2025 Candlelight Processional Narrators Shine with Star-Studded Lineup

One of Walt Disney World Resort’s most cherished holiday traditions is set to make its dazzling return. The Candlelight Processional will once again light up the stage during the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, running from November 28 through December 30. Learn more below.

Held nightly at the America Gardens Theatre, the Candlelight Processional is a moving retelling of the Christmas story, brought to life by a 50-piece live orchestra, massed choirs featuring Disney cast members and local community singers, the beloved Voices of Liberty, and a rotating lineup of celebrity narrators.

This year’s star-studded narrator lineup promises unforgettable performances from fan-favorite film and television icons, award-winning artists, and beloved Disney legends.

2025 Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators
Showtimes: 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. ET nightly at America Gardens Theatre

• Nov. 28-29 – Constance Wu (NEW)

• Nov. 30-Dec. 2 – Jordan Fisher

• Dec. 3-4 – Jennifer Garner (NEW)

• Dec. 5-6 – Ashley Eckstein

• Dec. 7-8 – Ralph Macchio

• Dec. 9-10 – Leslie Uggams (NEW)

• Dec. 11-13 – Marlee Matlin

• Dec. 14-15 – Henry Winkler (NEW)

• Dec. 16-17 – Lauren Daigle (NEW)

• Dec. 18-19 – Gary Sinise

• Dec. 20-22 – Brendan Fraser

• Dec. 23-24 – Luis Fonsi

• Dec. 25-26 – Joel David Smallbone (NEW)

• Dec. 27-28 – Brie Larson (NEW)

• Dec. 29-30 – Sheryl Lee Ralph (NEW)

Guests looking to enhance their experience can reserve a Candlelight Processional Dining Package, which includes a festive meal at select EPCOT restaurants and guaranteed seating at one of the evening’s performances. Packages include:

• Choice of breakfast, lunch, or dinner (offerings vary by location)

• Entrée and dessert or full buffet

• Non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for guests 21 and older)

• Reserved seating badge for a same-day performance

Dining packages go on sale beginning October 14, 2025, at DisneyWorld.com.

The Candlelight Processional is the emotional centerpiece of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, where global traditions come alive through live entertainment, festive décor, and seasonal sips and bites from around the world. Guests are encouraged to stay tuned for this year’s Festival Foodie Guide, coming soon, to help plan the perfect day of holiday cheer.

Whether you’re creating new memories or continuing a treasured tradition, the 2025 Candlelight Processional promises to be a heartwarming celebration of the season.

RELATED ARTICLE: Disney Reveals EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Dates & Details

The dates and more details have been announced for the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays! We love this festival and wish it was longer! Learn more below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Maura Consedine:

Visting EPCOT during International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is a fan-favorite holiday tradition for Walt Disney World guests, and we are thrilled to share the first details about what you can expect when the event returns this year.

Start making your list (and checking it twice) to plan for which entertainment, eats, and experiences below you want to enjoy this holiday season.

EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Dates 

As usual, the festival kicks off the day after Thanksgiving, so you can trade the turkey for Christmas trees, holiday treats, and cheerful traditions! Mark your calendar to attend Festival of the Holidays from November 28-December 30, 2025. 

Planning ahead is the best way to start your vacation! Walt Disney World theme park tickets and lodging reservations are already available to book during the holiday season. Many of our resort hotels embrace the spirit of the season with classic holiday lights, music, and decor, all with magical Disney flair, for you to take in during your visit.

Festival of the Holidays Shows and Entertainment 

There is plenty of exciting entertainment to enjoy during Festival of the Holidays – jam with JOYFUL!, learn about holiday traditions around World Showcase, and experience the magic of the Candlelight Processional.

Experience the Candlelight Processional 

Each evening during the festival, the America Gardens Theatre will come alive with the stirring Candlelight Processional, a retelling of the nativity story featuring holiday hymns. This beloved performance boasts a large live orchestra, herald trumpets, and vocal ensembles including the Voices of Liberty, Disney Cast Choir, and local community groups, who perform Christmas carols and traditional tunes for all to enjoy.

