2024 Candlelight Processional at EPCOT: Dates, Info & Tips
Candlelight Processional at EPCOT will occur from late November to December 2024 at Walt Disney World. This covers the normal 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 not yet officially announced 2024 Candlelight Processional dates or details. If you want to be notified when official dates, celebrity narrators, or dining packages for 2024 are released, subscribe to our FREE email newsletter. The good news is that we can make some predictions with a high degree of certainty…
Candlelight Processional follows a familiar pattern every year–it’s a highly likely that Candlelight Processional will return November 29, 2024 through December 30, 2024 as part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. It almost always runs Black Friday through the day before New Year’s Eve. With that said, Thanksgiving is almost a full week “late” in 2024, so perhaps Candlelight Processional will start earlier. We highly doubt that–it’s never happened in the past–but it’s possible.
That’s not the only thing it’s possible to predict about this year’s event, either! The other thing we can fairly safe forecast is that the lineup of celebrity narrators and dining package details will be one of the very last things released for Christmas 2024. For each of the last few years, Walt Disney World has revealed almost everything for the holiday season in June and July. At that time, they’ve also confirmed Candlelight Processional would return.
It hasn’t been until September or October that they’ve finally released Candlelight Processional dining package details and the celebrity narrator schedule. It hasn’t always been this way. It used to be the case that Walt Disney World would release a partial list of narrators in late summer along with dining package details, and then give another update around early fall. That hasn’t been the case for the last few years, though.
We mention this because it becomes a very common question by late summer, with fans worrying that Walt Disney World has “forgotten” about Candlelight Processional or something of that sort. While it’s possible things could go back to normal for the 2024 Candlelight Processional, especially with the Disney Dining Plan back, we wouldn’t bank on it.
Just letting you know that now so you don’t start worrying when August 2024 rolls around and Walt Disney World still hasn’t provided any concrete details. That’s normal. Or at least, it’s not abnormal. For now, here’s everything else you need to know about the 2024 Candlelight Processional…
Candlelight Processional performances are held in the America Gardens Theatre across from the American Adventure in World Showcase. 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.
Calling Candlelight Processional one of the most popular events is no exaggeration–long lines plus expensive dinner packages have sort of contributed to us being “over” Candlelight Processional. We have really enjoyed it in the past, but it’s something that is a huge hassle if you don’t have a dining package or don’t mind watching from outside the theater.
Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrator Schedule
Again, the 2024 Candlelight Processional narrator schedule has not yet been released for any dates from late November through the end of December. Even once it is, it’ll be subject to change due to scheduling conflicts (that happens from time to time with the celebrities, but is pretty rare).
However, since many narrators are the same from year to year (and around approximately the same dates), here’s last year’s Candlelight Processional at EPCOT narrator schedule for reference:
- Chrissy Metz (NEW) – November 24 and 25
- Luis Fonsi (NEW) – November 26 and 27
- Ann-Margret (NEW) – November 28
- Ashley Eckstein (NEW) – November 29
Simu Liu – November 30 and December 1-2- Bart Millard – November 30 and December 1-2
- John Stamos – December 3 through December 5
- Neil Patrick Harris – December 6 through December 8
- Marlee Matlin – December 9 through December 11
- Brendan Fraser (NEW) – December 12 through December 14
- Eva Longoria (NEW) – December 15 and December 16
- Joey McIntyre (NEW) – December 17 and December 18
- Sterling K. Brown (NEW) – December 19 and December 20
- Jordan Fisher (NEW) – December 21 through December 23
- Steven Curtis Chapman – December 24 through December 26
- Audra McDonald (NEW) – December 27 and December 28
- Lisa Ling – December 29 and December 30
Celebrity narrators, dates and other entertainment are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
For what it’s worth, last year 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. Hopefully someone gets Mr. Fraser his cup of coffee before his performance, or watch out! (Sorry, reference to the wrong theme park.)
This Candlelight Processional narrator lineup is stacked from top to bottom. At least half of this list really appeals to us, and even those with whom we’re unfamiliar have fan followings. Also, and I’m not going to name names, but it’s nice to see a few narrators who (I think) overstayed their welcome and had been phoning it in not in the lineup this year. Fresh blood can be a good thing.
For the Disney Adults out there, John Stamos (our favorite narrator) and Neil Patrick Harris are the biggest names. For more mainstream millennials, there’s Joey McIntyre and Jordan Fisher. Actually…are those different generations? All I know is that Sarah loves the New Kids on the Block and Happily Ever After, so she’s more than just a little disappointed to be missing Candlelight Processional this year!
