Candlelight Processional at EPCOT will occur from late November to December 2025 at Walt Disney World. This covers the narrator lineup, celebrity appearance dates, whether the dining package is worth the money, and our review of this Christmas-time show.
For those unfamiliar with it, Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World is the telling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator with music sung by a mass choir and performed by a 50-piece live orchestra. It’s one component of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which also includes the World Showcase Storytellers and Holiday Kitchen food booths.
Walt Disney World has now officially announced 2025 Candlelight Processional dates and details. And wow is it a list of big names, with prolific new and returning narrators! As for the event itself, Candlelight Processional will be performed November 28 through December 30, 2025 as part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
Candlelight Processional performances are held in the America Gardens Theatre across from the American Adventure in World Showcase. Showtimes for the 2025 Candlelight Processional are 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. These are different from prior years, which is something to keep in mind if you’re a longtime Candlelight Processional attendee.
There’s a reason one of the most popular events of the Christmas season at Walt Disney World is the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT: it’s a beautiful show that many guests find to be a moving and spiritual experience. Many diehard Disney fans are annual attendees who have been seeing performances of Candlelight Processional for years, if not decades. Some have favorite celebrity narrators that they make a point of seeing every single season.
Calling Candlelight Processional one of the most popular events is no exaggeration–long lines plus expensive dinner packages can make it a challenge to see. It’s something that can be a huge hassle if you don’t have a dining package or don’t mind watching from outside the theater. We typically watch Candlelight Processional multiple times each Christmas, but only buy the dining package once.
Here’s everything else you need to know about Candlelight Processional…
2025 Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrator Schedule
Walt Disney World has now released the 2025 Candlelight Processional narrator schedule for all dates from late November through the end of December. Note that this is subject to change due to scheduling conflicts–this actually happens from time to time with the celebrities, including 3 times in the last 3 years.
However, since many narrators are the same from year to year (and return around approximately the same dates), here’s last year’s Candlelight Processional at EPCOT narrator schedule for reference:
- November 28-29, 2025 – Constance Wu (NEW)
- November 30 through December 2, 2025 – Jordan Fisher
- December 3-4, 2025 – Susan Egan (NEW)
- December 5-6, 2025 – Ashley Eckstein
- December 7-8, 2025 – Ralph Macchio
- December 9-10, 2025 – Leslie Uggams (NEW)
- December 11-13, 2025 – Marlee Matlin
- December 14-15, 2025 – Henry Winkler (NEW)
- December 16-17, 2025 – Lauren Daigle (NEW)
- December 18-19, 2025 – Gary Sinise
- December 20-22, 2025 – Brendan Fraser
- December 23-24, 2025 – Luis Fonsi
- December 25-26, 2025 – Joel Smallbone (NEW)
- December 27-28, 2025 – Brie Larson (NEW)
- December 29-30, 2025 – Sheryl Lee Ralph (NEW)
Celebrity narrators, dates and other entertainment are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Thankfully, Walt Disney World has several local back-up celebrities on speed dial who can be called on to perform should there be a last-minute cancellation. (One year, Ashley Eckstein made it to narrate on two hours’ notice!)
2025 Candlelight Schedule Change
Speaking of which, Walt Disney World has already made its first schedule change of the 2025 Candlelight Processional, with Susan Egan taking the place of Jennifer Garner for the December 3-4, 2025 performances.
No word on why Jennifer Garner had to bow out. I tried to figure out what scheduling conflicts she might have, but Google just surfaced a bunch of articles about Thanksgiving drama with Ben Affleck and JLo. Maybe that’s it?
It’s already been a big holiday season for Susan Egan, who was named godmother of the Disney Destiny. Egan is hardly a ‘consolation prize.’ She should be a fantastic addition to the lineup, and has a rich history with Disney, from lending her distinctive voice to Megara in Hercules to originating the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway.
Susan Egan is basically a Disney princess, twice over! Honestly, as much as I like Jennifer Garner, I’d rather hear Egan narrate. This cancellation strikes me as a win, and also makes me wonder whether Egan is going to become more actively involved with Disney going forward, filling a role similar to that of the prolific Jodi Benson. We shall see!
There are eight (8) new celebrity narrators joining the 2025 Candlelight Processional lineup, which is the most I can recall seeing in a long, long time. In some ways, new is good–it’ll be nice to see Constance Wu, Jennifer Garner, or Henry Winkler (that last one is who has us most excited!).
There are also a number of conspicuous omissions. These include (but are not limited to) Josh Gad, Neil Patrick Harris, Jodi Benson, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Gloria Estefan, and Edward James Olmos (who narrated Candlelight Processional a record 15 times). Of the time-tested favorites, it’s basically just Gary Sinise and Marlee Matlin as the last longstanding performers. Both have narrated Candlelight Processional 14 times!
