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)Â – 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!
How long is the performance?
We have been trying to get a res for 2 for a week. There are several places with res for 4. Were there tables for two? we see tables for 3. Why can’t they offer shared tables so pairs can attend.
anyone want to share a table for 4 at the beer garden for lunch in order to get candlelight tix at 7?
Would anyone be interested in sharing a table for 4 at the beer garden for lunch in order to get candlelight tix at 7 on Wednesday 11/29?
Have you tried calling? Being that Biergarten is communal tables, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to accommodate 2 people. I don’t know how it works as far as dining packages, but you may be able to just get a ressie for 3 and when you show up tell them the other person wasn’t feeling well. I was actually given this advice by a CM before. But as I said, it may be different with a dining package as far as charging you for one person not showing. But I doubt they would as long as someone is showing up.
Thanks for the Number Joe! Just a heads up, I called and the cast member was no help. In fact she didn’t have much information to share other than my dates were full. I have been trying since the beginning to get reservations for any one of the reservations for our dates but no luck so while excited someone was able to call in and get a reservation for the dates I am there (it was on this blog), I was not able to secure them for my party (party of 3 dates dec. 6th or 7th). I will keep checking every day though! That said, everyone keeps saying that there are two restaurants that you might be able to get Same day dining by going to the available restaurant(s) the day of when they open. I have read there are two available restaurants but Disney’s website says there is just one available – Regal. Could someone verify if that is the only Same day restaurant or if there is another one and WHERE you are verifying this information? The cast member I talked to on the phone said she had zero information on that. Please and thank you!
Also, my mother is 80 and will be in a ECV. Are there any special considerations for the disabled when it comes to the Candlelight processional? She comes with her own chair so maybe viewing from outside the seating area wouldn’t be awful or do you have to be able to stand? Just trying to discern our options because apparently the dates we are there, NPH is the host and as you all know, very popular! This trip is for my mother who has never been to WDW so I want to ensure we do the activities she wants to do and this is a BIG one! Any advice for disabled persons surrounding this event would be most helpful! THANK YOU in advance!
1) Regal Eagle is officially the only same day restaurant this year. Spice Road Table was in the past, and my suspicion is that it will be (unofficially) this year, too. It’s not a very popular restaurant, and usually has last-minute availability.
2) Yes, there’s accessible seating. I’ve never personally used it, but to my knowledge, it’s all at the back of the theater (still a great view as it’s elevated). I probably wouldn’t worry too much about the dining package if you have that, but perhaps others with firsthand experience can weigh in. Have fun!!!
I too could not book on the website. I had to call into dining. My days in Epcot are when NPH is narrating, and I thought they were sold out but was able to get dining at Garden Grill with a cast members help. I’ve seen NPH before and enjoy him but my favorite is Gary Sinise. Candlelight processional is one of my favorite things at Christmas. I would love to see John Stamos too
what number so you call to ask? I haven’t been able to book any dining through website and folks keep saying they getting bookings fir the dates I’m there when they call in!
Adriane, you can call Disney dining at 1-407-939-3463
I have the dining package for the show at 7p on December 1st. How early would you say I should line up for seats?
” 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.”
Agreed!!!
The only problem I have with this statement is that it should read , if your budget can only afford the dinning package or MVMCP pay for the Party and watch the candlelight processional FOR FREE.
The first time we saw it was in the late 90’s … maybe 99, I believe the narrator was Gary Sinise, and we watched it from outside the seating area. Great show from anywhere so no need to get online 5 hours before showtime. That’s insane.
Anyway, financially speaking, you don’t need to do just one, you can and SHOULD absolutely DO BOTH. But Tom is right, if funds are limited use them for the Party.
It’s a must-see for any Disney fan, especially during the holidays. The music is beautiful, the story is moving, and the setting is magical.
For anyone who had the same problem as me being unable to book 10 days beyond the 60 day mark. Call Disney Dining. The cast member was able to find 3 different openings for Christmas eve whereas the online system said nothing was available. I may not have gotten the earlier show I wanted but I’m happy just to be able to get a seat for the processional on Christmas Eve. Good luck everyone.
Thank you for sharing!
I was able to call in and the gal said that we could get them 60 days plus 10 days. Evidently it is only by phone. I did call in but all Christmas Eve were gone (wanted the 8:30pm) show. She found one for Christmas Day at the 8:30pm show — not the restaurant we wanted and the ADR is at 1:30pm that day …long break … but I took it. When I could get something via the website, everything was gone.