Candlelight Processional Dining Packages
Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are now available. Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended and can be made 60 days in advance. Keep in mind that this is still subject to the 60+10 rule for on-site guests, meaning that all dates are now available. Most are sold out.
With that said, there is a reported issue impacting Candlelight Processional ADR availability. For whatever reason, you might not see any times available via the online system…even when there are options. Nine times out of 10, this is just because everything is booked up. But we have had several readers report scoring ADRs when calling despite nothing showing up via the My Disney Experience app or website. Don’t count on having similar luck, but it is something to keep in mind as a last resort.
Beyond that, watch for more availability to be released or otherwise open up. See our Guide to Advance Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World for tips & tricks to increase your chances of success in scoring a Candlelight Processional Dining Package, even in the days and weeks after they’re originally released!
Choose from 8 unique eateries at EPCOT offering Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. A meal at participating restaurants includes:
- At Spice Road Table: 2 small plates and one nonalcoholic beverage per person, plus a tagine and dessert platter for your party to share
- All other participating restaurants: an appetizer, entrée and dessert, or one full buffet/family-style meal, as well as a nonalcoholic beverage
- One guaranteed seat per person to the Candlelight Processional held on the same day
Explore participating restaurants and dining package prices, which exclude tax and gratuity:
Adult (ages 10 and up) |
Child (ages 3 to 9) |
|
---|---|---|
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Norway Pavilion |
$71.00 – Breakfast $83.00 – Lunch/Dinner |
$45.00 – Breakfast $53.00 – Lunch/Dinner |
Biergarten Restaurant Germany Pavilion |
$65.00 | $37.00 |
Coral Reef Restaurant The Living Seas |
$78.00 | $32.00 |
Garden Grill Restaurant The Land Pavilion |
$63.00 – Breakfast $78.00 – Lunch/Dinner |
$40.00 – Breakfast $50.00 – Lunch/Dinner |
Le Cellier Steakhouse Canada Pavilion |
$104.00 | $42.00 |
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (same-day dining packages only) American Adventure Pavilion |
$41.00 | |
Rose & Crown Dining Room United Kingdom Pavilion |
$66.00 | $29.00 |
Spice Road Table Morocco Pavilion |
$55.00 | $24.00 |
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.
Last year, 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–I guess I better get to writing that review!
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.
(Note: the percentage reserved for dining packages was far lower last year due to far fewer participating restaurants. Our guess is that the same will NOT be true for the 2024 Candlelight Processional. Staffing shortages are no longer as much of an issue, and more restaurants are likely to be added to the lineup.)
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.
A few years ago, we booked the package, but it was mostly to see John O’Hurley, or J. Petermann, as fellow Seinfeld fans may know him. More recently, we went to see Whoopi Goldberg, because seating was included with our D23 Magic & Merriment event 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!
We’ve been going to CP for about 20 years. It’s one of the real highlights of the season. We are not much in favor of standing in long lines or paying a lot for meals. So we always go to the early show; the dining package at Biergarten has been the best deal for us lately. Celeb narrators are not that important for us. We try to choose those who would detract the least from the presentation. So saying, we have enjoyed Steven Chapman, Gary Senise, Edward James Olmose and James Earl Jones, for example
We’re going this year during Neil Patrick Harris’ run and Dining Packages are all sold out. Any tips for how to best get into a busy show without a dining package. We can’t go on a night when it’s not NPH
When do tickets foe the candle lite procession dinner package 2018 go on sale?
Last year we saw CP with reading by Robbie Benson. My husband and I were chaperones for our daughter’s high school choir trip as they were singing in the program. We found out about the meals/seating too late to participate. They performed during the first show so we sat in line for about 1.5-2 hours while the students were getting ready for the performance. It wasn’t a terrible wait and we had good seats. The whole experience was incredible!
We just booked for Warwick Davis. We’re actually atheists, but the nostalgia factor is there and who doesn’t love an orchestra and huge choir singing Christmas music? We’re doing the lunch package at Biergarten because it’s one of our favorite restaurants, anyway. I’m excited because, even as an AP holder and former CM, I’ve never seen the CP. Can’t wait!
We haven’t been at Christmas but I expect Warwick Davis will be brilliant – he has done a lot of presenting in U.K. ( obviously also in relation to his role in Harry Potter ) he is both warm and funny and will bring a lot to any narration so if you like a British accent give him a go!
