The Candlelight Processional at EPCOT

The Candlelight Processional is a long-standing tradition during Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays. Guests can witness a retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot’s American Pavilion.

A celebrity narrator steps in to deliver the story of Christmas. He or she is accompanied by a live choir, a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets, and the Voices of Liberty. The performance is offered three times each evening of the festival. Showtimes are nightly at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. The runtime is approximately 50 minutes.

The list of celebrity narrators is published ahead of the festival, typically in the Fall. The 2026 Festival of the Holidays runs from November 27th through December 30th.

Seating is first-come, first-served, and guests can expect significantly long lines for popular narrators. Guests who would like to secure guaranteed seating might elect to purchase a dining package.

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages

Dining packages are released each year ahead of the start of the processional. These dining packages allow guests to purchase a meal at select Epcot restaurants and receive guaranteed seating at a Candlelight Processional performance on the same day.

Each year, Disney releases a list of celebrity narrators for the Candlelight Processional and follows up shortly after with a list of participating restaurants for the dining package. That list will contain specific details about the dining package, including what comes with it. Options can vary, depending on the restaurant. Here is an example of what to expect:

• At Most Participating Restaurants: An entrée and dessert, or a full buffet (where applicable)—as well as a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older)*
• Plus, you’ll get one (1) guaranteed seat per person to one Candlelight Processional performance on the same day.