A cherished holiday event is happening again at Walt Disney World—the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT kicks off on Friday.

Every year, visitors eagerly await the live, celebrity-led narration of the Christmas story, featuring a 180-member choir, the talented Voices of Liberty, a 50-piece orchestra, and trumpet players.

“It’s become a significant part of holiday traditions for many of our guests,” stated David Duffy, Vice President of Live Entertainment at Walt Disney World, in an interview with YSL News. “Our cast members share this sentiment; they’re passionate about performing in it year after year and enjoy conveying the Christmas story and its beautiful music to guests.”

Let’s take a look at what makes the Candlelight Processional so exceptional.

A Family Tradition

For years, Michael Wallace enjoyed watching the Candlelight Processional from the audience with his family.

“We would come to see it, and I always thought to myself, ‘I want to perform up there one day,’” he said to YSL News just before a rehearsal on Monday. “When the chance presented itself, I took it.”

He and his wife Sandi, both Disney employees, began singing in the choir in 2009 while their son Parker was still in elementary school.

“When I was driven to school or picked up, I would hear them practicing the songs, so I naturally became familiar with and grew to love the show,” Parker shared.

A few years back, Parker also joined Disney, getting to perform on stage alongside his parents. Any Disney cast member is welcome to audition for the Candlelight Processional.

“We have bus drivers, managers, servers from the restaurants you visited that day, and even people in offices,” Parker noted.

Approximately 1,500 cast members are chosen for the event, but only a small number participate in each performance, volunteering their time after regular hours.

On some occasions, Parker and Michael stand side by side on stage, which they find particularly special. This marks their third consecutive year performing together.

“Each year has grown more meaningful, especially now with Parker joining us. Whether it’s due to his involvement or just the current climate of the world, it creates such a wonderful atmosphere for a few thousand people who may not know each other, yet share in the magic of Christmas,” shared Sandi.

“The experience transforms you; you will definitely leave feeling different,” Michael added.

The Origins of the Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional first began at Disneyland in 1958.

“Walt wanted to find special ways to celebrate the holidays at Disneyland, welcoming the Anaheim and Southern California community,” explained Duffy. “When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, this tradition made its way from Disneyland to Florida.”

Transition to EPCOT

The Candlelight Processional relocated from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT in 1994.

“At Magic Kingdom, it was limited to just a couple of evenings in December. Moving it opened up the event to all guests,” Duffy said.

How Do the Candlelight Processionals Differ?

Duffy, who has experience with both Disneyland and Disney World versions, mentioned that the core elements of storytelling, music, and many arrangements are largely the same. However, the overall experience varies significantly.

He explained that Disneyland’s show only runs for two nights and serves more as a community outreach event, appealing to a specific audience. In contrast, Disney World’s program is more inclusive, offering 32 nights with three performances each evening, allowing guests a place to sit and enjoy the show—something not always feasible at Disneyland.

Is the EPCOT Candlelight Processional Free?

Admission to the show is part of your park entry.

During the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, one-day tickets to EPCOT are priced starting at $159 for visitors aged 10 and above.

Is the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT a Religious Event?

According to Duffy, “The essence of the event involves recounting the classic Christmas narrative through song and verse, which remains largely unchanged.”

However, the show also emphasizes universal concepts such as love and compassion.

“At the conclusion of each performance, we invite our celebrity host to express a heartfelt message about inclusion during this festive season and the significance of spreading peace and joy worldwide,” he continued. “This message is vital every year, regardless of current global circumstances.”

Duffy pointed out that the Candlelight Processional is a segment of the broader EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which honors a variety of traditions and celebrations.

What Are the Show Times for the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT?

Performances take place at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. every day from November 29 to December 30, located in EPCOT’s America Gardens Theatre, directly opposite the American Adventure Pavilion.

It’s advisable for visitors to arrive early, as seating fills up quickly. Those wishing to ensure a seat can purchase a Candlelight Dinner package starting at $48 for adults at selected EPCOT dining locations.

“Fortunately, with three shows each night, there are plenty of chances to enjoy the event,” Duffy remarked.

Who Will Be Narrating the Candlelight Processional in 2024?

• 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

“We have a wonderful lineup of celebrity narrators from various fields including music, Broadway, Disney films, and television,” Duffy noted. They consistently seek fresh voices but also cherish the return of narrators like Neil Patrick Harris, who have made this event a part of their holiday rituals as well.