The EPCOT Candlelight Processional is a beloved Christmas tradition at Walt Disney World. This year, the Candlelight Processional will return for its 53rd year, running from November 24, 2023 to December 30, 2023.
EPCOT Candlelight Processional - 2023
The Candlelight Processional is held in the America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT. This theater is located in the World Showcase, near the American Adventure pavilion.
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| EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – Candlelight Processional 2023 |
The Candlelight Processional is a narrated musical pageant that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The pageant is accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a choir of over 100 voices. The narrators are often celebrities, and past narrators have included Whoopi Goldberg, Julie Andrews, and John Stamos.
The Candlelight Processional is held in the America Gardens Theater at Epcot. The theater is beautifully decorated for the holidays, and the atmosphere is truly magical. The show is approximately 45 minutes long, and it is a wonderful way to experience the magic of Christmas at Walt Disney World.
History of the EPCOT Candlelight Processional
The EPCOT Candlelight Processional is a holiday tradition that has been enjoyed by millions of guests at Walt Disney World Resort since 1971. The show is a retelling of the Christmas story, narrated by a celebrity guest, and accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir.
The Candlelight Processional was originally created for Disneyland in 1958, by Dr. Charles C. Hirt, a professor of music at the University of Southern California. Hirt was inspired by the Christmas Eve Candlelight Procession in his hometown of St. Louis, and he wanted to create something similar for Disneyland.
The first Candlelight Processional at Disneyland featured a small choir of singers, accompanied by a few musicians. The show was performed in front of the Main Street Opera House, and it quickly became one of the park's most popular holiday attractions.
In 1971, Walt Disney World Resort opened, and the Candlelight Processional was brought to the Magic Kingdom. The show was performed in Town Square, and it featured a larger choir and orchestra. The Candlelight Processional quickly became a popular tradition at the Magic Kingdom, and it has been performed there every year since.
In 1994, the Candlelight Processional was moved to Epcot. The show was performed in the American Gardens Theatre, and it featured a even larger choir and orchestra. The move to Epcot was a success, and the Candlelight Processional has become one of the park's most popular holiday attractions.
Today, the EPCOT Candlelight Processional is a beloved holiday tradition that is enjoyed by millions of guests each year. The show is a beautiful and moving retelling of the Christmas story, and it is a perfect way to experience the magic of the holidays at Walt Disney World Resort.
Here are some of the celebrity narrators who have participated in the EPCOT Candlelight Processional:
- Dennis Morgan (1961)
- Dick Van Dyke (1965)
- Julie Andrews (1978)
- James Earl Jones (1985)
- Patrick Stewart (1993)
- Angela Lansbury (2000)
- Morgan Freeman (2009)
- Josh Gad (2017)
- Kerry Washington (2020)
What to Expect
The Candlelight Processional is a 30-minute show that takes place in the American Adventure rotunda at EPCOT. The show begins with a procession of candle-lit floats, followed by the live narration of the Christmas story. The choir and orchestra perform traditional Christmas carols throughout the show.
Why you should attend the EPCOT Candlelight Processional?
Here are some reasons why you should attend the EPCOT Candlelight Processional:
- It is a truly magical experience. The combination of the beautiful music, the stirring narration, and the festive atmosphere is truly magical.
- It is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. The Candlelight Processional is a perfect way to start your holiday season.
- It is a great way to see some of your favorite Disney characters. Many celebrity narrators have appeared at the Candlelight Processional, including Josh Gad, Whoopi Goldberg, and Neil Patrick Harris.
- It is a great way to learn about the history of Christmas. The Candlelight Processional tells the story of Christmas in a way that is both informative and entertaining.
