November 24^th to December 30^th.  There are three show times each night; 5 pm, 6:45 pm and 8:15 pm.  The performances are held in the American Gardens Theater at the American Adventure Pavilion.

3 – Celebrity Narrators

Each year celebrities are invited to narrate the Candlelight Processional. Like all entertainment offerings it is subject to change at any time. This year’s narrators are as follows:

• Nov. 24- Dec. 3 – To Be Announced
• Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
• Dec. 6-14 – To Be Announced
• Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
• Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
• Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
• Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
• Dec. 28-30 – To Be Announced

4 – Get in line early

The Candlelight Processional is a very popular show during the Holiday season.  All three performances each night will fill to capacity. If you want to view the show it is recommended that you get in the Standby line at least 1 hour prior to show time. Earlier during busy days such as weekends or days that have Extra Magic Hours at Epcot. If the celebrity narrator is extremely popular such as Neil Patrick Harris, you will want to get in line even earlier as well.  A good strategy is to grab some snacks and relax while waiting for the next show.

5 – Or Book a Candlelight Dining Package

Another option instead of waiting in line ahead of time is to book a Candlelight Dining Package. These packages allow you to dine for lunch or dinner at one of Epcot’s many restaurants and then gives you reserved seating for a specific show time. This will eliminate your need to wait on the standby line for the show, but you still will need to arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to show time for seating. The reserved seating area for the dining package is located in the front of theater nearest the stage. Handicap seating is available in the reserved area as well. These seats will give you a great, unobstructed view of the entire performance.  Most locations will offer pre set menu and prices vary based on location and meal period. You can book the package online or by calling the dining reservation line.  The Candlelight Dining package is strongly recommended if you are looking to see a specific celebrity narrator or show.

The Candlelight Processional at Epcot is a must do for the Holiday season! The beautiful music and the Christmas story is sure to fill your heart with joy! Be sure to get in line early or book a Candlelight Dining package for the best experience, as the theater will fill to capacity. Don’t forget to check out all the other great holiday offerings at Epcot’s Holidays Around the World during your visit!