Epcot's Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional in Epcot is one of our families favorite holiday traditions. Every time we go we schedule our vacation around seeing this show. In fact, for us Christmas doesn't start until we hear these guys blow their horns ...

Dad's Christmas at Disney World page

Candlelight Processional

Photo by BestofWDW

What is it?

The American Gardens Theater is home to the show. During each show a celebrity narrator reads the story of the birth of Jesus from scripture. The readings are accompanied by music that talks about the section just read. This is the 39th year for Disney to host the show.

The Music

The music is provided by a 50 piece orchestra, a 500 member choir, and the Voices of Liberty. It's quite a show. Disney cast members try out to be part of the Christmas Tree (in the middle of the choir) and high school and college choirs from around the country are invited to join.

I love singing this song!

Here is a list of some of the music you will hear (the music changes a bit from year to year, but for the most part the classics are always there).

O Holy Night
Shout for Joy
What Child is This?
O Come All Ye Faithful
Hallelujah Chorus
Rejoice with Execeeding Great Joy
Away in a Manger
Angels We Have Heard on High
Silent Night

We love listening to the CD we got when we went to the show. We listen to it regularly. If you'd like a copy you can download a copy from Amazon.com.

The Dates

The Candlelight Processional in the rain

Photo by Zengrrl

Dates for this years Candlelight Processional are November 26 through December 30. There are three shows each evening. (Shows are sometimes cancelled due to inclement weather, but it takes more than just a little rain.)

5:00
6:45
8:00

Celebrity Narrators

The guest celebrities for 2011 are.

11/25 - 11/27: Mira Sorvino
11/28 - 12/01: Michael W. Smith
12/02 - 12/03: Geena Davis
12/04 - 12/06: Edward James Olmos
12/07 - 12/09: Isabela Rossellini
12/10 - 12/12: Neil Patrick Harris
12/13 - 12/14: Lorraine Bracco
12/16 - 12/18: TBA
12/19 - 12/21: Trace Adkins
12/22 - 12/24: Susan Lucci
12/25 - 12/27: Blair Underwood
12/28 - 12/30: Marlee Matlin (interpreter: Jack Jason)

These can change without notice.

History

The Candlelight Processional and Massed Chior started in Disneyland in 1958. Uncle Walt loved Christmas and wanted a really special celebration. In 1994 the show began at Epcot.

The Dinner Package

To get a guaranteed seat for the show you need to sign up for the dinner package. Most of the theater is reserved for guests that have reserved a dinner package.

Dad's Guide to the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package

The Orchestra at the Candlelight Processional

Photo by Zengrrl

There are limited seats available for general admission. They are toward the back of the theater. You must get in line early to get a seat. You will be allowed into the theater about 15 minutes prior to the show and after the Dinner Package guests are inside. (Guests have been known to line up as much as 45 minutes before the show.)

You will be able to hear the show all around the American Pavilion.

Dad's Bottom Line

This is one of the those extra things that Disney does that sets them apart from other theme parks. In Dad's opinion this is one of the best Christmas celebrations around.

Don't miss it.