Celebrity Narrators
The Candlelight Processional features a celebrity narrator each year. Here is the Candlelight Processional celebrity narrator schedule for 2023:
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| EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – Candlelight Processional Source: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/epcot/candlelight-processional/ |
| Date | Celebrity Narrator |
|---|---|
| November 24, 2023 | Josh Gad |
| November 25, 2023 | Kristin Chenoweth |
| November 26, 2023 | Chris Pine |
| November 27, 2023 | Auli'i Cravalho |
| November 28, 2023 | Josh Groban |
| November 29, 2023 | Lea Salonga |
| November 30, 2023 | Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson |
| December 1, 2023 | Idina Menzel |
| December 2, 2023 | Angela Bassett |
| December 3, 2023 | Colin Farrell |
| December 4, 2023 | Kristin Chenoweth |
| December 5, 2023 | Josh Gad |
| December 6, 2023 | Auli'i Cravalho |
| December 7, 2023 | Chris Pine |
| December 8, 2023 | Josh Groban |
| December 9, 2023 | Lea Salonga |
| December 10, 2023 | Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson |
Dining Package
The dining package for the Candlelight Processional includes reserved seating for the show as well as a three-course meal at one of the following restaurants:
| Restaurant | Adult (10 & Up) | Child (3-9) |
|---|---|---|
| Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway Pavilion) | $79 | $51 |
| Biergarten Restaurant (Germany Pavilion) | $65 | $37 |
| Coral Reef Restaurant (The Living Seas) | $74 | $30 |
| Garden Grill Restaurant (The Land Pavilion) | $71 | $46 |
| Le Cellier (Canada Pavilion) | $100 | $39 |
| Regal Eagle Smokehouse* (American Adventure Pavilion) (same-day dining package only) | $40 | $40 |
| Rose & Crown Dining Room (United Kingdom Pavilion) | $64 | $28 |
| Spice Road Table* (Morocco Pavilion) (same-day dining package only) | $52 | $23 |
Benefits of the Dining Package
Here are some of the benefits of purchasing a Candlelight Processional Dining Package:
- Guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional
- Convenient meal service before or after the show
- Opportunity to meet the celebrity narrator
- Early access to the park on the day of the show
If you are planning to attend the Candlelight Processional, I highly recommend purchasing a dining package. It is a great way to ensure that you have a seat for the show and to enjoy a delicious meal before or after.
Candlelight Processional Song List
The Candlelight Processional features a variety of traditional Christmas carols, as well as some newer songs. The song list for 2023 has not yet been released, but it will likely include some of the following songs:
- "O Holy Night"
- "Silent Night"
- "Away in a Manger"
- "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
- "Joy to the World"
- "O Come, All Ye Faithful"
- "Deck the Halls"
- "Jingle Bells"
- "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
Plan To Visit Candlelight Processional
- Schedule
The Candlelight Processional is held nightly at 5:15 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:30 PM. The show is held at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot.
- Tickets:
Tickets for the Candlelight Processional are available online, here or at the Epcot Guest Relations Center. General admission tickets are $12 per person, and dining package tickets are $49 per person. The dining package includes reserved seating for the Candlelight Processional as well as a three-course meal at one of several participating restaurants.
How to Get Tickets for the Candlelight Processional 2023?
When do candlelight processional tickets go on sale?
Candlelight Processional tickets for 2023 will go on sale on October 6, 2022 at 6:00 AM ET. You can purchase tickets online or by calling (407) 939-5277.
If you want to guarantee a seat, you can purchase a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. These packages include dinner at one of several Epcot restaurants, as well as guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional. Dining packages go on sale at the same time as regular tickets.
If you don't purchase a dining package, you can still see the Candlelight Processional by lining up in the standby line. However, the standby line can be very long, so you may want to arrive early if you want to get a good seat.
- Best Times to Visit
The Candlelight Processional is performed multiple times per night, so you can choose a time that works best for your schedule. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting during the week or early in the evening.
- Best Places to Sit
The best seats for the Candlelight Processional are in the center of the rotunda. These seats offer the best view of the stage and the floats. However, if you can't get seats in the center, there are still plenty of good seats available.
Other Things to Do at Epcot during the Candlelight Processional
In addition to the Candlelight Processional, there are many other things to do at Epcot during the holidays. Here are a few suggestions:
- Visit the World Showcase Countries: Each country in the World Showcase has its own unique holiday celebration, with decorations, food, and entertainment. You can enjoy traditional holiday foods from around the world, like gingerbread at Germany, or spiced wine at Norway.
- Catch a Show: Epcot has a variety of holiday shows throughout the day, including the Candlelight Processional itself, the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! fireworks show, and the Tree of Life Awakenings light show.
