NEWS: Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrator Lineup Released

One of our favorite holiday traditions is to attend the EPCOT Candlelight Processional during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays! The 2026 festival will be here before you know it and Disney has announced this year’s celebrity narrators! Learn more below.

Here are all the details from cast member Garrett Willie:

The Candlelight Processional has long established itself as a beloved tradition of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. In its 55th year at the Walt Disney World Resort, and 32nd year at EPCOT, this performance delights guests with magnificent music and a moving retelling of the Christmas story.

Each year, the America Gardens Theatre ushers in the spirit of the holidays with a 51-piece orchestra, the renowned Voices of Liberty, a celebrity narrator, and a choir of more than 150 Disney cast members and community singers.

Each celebrity narrator brings their unique touch to the story, and we’re thrilled to welcome new and returning narrators to the stage:

Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators

• • • Nov. 27 & 28 – Auli‘i Cravalho
    • Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 – Gary Sinise
    • Dec. 2 & 3 – To Be Announced
    • Dec. 4 & 5 – Whoopi Goldberg
    • Dec. 6 & 7 – Robin Roberts (NEW)
    • Dec. 8 & 9 – Jason Kelce (NEW)
    • Dec. 10 – 12 – Neil Patrick Harris
    • Dec. 13 & 14 – To Be Announced
    • Dec. 15 & 16 – Lauren Daigle
    • Dec. 17 – 19 – Ralph Macchio
    • Dec. 20 & 21 – Henry Winkler
    • Dec. 22 & 23 – Lacey Chabert (NEW)
    • Dec. 24 & 25 – Jodi Benson
    • Dec. 26 & 27 – Simu Liu
    • Dec. 28 – 30 – Eva Longoria

Performances are held nightly at 4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. EST at the America Gardens Theatre, giving you plenty of opportunities to experience this inspiring classic.

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages

Seating is first-come, first-served and often fills up fast, so we suggest planning ahead if you want to experience this stunning show. To guarantee a seat at one of the three nightly performances and enjoy a delicious meal, you can book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package.

With options ranging from breakfast to dinner at select EPCOT restaurants, you’re sure to find the perfect meal for your holiday plans.

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages

• • • Choose from breakfast, lunch or dinner (selections will vary depending on the restaurant you choose)
    • Entree and Dessert or buffet
    • Non-Alcoholic Beverage or Alcoholic Beverage (for guests 21 and older)

After enjoying your festive feast, you’ll receive a reserved seating badge for your reserved showtime. While your seat is guaranteed, we recommend arriving early for the best possible view within the reserved section.

You can book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package beginning October 14, which includes reserved seating and a meal at select EPCOT restaurants.

With a musical lineup including classic Christmas carols and beloved holiday favorites brought to life by a full orchestra and the harmonies of hundreds of voices singing into the night, the Candlelight Processional is the perfect way to celebrate the season alongside global traditions and festive spirit throughout the park.

RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Things You Need to Know About Epcot’s Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World

The Epcot Festival of the Holidays celebrates holiday traditions from around the world through storytelling and music presented throughout World Showcase. The highlight of the festival is the Candlelight Processional. The processional features a 50-piece orchestra, mass choir, and twelve different celebrity narrators. This event is held in the American Adventure Pavilion and debuted at Walt Disney World in 1993. Enjoying the processional is one of our family’s must-dos during the holiday season. Here are five 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 biblical tale of a savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem. It is accompanied by the Walt Disney World Orchestra and a mass choir, which includes a special Cast Member. 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 is joined by the Voices of Liberty, who wear red. The choir sings traditional Christmas songs that are woven into the retelling of the Christmas nativity story. This event is offered at no additional charge. The processional lasts for about 50 minutes to an hour.

2 – Dates and Times

During the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, The Candlelight Processional is offered each evening from November 28 to December 30.  There are three showtimes each night: 5:00 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. The 2025 narrators are as follows:

Here is the lineup.

• Nov. 28-29 – Constance Wu (NEW)
• Nov. 30-Dec. 2 – Jordan Fisher
• Dec. 3-4 – Susan Egan (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)

Be aware that the celebrity narrators, dates, and other entertainment are subject to change or cancellation without notice. No matter who the narrator is, the show is fantastic!

4 – Get in Line Early

The Candlelight Processional is a top-rated 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 one hour before showtime or even more for the very popular narrators. A good strategy is to grab some snacks and relax while waiting for the 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 at one of Epcot’s many restaurants for lunch or dinner. Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are available for lunch or dinner—each meal includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert, one full buffet (where applicable), and a non-alcoholic beverage. The package also gives you reserved seating for specific showtime. This will eliminate your need to wait in the standby line for the show, but you still will need to arrive approximately thirty minutes before show time for seating. The reserved seating area for the dining package is located in the front of the 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 preset menus, 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. Click here for more information.

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 Festival of the Holidays during your visit!