The Candlelight Processional is a long-standing tradition that began in 1955 in Disneyland and was introduced to Disney World in 1971. Last year, 2020, was the first year it did not occur in either park, and we’re thrilled to have it back again this year for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
The concert takes place three times an evening in the America Garden Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. While this year it is scaled back a bit, with a choir comprised of the Voices of Liberty and Disney cast members, it is still a grand sight to see and hear!
A multi-talented performance
Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the story of Christmas by reading the story from the Bible, about a savior being born in Bethlehem. The reading is interwoven with stirring songs of hope and joy performed by the orchestra and massed choir.
Celebrities this year include Auli’I Cravalho, Chita Rivera, Alton White, Andy Garcia, and Blair Underwood to name just a few. Each one puts their own style into the reading making each show unique and special.
How to enjoy the Candlelight Processional
Anyone can enjoy all of the performances, but there are several different ways to make it part of your EPCOT day. For premier seating, guests can make dining reservations at specific EPCOT restaurants and pay a set price for the meal and guaranteed seating at the event. Something new this year is that there are two restaurants that offer walk-up reservations each day – Spice Road Table and the Regal Eagle Smokehouse. You’ll pay a lot more than you usually would for a meal, but it might be worth it to you if you get guaranteed seating for the show.
You can also wait in line for seating with other guests and hope to get into some of the unreserved seating. These lines often start up at least an hour before each performance so be ready to wait a while. Also, this standby line does not guarantee that you will get a seat for the show. Performances often fill up.
Finally, you can simply enjoy the show from the areas around the theater. While you may not be able to see the talented performers, you’ll be able to hear all the glorious storytelling and music that the show is famous for.
Do you enjoy the Candlelight Processional?