EPCOT Candlelight Processional 2024: Full Narrator Lineup Revealed

Oct 16, 2024 in "Candlelight Processional"

Posted: Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:06am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Candlelight Processional at EPCOT returns for the 2024 holiday season, bringing festive cheer and a lineup of celebrity narrators to read the traditional Christmas story, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir.

Held in the America Gardens Theatre, the Candlelight Processional has become a fan-favorite part of the holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World. Showtimes this year have adjusted to 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Several new faces will grace the stage this year, including Nico Santos, known for his roles in Superstore and Crazy Rich Asians, Tituss Burgess, known for his comedic roles and Broadway career, and Ralph Macchio, star of The Karate Kid franchise and Cobra Kai. Returning favorites include Josh Gad, Whoopi Goldberg, Brendan Fraser, and Gary Sinise, among others.

Here's the complete narrator lineup for this year's event:

  • 11/29 – 11/30 Josh Gad
  • 12/1 – 12/2 Nico Santos (NEW)
  • 12/3-12/5 Chrissy Metz
  • 12/6 – 12/7 Whoopi Goldberg
  • 12/8 – 12/10 Tituss Burgess (NEW)
  • 12/11 – 12/12 Brendan Fraser
  • 12/13 – 12/14 Ralph Macchio (NEW)
  • 12/15 – 12/16 Gary Sinise
  • 12/17 – 12/18 Neil Patrick Harris
  • 12/19 – 12/21 Pat Sajak
  • 12/22 – 12/23 Gloria Estefan
  • 12/24 – 12/26 Edward James Olmos
  • 12/27 – 12/28 Sterling K Brown
  • 12/29 – 12/30 Jodi Benson

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages  

The Candlelight Processional Dining Packages provide a great way to enjoy a meal at one of EPCOT's restaurants while securing reserved seating for the show.

Dining packages are available at 15 different EPCOT restaurants, offering a range of cuisines. Options include:

  • Chip 'N' Dale's Harvest Feast at Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land pavilion
  • Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion
  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway pavilion

Packages are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, giving guests flexibility in planning their day. Bookings for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages will open on October 29, and reservations are highly recommended, as this event is a holiday favorite and fills up quickly.

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wdwmagicJul 09, 2025

I'm going to close this thread now that we have 2025 details https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/walt-disney-world-holidays-2025.986347/

wdwmagicJul 09, 2025

Yes

DisneyDreamer08Jul 09, 2025

Does Fantasmic still happen for day guests on a Jollywood night?

DisneyDreamer08Jul 09, 2025

On sale July 16th for resort guests

DisoneJul 09, 2025

Heard and okay. Fingers crossed 🤞 then

TheMaxReboJul 09, 2025

No idea if they would ever do it but would be nice to see the gingerbread house somewhere at Disney Springs and would make it easier for people (locals) to get there and buy gingerbread and no overrun Grand Flo

DisoneJul 09, 2025

It's the opposite, they went out of there way to avoid this. It was suppose to happen in 23, pushed to 24 and then Pushed back again to 25 and possibly 26. Finally they ripped the bandaid off and just said do it in 2025 and get it over with. If they were trying to get rid of foot traffic they would also get rid of all the other gingerbread displays at the other Resorts. None of which make us much money as the gingerbread house at the Grand. No the Disney accountants are not trying to find ways decrease foot traffic with acceptable declines in revenue. If they're making money they're perfectly okay with the front traffic. The new bar may bring a new year-around revenue stream but they will still get a huge revenue boost by doing the gingerbread house. It's not a one or the other type thing. I'm more interested in how that Christmas tree is going to fit with the bar there. I'm waiting for the announcement, and I don't have inside knowledge on this just speculating on my own, that the Christmas tree in the lobby will also be canceled for 2025. I can't imagine they're going to put the tree so close to an actual construction site. And then once it's done will there be room for the tree?

aladdin2007Jul 09, 2025

Heard this as well, not necessarily for that reason, though probably a part of it. I can't see the bar and gingerbread house operating at the same time that would be a mess. This was their way out of it and the cost of doing it, regardless of what two month profit came in from it, the bar will bring in year round profit to make up for it. Disney has been trying to decrease foot traffic for a while now across property. Bad business in my opinion, but their messed accounting reigns supreme.

SchweinoJul 09, 2025

Ive always wondered why they would add another thing to generate a queue/line (bar) when that place can get super packed when GH is up and running. Sounds like the GF lobby is going to get even worse.

BrianJul 09, 2025

It is absolutely coming back.

mattpetoJul 09, 2025

I hope you’re right. I’m skeptical.

AylaJul 09, 2025

Dreamlights will never return as long as they are using projections.

DisoneJul 09, 2025

Imagine the Goodwill they would generate, if they brought both back? This year. On the heels of closing the Muppet's and the rivers of America, they need this Goodwill. I used to think statements of the attendance decline were overstated. Maybe 10-15% which isn't good by any business model at all but it's also not the end of the world and somewhat expected with epic opening down the street. But having been there recently on Sunday, oh my God it was way more than 10 to 15%. The Magic Kingdom felt like Disneyland on a Wednesday in September. I think Walt Disney World is in dire need of some wins and good will with their guests But I also believe they are woefully unaware of this. :(

DisoneJul 09, 2025

Nope. It will be back. Too much of a money maker. And honestly amount of grand Floridian guests complaining about the crowds are easily outmatched by the amount of Grand Floridian guests complaining that there's no gingerbread house. The gingerbread house has a direct impact in excess of $1 million in revenue for the Grand and an indirect impact in the ability to sell rooms during the holiday season at extremely high rates.

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