So thanks for letting us know to call in. Appreciate it.
I was unable to choose any dates beyond my 60 day mark. No plus 10 option at all & I was logged in. I was fine as far as regular adrs but no candlelight processional. Today is 60 days from the actual date I want (Christmas eve) so I logged on first thing. The date was now available to select but to no surprise there were no reservations available. Was anyone else able to do the 60+10?
i couldnt get it either. Was on at 5:45 am today and they were already gone. was not advertised to be available til 6pm eastern time.
Anyone have any suggestions as to what tome are available online? For me … this is 2:45am. Crazy!!!
I had the same issue! My dining ADR window opened yesterday. I couldn’t see any availability online for December 24th and no dates were even lighting up beyond that. I waited until this morning to see if I could book anything but the same issue was there again. Very frustrating! I ended up calling in (which I hate doing) and luckily I got the dining package for Christmas Day which is what we wanted. I wish improving tech was a bit more of a priority for Disney considering how much we have to rely on it.
I was hoping someone could tell me more about how to obtain same day dining reservation in order to get garranteed seats at christmas processional. We were not sure if we were going to WDW in December or not and finally our trip was confirmed but after all the reservations for the dates we’re going were taken for dining packages. That being said, I saw that Regal could be available for same day dining. However there is a note that some dates might not be available. We have four day park hopper passes for the 5th-8th of December and of course it is a popular Christmas processional show because Neil Patrick Harris is the host which we were not aware of till I read the articles recently. That’s when we have to go though! So, could you explain same day dining, how to make those reservations day of and how to determine availability?
Any more detailed info you could provide would be helpful.
Thank you,
Adriane
Dining Packages for this year go on sale October 17, 2023!
Do the same 60 days out rules apply to candlelight processional dining packages or can you book when they are announced regardless? Also, do you need to have your park tickets purchased to book?
Yes, it goes by the 60 days. No, you don’t need tickets to book.
Candlelight Processional is the highlight of our December trip. we see it at least 4 times in a 2 week span. For us the dining packages are worth it. we often get on line hours in advance so we can listen to the first show while waiting on line for the second! it fills us with joy and Christmas spirit. We love NPH and last year Daymond John was amazing. can’t wait to see what readers are available!
The readers have been announced now!
Hi Tom – thanks for the update..So my daughter will be singing with her choir at the Candlelight Processional on the 1sr of Dec. Obviously getting a dining package is super important to me! Any tips for getting the reservation? Should I call – can I do it online? What’s the best time to call or log in? Any advice you can share would be so very appreciated. I did see that you can do same day but I don’t think I can take the stress of that! Thank you!
I wasn’t aware that any of the choruses had been selected or given dates yet. I am in a chorus that sends in an audition video every year (and is usually chosen). The deadline for our audition video is soon, but it will take a while for us to hear if we’ve been selected and to get dates. I assume perhaps the high school choruses that travel to WDW do this much earlier in the year. Hopefully the dining packages will be released soon. Last year, they appeared in early October.
It seems like the details for 2023 are really late this year. Any idea on when they will be available?
They are posted now!
I visited the EPCOT Candlelight Processional a few years ago, and it was one of the most magical experiences of my life. The show was simply breathtaking, and the music was so beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes.
Hey, I’m not sure about other restaurants, but Spice Road just dropped (today, 12/7) a bunch of ADVANCE candlelight dining reservation times. For at least two of the shows. I’m running, not walking, over to the Disney site to drop my more expensive, less tasty (to my non-fish-loving self) Coral Reef reservation and pick up a Spice Road one.
So excited! I was able to book reservations for three parties of 6 today! Unfortunately they are at different times for the show.
Are food and beverages allowed in the reserved seating area?
Yes – you can bring any outside food with you into the seating area. After seated you can also leave to go get outside food. With Regal Eagle right there and several kiosks/booths just outside the seating area, this happens often.
Any reason to think Akershus will be added to the candlelight ADR list?
Hi – With Regal Eagle & Spice Road as options for potential same day dining, are you required to PHYSICALLY walk to both and inquire about availability? Or can you reserve via the app? We’re going on a NPH night and all of the reservation options were gone before 0600 day of opening.
You are required to walk tohte location …and eat at the time that you are there. Previously we could not come back later. So be prepared to eat there as soon as you arrive.