Disney World Announces a Major Addition to the Christmas Season

Walt Disney World just gave fans another reason to look forward to the holidays. The resort has officially announced the return of the beloved Candlelight Processional at EPCOT, along with booking dates for dining packages and a star-studded lineup of celebrity narrators.

This classic tradition continues to be one of the most meaningful parts of the Christmas season at Disney, blending festive entertainment with the story at the heart of the holiday.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays — Credit: Disney

Dining Packages Return

For many guests, securing a spot at the Candlelight Processional means booking a dining package. Disney confirmed that reservations will open on October 14, 2025, covering performances from November 28 through December 30. These packages give guests the option of enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner at select EPCOT restaurants. Each includes an entrée and dessert (or buffet), plus a beverage.

The real draw is what comes after the meal: guaranteed seating at one of the three nightly Candlelight Processional performances. Without the package, seating is first-come, first-served, which often means waiting in long lines. For families who want to lock in their holiday experience, the dining package is the easiest path.

The Candlelight Processional Experience

The Candlelight Processional isn’t just another holiday show—it’s a tradition that has been part of Disney Parks for decades. At its core, the performance is about sharing the story of Christmas, with a focus on the birth of Jesus told through scripture and narration.

Each evening, a celebrity narrator takes the stage at the America Gardens Theatre, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, and a mass choir made up of Cast Members and community singers. Together, they create an atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate, reminding guests of the deeper meaning behind the season while surrounding them with the pageantry Disney is known for.

A vibrant choir sings on a tiered stage, dressed in green and yellow robes under star-like lights. A conductor leads the orchestra in the foreground, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. — Credit: Disney

Celebrity Narrator Lineup

This year’s lineup of narrators is one of the most exciting yet, with a mix of returning favorites and brand-new faces. Some of the newcomers for 2025 include Constance Wu, Jennifer Garner, Henry Winkler, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Here’s the full schedule for 2025:

Nov. 28-29 – Constance Wu (NEW)
Nov. 30-Dec. 2 – Jordan Fisher
Dec. 3-4 – Jennifer Garner (NEW)
Dec. 5-6 – Ashley Eckstein
Dec. 7-8 – Ralph Macchio
Dec. 9-10 – Leslie Uggams (NEW)
Dec. 11-13 – Marlee Matlin
Dec. 14-15 – Henry Winkler (NEW)
Dec. 16-17 – Lauren Daigle (NEW)
Dec. 18-19 – Gary Sinise
Dec. 20-22 – Brendan Fraser
Dec. 23-24 – Luis Fonsi
Dec. 25-26 – Joel Smallbone (NEW)
Dec. 27-28 – Brie Larson (NEW)
Dec. 29-30 – Sheryl Lee Ralph (NEW)

Showtimes are scheduled nightly at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. EST.

EPCOT festival of the holidays candlelight processional — Credit: Disney

A Disney Holiday Staple

With the announcement of the dining packages and narrator lineup, Disney has officially set the stage for another magical holiday season. The Candlelight Processional remains a cornerstone of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, not just for its spectacle, but for the way it centers the story of Christmas in the middle of the park’s seasonal celebrations.