Olmos, Sinise and Matlin have been narrating Candlelight Processional almost every year since we started attending in 2007. Here’s hoping that Olmos returns in 2026, but we suspect he has retired.
Two years ago was the best narrator lineup we’ve seen since we’ve been attending Candlelight Processional EPCOT, roughly 15 years ago. There was something for everyone here, with big-name newcomers like Eva Longoria, Sterling K. Brown, Brendan Fraser, having huge fan-followings.
Many of the newcomers from two years ago did not return last year. Which is honestly fine, as there were still plenty of time-tested fan favorites. It was basically the “play the hits” lineup of tried and true narrators, and there’s still someone for everyone with it. Disney fans love Josh Gad, Neil Patrick Harris, Jodi Benson, and Gary Sinise. (We might try to see that last one–Gary Sinise has narrated several times, but I don’t recall ever seeing him. He has a good voice and presence, and I really respect his charitable work.)
Then there are returning fan favorites like Josh Gad and Neil Patrick Harris. These are arguably two of the most popular Candlelight Processional narrators of all-time–right up there with John Stamos (our favorite narrator), who did not return. It helps that these are big Walt Disney World fans themselves, and can frequently be spotted in the parks during their weekends, which I appreciate as a fan.
It’s also nice to see ‘old school’ narrators like Edward James Olmos and Pat Sajak make their returns. I thought both might’ve been done for good, enjoying their respective retirements. I’m glad to see that’s not the case! All in all, a really good lineup with a lot of range that we’re guessing Candlelight Processional fans will appreciate!
Candlelight Processional Dining Packages
Candlelight Processional Dining Packages have been released, and like always, they filled up fast.
In each of the last few years, just about every single date sold out the day that Candlelight Processional Dining Packages were released. The vast majority of ADRs were gone on day one. It’s very important to book ASAP when reservations go live, which is something to keep in mind if you’re already thinking about the 2026 Candlelight Processional.
In the here and now, one thing we should note is that Walt Disney World plays “games” with Candlelight Processional Dining Package ADR availability. Suffice to say, it still might be possible to score reservations. See Secret for Scoring Sold Out Candlelight Processional Dining Packages for tips on finding availability, even at the last minute.
Choose from a variety of EPCOT eateries that offer Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. Here’s what’s included with your meal:
- At Spice Road Table: 2 small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older)
- At Other Participating Restaurants: An entrée and dessert, or a full buffet (where applicable)—as well as a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older)
Plus, you’ll get one (1) guaranteed seat per person to one Candlelight Processional performance on the same day.
Here’s the full list of participating restaurants for the 2025 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages:
- Biergarten Restaurant – Germany Pavilion
- Chefs de France – France Pavilion
- La Crêperie de Paris – France Pavilion
- Coral Reef Restaurant – The Living Seas
- Garden Grill Restaurant – The Land Pavilion
- La Hacienda de San Angel – Mexico Pavilion
- Le Cellier Steakhouse – Canada Pavilion
- Nine Dragons Restaurant – China Pavilion
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (same-day only) – American Adventure
- Rose & Crown Dining Room – United Kingdom Pavilion
- Spice Road Table – Morocco Pavilion
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya – Japan Pavilion
- Teppan Edo – Japan Pavilion
- Tutto Italia Ristorante – Italy Pavilion
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria – Italy Pavilion
If you’re not able to score elusive ADRs for Candlelight Processional sit-down dining packages, fear not. You may be able to purchase a same-day dining package, which allows you to:
- Dine without reservations at Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue that day
- Enjoy guaranteed seats to a Candlelight Processional performance later that day
To check availability for same-day dining packages, visit Regal Eagle’s Distinctly Patriotic Smokehouse: A Salute to All Foods, But Mostly Barbecued Meats ~ A Sam Eagle Craft Drafts & BBQ Joint. Same-day Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are subject to availability and may not be available on peak dates.
For everything else you need to know, including answers to common questions, see our Guide to Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. We address everything: price increases, changes to what’s included, standby line & alternatives, what time to be ready to book ADRs, and whether these dinner plans are “worth it” in the first place…
Sometimes, both Regal Eagle and Spice Road Table regularly had same-day availability. For most dates, it was relatively easy to score Candlelight Processional viewing via these walk-up restaurants than by booking Advance Dining Reservations at the eligible table service restaurants.
The difference is that there were only 5 table service restaurants last year, and this year there are 8. That’s still far fewer than 2019 or prior years, when there were 16 (!!!) participating table service restaurants in EPCOT and the Crescent Lake Resorts. Not only that, but 3 of those 16 restaurants offered breakfast dining packages in addition to lunch and dinner.
Don’t stress out if you’re shut out of ADRs and are “forced” to do the same-day Candlelight Processional dining packages. While the uncertainty might be unpleasant, the options are good. We are fans of Regal Eagle, but it’s not our ideal way to eat around World Showcase during the holidays.