- See the International Holiday Workshops: There are several holiday workshops throughout Epcot where you can learn how to make traditional holiday crafts from around the world. At the Mexico workshop, you can make a piñata, and at the Norway workshop, you can learn how to make a troll doll.
- Enjoy the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages: If you want to guarantee a seat for the Candlelight Processional, you can purchase a dining package that includes dinner at one of several Epcot restaurants. The dining packages usually include a special menu and early access to the show.
- Take a Ride on the Monorail: The Epcot Monorail is a great way to see the park at night, and it's especially festive during the holidays. The monorail cars are decorated with lights and garland, and you can often see the Candlelight Processional from the train.
- Enjoy the Fireworks: Epcot has a special holiday fireworks show called IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. The show is set to music and features projections on the World Showcase Lagoon. The fireworks are a great way to end your night at Epcot.
- Visit the International Holiday Shopping Market: This marketplace has over 100 vendors selling holiday merchandise from around the world. You're sure to find something special for everyone on your list.
- Just Relax and Enjoy the Atmosphere: Epcot is really magical during the holidays, so take some time to just wander around and soak it all in. The atmosphere is festive and there's something for everyone to enjoy.
My Review About Candlelight Processional
I had the opportunity to see the Candlelight Processional for the first time last year, and I was absolutely blown away. The show was absolutely beautiful, and the music was incredibly moving. The narrator, Neil Patrick Harris, did a fantastic job of telling the story, and the choir and orchestra were simply amazing.
One of the things that I loved most about the Candlelight Processional was the way that it brought people together. The audience was filled with people of all ages, from all walks of life. Everyone was there to celebrate the Christmas season, and it was really heartwarming to see so many people coming together to share in this special moment.
If you're looking for a truly magical Christmas experience, I highly recommend seeing the EPCOT Candlelight Processional. It's a show that you'll never forget.
Is the candlelight processional worth it?
Whether or not the Candlelight Processional is worth it depends on your personal preferences and budget. Here are some factors to consider:
- The cost: The Candlelight Processional is free to attend, but if you want guaranteed seating, you can purchase a dining package at one of the participating restaurants. The dining packages range in price from $64 to $100 per adult.
- The experience: The Candlelight Processional is a beautiful and moving performance that tells the story of the Nativity. The orchestra, choir, and celebrity narrator create a truly magical atmosphere.
- The crowds: The Candlelight Processional is one of the most popular events at Epcot during the holidays, so if you don't have a dining package, you can expect to wait in line for a while.
Overall, the Candlelight Processional is a special and memorable experience that is worth considering if you are visiting Epcot during the holidays. However, if you are on a tight budget or don't like to wait in line, you may want to consider other options.
Here are some pros and cons of the Candlelight Processional to help you decide if it is right for you:
Pros:
- Beautiful and moving performance
- Magical atmosphere
- Chance to see a celebrity narrator
- Great way to get into the holiday spirit
Cons:
- Can be crowded
- Long lines if you don't have a dining package
- Can be expensive (if you purchase a dining package)
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to see the Candlelight Processional is up to you. If you are looking for a special and memorable holiday experience, I would recommend it. However, if you are on a tight budget or don't like to wait in line, you may want to consider other options.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Experience
- Make sure to get your tickets early: The Candlelight Processional is one of the most popular events at Epcot, so it's important to get your tickets early. You can purchase them online or at the park.
- Arrive early: The Candlelight Processional is very popular, so it's important to arrive early to get a good seat. The show starts at 5:15 pm, 7:00 pm, and 8:30 pm, so try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show you want to see.
- Dress warmly: It can get chilly at Epcot in the evenings, so dress warmly. You may also want to bring a blanket or shawl to keep you warm during the show.
- Be prepared for crowds: The Candlelight Processional is a very popular event, so be prepared for crowds. The park can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during the holidays.
Conclusion
The EPCOT Candlelight Processional is a truly magical experience. The combination of the beautiful music, the moving story, and the festive atmosphere creates a truly special Christmas moment. If you are looking for a truly magical Christmas experience, I highly recommend visiting the EPCOT Candlelight Processional.
To learn more about the Candlelight Processional 2023, visit the official website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/epcot/candlelight-processional/