If you are interested in a steak dinner instead of pizza or a buffet in Germany, Rose and Crown’s price is about the same as the normal menu price if you order the most expensive appetizer and desert.
Last year was our first time seeing the candlelight processional, and we loved it. We had the buffet dinner at the Biergarten, which was great because it wasn’t so pricey and there was entertainment. We just fell into that by dumb luck, because we waited until late to book our dining, and there weren’t many options left.
The narrator we saw was Anthony Mackie. I’m not sure if they will get him back again, but I hope so – he was wonderful. Solemn when necessary; interacting with the musicians, conductor, and singers in a playful way, and just a joy to watch.
It is important to note that the Candlelight Processional dining package has been changed to two table service credits in 2017 instead of one. This made it a pass or a self pay situation for us.
You mention access to and exclusive fireworks area, is this illuminations? I reserved Biergarten for lunch and a 5pm CP show and was planning on leaving Epcot after the CP. Thinking I may rearrange our plans if we get exclusive viewing for illuminations. I was planning on watching illuminations another night. Thanks!!
I’m wondering the same thing. Have heard both yes you get reserved spot for illuminations and No you don’t anymore. Interested to see what you find out!
I am interested but have A dining plan. Can I use my table service points to get the package!
You can, but it will cost you two table credits.
I just booked our reservations for Nine Dragons for dinner with the 815 Processional showing…will we be able to stay or see Illuminations from our seats or do we have to move to another location for Illuminations?
IllumiNations is not visible from inside the theater, so you’ll definitely need to move.
We r going to a 8:15 candlelight processional, will we get out for the illuminations? Thanks
I enjoyed the Candlelight Processional, but like you, wasn’t blown away.
We saw NPK as well, which was great .
His first words after he came out were “WHAT IS UP!!!!!!!”.
He’s one of a kind.
The dining package really is the way to go, especially if you’re going to the table service restaurants anyway. The premium you pay is more than worth it considering the massive stand-up lines that often occur.
It’s not something I would do on every Christmas trip, but I”ll definitely do it again someday. Especially if NPK is the host.
Heads up Tom, Captains Grille is not listed as one of the participating restaurants this year on WDW website 🙁 That was going to be our choice.
That’s odd–it’s listed as an option on the Disney Parks Blog post. Maybe the WDW website just does not have it yet since the restaurant is being refurbished?
I will keep an eye! Thanks for the that update, didn’t realize it was being refurbed.
When would times and Dining packages become available? I can make Advance Dining Reservations starting June 5th. If I have already made dining reservations when the packages become available would it be best to just cancel my current reservations and switch to the reservations with the dining package?
If you have a Florida resident Disney pass can you reserve seating without the dinner package?
I have reservations for CP. I also have a 2 and a 4 year old that will be attending. Am I making a mistake by taking them? Are ride lines less crowded during this show?
How long is the Candlelight Processional show?
Trying to plan dinner for after the 6:45 PM show as our seating is tied to an early lunch.
does the dining plan count toward the dinner reservations for this? If so how does this work?
I have read it takes 2 dining credits
Yes, you can use the dining plan, but it takes 2 table service credits per person. If you do the Candlelight Processional Package for a lunch instead of a dinner, it may be more cost effective for you to pay for the package and save your table service credits for dinners. We usually go to Biergarten for lunch for the processional package.
This was our favorite event. Even for my 11 year old son! It is moving, powerful, and a reminder of what Christmas is really about. No lasers, no flashing lights, but the candles are LED’s! Saw Amy Grant as Narrator next to last night, who added some lovely personal anecdotes. Long-time Disney attendees, but rarely get to go at Christmas because of CM blackouts! Paid for tickets this year just to go for Osborne lights and CP.
Did you know this was one of Walt’s original events, and a favorite of his?
Most of the choir are high school students from around the southeast that have gone through a serious audition process.
The crowd at 6:45 seating was full, standby line had been there for hours and I am not sure how many got a seat. Everyone was respectful, attentive, appreciative, and sang along happily during Joy to the World and even The Hallelujah Chorus. Dining Package a must; choose restaurant carefully, though… Remember, Chefs de France is NOT Monsieur Paul if you’re a “foodie”, and alcohol and gratuity are extra. Via Napoli and Coral Reef may be better bets with younger kids. You can also have an earlier lunch coupled with a later show. The line for ticket holders forms about 45 minutes prior to the show’s start, so if you are especially picky about seats, go early!
There is no more Osborne lights… it ended last year.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-disney-end-osborne-family-lights-20150911-post.html