Spice Road Table is without a doubt the way to go if you’re to do a same-day Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Yes, it’s $12 more expensive, but it offers at least that much more bang-for-buck, with a menu that’s more approachable than you might think.
We recently did lunch at Spice Road Table and had a fantastic meal. In fact, we think Spice Road Table might be EPCOT’s best Candlelight Processional Dining Package spot. It’s certainly one of the most cost-effective!
On the table service front, we highly recommend Biergarten Restaurant. This is always our top pick thanks to its jovial Christmas atmosphere, music, and value for money. Read Our Christmas Feast at Biergarten Restaurant for what the holiday time experience is like there.
If you’re wondering whether it might be worth doing plus some ideas for making the most of the Candlelight Processional Experience, we have some tips & tricks and a review in this post…
Candlelight Processional Viewing Tips
While the America Gardens Theater where Candlelight Processional is held can seat over 1,000 guests per performance, between 50% and 75% of these seats are reserved for guests who purchase dinner packages. All of these dinner package guests are guaranteed seats in one of the three nightly Candlelight Processional performances.
The higher the percentage allocated to dining packages, the more “competitive” the standby line for Candlelight Processional performances. Ridiculously long.
So long that if you’re a tourist or visiting on vacation, you should get a lunch or dinner package for the Candlelight Processional, especially when a popular narrator is presenting. When Neil Patrick Harris last presented, we saw people lining up for the 5 p.m. performance of Candlelight Processional around noon!
The dinner packages include a meal consisting of an appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage (or full buffet “experience,” where applicable) and reserved seating at one performance of Candlelight Processional. For what you get, the dining package is not that expensive (or at least the cost is not badly inflated).
Your time on vacation is definitely worth the price. I know the three hours or so of waiting in line that we’ve saved by purchasing the dining package has been well worth it–to us at least!
If you elect not to do the dinner package and don’t want to wait hours in line, you have a couple of options. First, show up to the standby line ~15 minutes before the last show of the night starts. Depending upon the popularity of the narrator and how busy EPCOT is that evening, sometimes this last showing will still have seating. If not, at least you didn’t waste a ton of time standing in line.
In many scenarios, that strategy will work just fine. You may not have the best seats, but you’ll still be able to see the show and have a seat. If the theatre is already full, we recommend trying to watch from the walkway behind the America Gardens Theatre.
Cast Members will manage crowd flow back here in the walkway, but you can simply stand behind the theater (not in the walkway) and watch the show. This is actually a really good view for Candlelight Processional. Think of it as sitting (well, standing) in the balcony of the America Garden Theatre.
While we strongly recommend the dining package for those wanting good, guaranteed seats, if you’re on a tight budget or Candlelight Processional is not as much of a “must-do,” we think those strategies are good alternatives to save a bit of money, which can be spent on other holiday entertainment at Walt Disney World.
Candlelight Processional Review
A lot of people absolutely love the Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World. We like it quite a bit, but we aren’t absolutely gung-ho, call Disney Dining the very first day the packages go on sale, crazy about it like some people. It’s very beautiful, but definitely not the highlight of our trip.
Our favorite narrator for Candlelight Processional is Neil Patrick Harris. We’ve seen him a couple of times, and as NPH fans, we enjoyed this. I cannot say he really invigorated the show–it’s pretty solemn irrespective of host–but it was cool to see him.
One time, we booked the package and arrived at the return line early in order to see John O’Hurley, or J. Petermann, as fellow Seinfeld fans may know him. We also had reserved seating to see Whoopi Goldberg, because seating was included with a D23 package. Whoopi Goldberg was okay, but on the “cool scale” she just doesn’t stack up to NPH or J. Petermann for us.
Overall, Candlelight Processional, at the bare minimum, has “do it at least once” status. Some people love it to the point that it’s their favorite Christmas offering at Walt Disney World. Others find it too dry and slow, and are not moved by the story. I don’t think it’s quite fair to compare Candlelight Processional to a Christmas Eve church service, and I think there’s a good chance that even those who are not religious will enjoy it.
You really don’t know until you try it–and in order to try it, you really should book one of the dinner packages. With that said, if your budget doesn’t allow for both Candlelight Processional and the Christmas Party, I’d recommend the latter over the Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages without hesitation.
For comprehensive tips for planning your Christmas-time trip to Walt Disney World, check out our Ultimate Guide to Christmas at Walt Disney World. Additionally, you can download our free eBook, Vacation Kingdom at Christmas, which offers tips for visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season. This eBook is 75+ pages, with 100+ photos, and tons of great recommendations & information! For more details on how to get this totally-free ebook, click here.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Are you a fan of Candlelight Processional? Which narrator have you seen for Candlelight Processional? Do you usually book the dining package or wait in line? Do you have any strategy for seeing Candlelight Processional without waiting in line? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!