A highlight of the Candlelight Processional are the celebrity narrators who bring the story of Christmas to life onstage, with previous guests of honor including Josh Gad, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jodi Benson. This year’s line-up will be announced at a later date, so be sure to keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates.

Performances are held nightly at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m., with a runtime of approximately 50 minutes. Seating is first-come, first-served and often fills up fast, so we suggest planning ahead if you want to experience this stunning show. Dining packages with reserved seating are another great option for guests – more details will be available soon.

Learn from the World Showcase Storytellers 

While you’re exploring the World Showcase pavilions throughout the day, you can stop to see performances from Holiday Storytellers as they share festive traditions and bring holiday tales to life in their respective countries. EPCOT is the perfect place to learn about how different cultures celebrate this special season.

Each country will spotlight unique stories and performers, including:

• • • Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration
    • Norway Pavilion – A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
    • China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer
    • Italy Pavilion – La Befana
    • Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller
    • Between the Morocco and France Pavilions – Hanukkah Storyteller
    • France Pavilion – Père Noël
    • United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas
    • Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs

Performances happen frequently, but showtimes can be confirmed each day in the My Disney Experience app.

Feel the Rhythm of JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season 

JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season is a concert series that celebrates the spirit of Christmas and Kwanzaa. Holiday hits are performed by Central Florida group D’Vine Voices in an upbeat mix of music styles including gospel, jazz, and R&B. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.

The combination of classic songs and updated arrangements with powerhouse vocalists will surely ignite warm holiday memories for every guest.

Festival of the Holidays Food and Drink

The holidays are not complete without a seasonal selection of snacks and sips, and of course EPCOT is known for its exceptional culinary offerings.

Taste the Season with Holiday Kitchens  

Food and drinks are a staple ingredient of EPCOT festivals, and this year’s Holiday Kitchens will be serving up an amazing assortment of bites and beverages. These standalone booths will highlight heartwarming holiday recipes and festive flavors from around the world – we can’t wait to try them all.

The final list of vendors is still being cooked up in our kitchens, but we are thrilled to share that there will be a blend of new offerings and returning favorites. For loyal fans of our Foodie Guides, you can look forward to a full Festival of the Holidays-focused guide coming at a later date.

Sweeten Your Day with the Holiday Cookie Stroll 

Another can’t-miss activity for foodies is the Holiday Cookie Stroll, returning this year. We all have magical memories of being in the kitchen learning how to bake and decorate the tastiest treats, and at Festival of the Holidays you can take a bite of cookies made in our Walt Disney World kitchens.

The complete list of items for this cheerful cookie crawl is still in the works, but we can tell you today that the stroll will again feature the Coffee-Mocha Cookie topped with Coffee-infused Buttercream, Cocoa Nibs, and Chocolate-covered Espresso Beans.

When you purchase any five cookies from the official locations and collect the corresponding stamps in  your Festival Passport, you can redeem a special surprise at Holiday Sweets and Treats. This adventure is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth during the holiday season.

Festival of the Holidays Ride Overlays and Activities 

Get wrapped up in the array of seasonal activities to enjoy throughout EPCOT, and don’t miss out on an iconic attraction with a festive twist.

Where to Find Santa at EPCOT

Santa is always traveling around the world, and the same is true at World Showcase. Guests can see Père Noël (Father Christmas) appear in the France Pavilion where he tells the story of Babette and her Christmas letter, and Barn Santa will be up to his old tricks in the Norway Pavilion.

Embark on Olaf’s Holiday Scavenger Hunt 

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt returns this year, which sends guests on a jolly journey to locate Olaf in 13 different spots throughout EPCOT.

Guests can purchase a map and stickers, available at select festival merchandise locations. Your quest is to find holiday traditions that Olaf has discovered in every pavilion. Once you have them all, you can visit Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway to redeem a gift that’s worth melting for.

See How Nature Shines on Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses 

During Festival of the Holidays, the classic attraction Living with the Land transforms into a glittering greenhouse tour, featuring sparkling Christmas lights and dazzling decor, sure to fill guests of all ages with childlike wonder and awe.

The peaceful boat ride still chronicles the incredible work of Walt Disney World plant scientists and their innovative growing techniques and technologies, with a bit of frosty flair. A holiday-themed narration can also be heard to guide you on your cruise.