The holidays at Walt Disney World are always magical, but one event stands out year after year: the EPCOT Candlelight Processional. Part of the International Festival of the Holidays, this long-running tradition combines live music, storytelling and incredible vocal performances into a show that many families return to again and again. If you're planning to visit EPCOT during the holiday season, here's your guide to what the Candlelight Processional is all about, who will be narrating in 2025 and how to secure your seat.
FAQs
- What is the Candlelight Processional? The Candlelight Processional is a holiday show at EPCOT featuring a celebrity narrator, a full choir, a live orchestra and a biblical retelling of the Christmas story.
- When does the Candlelight Processional take place? It runs nightly during EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays at the America Gardens Theatre, typically from late November through December.
- Do I need a special ticket to attend the Candlelight Processional? No special event ticket is required, but you do need valid theme park admission. The Candlelight Processional is included with your general admission.
- How do I get a good seat at the Candlelight Processional? Arrive early or book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package, which guarantees seating and saves you from waiting in a long standby line.
- How long is the Candlelight Processional? There are three showtimes nightly, 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Each showtime runs about 40 to 50 minutes.
What Is the EPCOT Candlelight Processional?
The Candlelight Processional is a holiday tradition at EPCOT, held each evening at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. During the show, a celebrity narrator retells the biblical tale of Christmas alongside a full orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, the Walt Disney World Cast Choir and local community groups. Together, they perform inspirational songs of hope and joy that fill the theater with holiday spirit.
The program builds beautifully as the orchestra begins, the Voices of Liberty step forward, the choir makes a dramatic entrance and finally the narrator joins in to share the story of Christmas. The narration is woven with familiar carols such as "Silent Night," where guests are invited to sing along.
Check out Josh Gad, Olaf himself, as the first celebrity narrator at last year's Candlelight Processional. This will give you an idea of what to expect on your visit!
2025 EPCOT Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators Lineup
The 2025 celebrity narrator lineup has been announced, featuring new and returning celebrities.
How long is the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT?
Each performance runs about 45 to 50 minutes and takes place three times nightly.
What time is the candlelight processional at EPCOT?
The 2025 Candlelight Processional showtimes are at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis for those in the standby line, which usually forms on the Italy side of the theater. Crowds can be heavy, especially when a popular narrator is scheduled, and it's not unusual for guests to line up an hour or more in advance. To skip the wait, consider booking a dining package, which includes a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant along with reserved seating for the Candlelight Processional that evening.
The America Gardens Theatre is outdoors, so be prepared for Florida's winter weather conditions, which can be warm on some nights but cold on other nights.
EPCOT Candlelight Processional Dining Packages
Dining packages are the guaranteed way to secure your seat for the show. Each package includes a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant and a badge for guaranteed seating at one of the Candlelight Processional performances that evening. Note: Pricing applies to adults 10 years and older, and children ages 3-9.
Participating Restaurants:
- Biergarten Restaurant - $70 (adult), $38 (child)
- Chefs de France - $86 (adult), $35 (child)
- Coral Reef Restaurant - $78 (adult), $32 (child)
- Garden Grill Restaurant (breakfast) - $71 (adult), $43 (child)
- Garden Grill Restaurant (lunch or dinner) - $84 (adult), $52 (child)
- Le Crêperie de Paris - $57 (adult), $30 (child)
- La Hacienda de San Angel - $86 (adult), $37 (child)
- Le Cellier Steakhouse - $104 (adult), $42 (child)
- Nine Dragons Restaurant - $68 (adult), $28 (child)
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, walk-up availability only) - $41 (adult), $24 (child)
- Rose & Crown Dining Room - $66 (adult), $29 (child)
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya - $99 (adult), $50 (child)
- Spice Road Table - $60 (adult), $24 (child)
- Teppan Edo - $110 (adult), $60 (child)
- Tutto Italia Ristorante - $77 (adult), $29 (child)
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria - $65 (adult), $28 (child)
The dining package options range from breakfast, lunch and dinner and include an entree, dessert and beverage (including an alcoholic beverage for guests 21+) or a buffet where available. At Spice Road Table, it includes two small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter and one beverage (including an alcoholic beverage for guests 21+). Standard discounts, such as Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club, generally do not apply to dining packages.
Dining packages are available to book, starting Oct. 14, 2025. Reservations can be made online, in the My Disney Experience app or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.
Hop tip: If you have the Disney Dining Plan, you can use Dining Plan credits toward Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. Depending on the restaurant you choose, most locations accept 1 table-service meal, except for Le Cellier Steakhouse (for 2 table-service meals) and Regal Eagle Smokehouse (not eligible). To maximize the value of your 1 table-service meal, we would recommend the following locations over other options, based on adult pricing:
- Chefs de France ($86 value)
- Garden Grill lunch or dinner ($84 value, plus character dining)
- La Hacienda de San Angel ($86 value)
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya ($99 value)
- Teppan Edo ($110 value)
Guests who book a Candlelight Processional dining package get access to a reserved seating section near the front of the America Gardens Theatre. Entry for dining package holders is through a separate line on the left side of the theatre (closest to the Japan pavilion). Seating within the reserved area is still first-come, first-served, so it's smart to arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime for the best view. If you require accessible seating, make sure to note it when making your reservation or let a cast member know at the theatre entrance.
If you didn't book a dining package, you may still luck out! Regal Eagle Smokehouse offers same-day dining packages, though availability is limited and not guaranteed during busy times. For a full breakdown of dining packages at Disney World, check out our guide here.
The EPCOT Candlelight Processional is one of the BEST parts of the Festival of the Holidays. We never miss it! Are you planning on attending the EPCOT Candlelight Processional this year? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Our Favorite Reasons to Visit Disney World During the Holidays
Related: The Very Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World
Hoppy planning!
