If you ask me, nothing says Disney holidays quite like the Candlelight Processional during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. It’s one of those experiences that blends music, storytelling, and sheer magic in a way that only Disney can pull off. And this year’s 2025 lineup of narrators is packed with star power.
2025 Candlelight Processional Narrators
Every year, fans of this special seasonal presentation wait with bated breath for Disney to announce the narrators and the dates they’ll performing the show. There are always some returning favorites and there are always some new narrators in the list that make me want to book a trip for their dates immediately. This year is no exception. There are several narrators in this year’s schedule that I would absolutely LOVE to see. Take a look at this list:
| Dates | Narrator |
|---|---|
| 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 Smallbone (new) |
| Dec 27–28 | Brie Larson (new) |
| Dec 29–30 | Sheryl Lee Ralph |
I mean, come ON, right? I would LOVE to see Jennifer Garner do this. Or Sheryl Lee Ralph. Or, oh my goodness, Henry Winkler! And returning favorites Marlee Matlin and Gary Sinise have been on my wish list for YEARS now. Who in this list would be at the top of your list? (Note to self: there’s still time to squeeze in one more trip to Disney before Christmas, right?!?)
What Makes Candlelight So Special
Held at the America Gardens Theatre in EPCOT, the Candlelight Processional tells the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator, a mass choir made up of Cast Members and community singers, and the powerhouse Voices of Liberty. Add in a full 50-piece orchestra and you’ve got goosebumps before the first note even finishes.
I’ve sat in the audience many times over the years, and it never fails to give me chills. The combination of live music, the glow of holiday lights, and the heartfelt narration is both festive and deeply moving. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, it’s hard not to feel swept up in the joy of the season.
Performance Details
- Showtimes: Nightly at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.
- Location: America Gardens Theatre, EPCOT
Arrive early, because these shows are popular. Even with reserved seating, you’ll want to get there ahead of time to snag the best view.
Dining Packages: Dinner + Guaranteed Seats
One of the smartest ways to enjoy the Candlelight Processional is by booking a dining package. These packages include a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant and guaranteed seating for one of the three nightly shows.
Here’s what you get with a package:
- Choice of breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on the restaurant
- Entrée and dessert (or buffet)
- A non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic for guests 21+)
- Reserved seating badge for the performance
Dining packages open for booking on October 14, and they go fast. If Candlelight is a must-do for your holiday trip, I recommend locking this in right away.
Note: It’s important to note that while you DO get guaranteed seats for the Candlelight Processional, you don’t necessarily have much control over WHERE those seats will be. And you WILL have to wait in line before the show. There’s just no getting around this; these shows are just too popular. There will usually be two lines: one for those with dining package “tickets” and those without. The Cast Members will allow those in the dining package line into the theatre first. Once all those package ticket holders have been let in, Cast Members will begin allowing guests in the “standby” line into the theater. If you’re in the “standby” line, there is no guarantee you will end up getting into the theater to get a seat.
Why You Should Go
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is already a feast for the senses—seasonal bites, festive decorations, and holiday traditions from around the world. But the Candlelight Processional is its heart. Whether it’s your first time attending or a beloved family tradition, it’s a chance to slow down in the middle of the theme park whirlwind and just soak up the season.
And don’t forget: while you’re there, you’ll want to keep an eye out for this year’s Foodie Guide. It’s the perfect tool for mapping out all the holiday treats you’ll want to try in between shows.
The Bottom Line
If your holiday trip includes EPCOT, the Candlelight Processional should be on your must-do list. With a star-studded lineup of narrators, incredible music, and that unmistakable Disney magic, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season.
P.S. It’s not too late to plan a December trip to Disney, just in time to check out ALL the holiday magic Walt Disney World has to offer, including the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays and the Candlelight Processional. Message me today to get started with a free quote!