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Trip Planning > Walt Disney World > Parks > Annual Events > Candlelight Processional

Candlelight Processional



What is the Candlelight Processional?

The Candlelight Processional is a breathtaking retelling of the Christmas story in words and music complete with a 50 piece orchestra, choir and celebrity guest narrator. The narrator reads the Christmas story and interspersed are favorite carols of the season. The choir consists of members of Disney's Voices or Liberty, professional musicians and guest amateur vocalists. This is a not to be missed event for anyone looking to experience a meaningful Christmas musical event.

Where is the Candlelight Processional held?

The Candlelight Processional is held in Epcot in the American Gardens Theater. The Theater is in the American pavilion. This is an open air theater, and although there is a roof, you may get wet if it rains. Remember to dress for being outside. Although you are in Florida, it still may be quite cool on a December evening.

When is the Candlelight Processional held?

The Candlelight Processional is held every night during the Christmas season. The first performance is usually held a day or two after Thanksgiving and runs through December 30. 2009 dates are November 27, 2009 - December 30, 2009. There are three performances each evening at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 pm.

Who are the celebrity narrators?

The schedule of celebrity performers varies from year to year, although many have made repeat performances over the years. Program offerings, celebrity narrators and other elements subject to change without notice.

2009 Celebrity Narrators
All narrators are tentative and subject to change. Please check Disney's web site for the most up to the minute information and changes.

November 27 - 29: Isabella Rossellini
November 30 - December 2: John O’Hurley
December 3 - 5: Steven Curtis Chapman
December 6 – 8: Anika Noni Rose
December 9 - 11: Andy Garcia
December 12- 14: Vanessa Williams
December 15 - 17: Abigail Breslin
December 18 -20: Whoopi Goldberg
December 21 -23: Brian Dennehy
December 24 -26: Edward James Olmos
December 27 -30: Angela Bassett & Courtney Vance

How much does the Candlelight Processional cost?

The performance is included in regular Epcot park admission. All Epcot guests are welcome to view this moving presentation. That means, though, that guests will line up early to get a seat. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis unless you have purchased a dinner package (see below). All seating opens up 15 minutes prior to the show starting. One thing to note if you don't want to take in the whole show:  Although this may not be the best option, the music can be heard from outside the theater. Some  latecomers just hang out in the area and listen to the beautiful music and narration.

What is the dinner package and how much does it cost?

The Candlelight Processional Dining Package combines an Epcot dining experience with reserved VIP seating for the Candlelight Processional. The packages are available for set time windows and the pricing is tiered depending on the restaurant and time selected.

  • For the 5:00 pm show, ADRs will be from 1:45 - 2:45 pm (lunch).
  • For the 6:45 pm show, ADRs will be from 3:30 - 4:30 pm (dinner).
  • For the 8:15 pm show, ADRs will be from 5:00 - 6:00 pm (dinner).

For a set price, guests dine at a select restaurant and receive a special pass (badge) that allows them to enter the theater through a separate line (usually the left line as you are facing the theater). Again, theme park admission is needed for this package. There is a section of the theater reserved for package guests, although specific seats are not assigned. Guests with a package still may line up early. Remember that 15 minutes prior to the performance, the reserved seating will open up to those non-package guests waiting in line. Therefore, purchasing a package does not guarantee a seat should you arrive at the last minute.

This package may be booked by calling (407) WDW-DINE. You must eat prior to your performance time, as you get your entry voucher from your server. A credit card guarantee will be taken at time of booking, and full payment will be made at the restaurant where you book your package. Those on the dining plan can use 2 table credits to reserve this package. Your Epcot restaurant server will give you the voucher for reserved entry into the theater and Illuminations viewing area.

The 2009 dinner package prices are as follows (tax and gratuity NOT included):

Note: 5 pm performance on 12/6 is a private showing- no dinner packages available.

Tier 1
Lunch (5:00 pm performance): Adults - $32.99 / Child (3 -9) - $17.99
Dinner (6:45 and 8:15 pm performances): Adults - $44.99 / Child (3 - 9) - $22.99
The Garden Grill Restaurant - The Land (6:45 & 8:15 pm performances only)
Biergarten - Germany
Guests on the Disney Dining Plan may also use two table service credit for this package.

Tier 2
Lunch (5:00 pm performance): Adults - $38.99 / Child (3 - 9) - $12.99
Dinner (6:45 and 8:15 pm performances): Adults - $44.99 / Child (3 - 9) - $14.99
San Angel Inn - Mexico
Restaurant Marrakesh - Morocco
Nine Dragons - China
Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room - United Kingdom
Guests on the Disney Dining Plan may also use two table service credit for this package.

Tier 3
Lunch (5:00 pm performance): Adults - $51.99 / Child (3 - 9) - $13.99
Dinner (6:45 pm performance): Adults - $59.99 / Child (3 - 9) - $15.99
Dinner (8:15 pm performance): Adults - $60.99 / Child (3 - 9) - $15.99
Chefs de France - France
Coral Reef - The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion
Tutto Italia - Italy
Le Cellier Steakhouse - Canada
Teppan Edo - Japan
Tokyo Dining - Japan
Guests on the Disney Dining Plan may also use two table service credit for this package.

New for 2009: Candlelight Dinner packages also include a preferred viewing area for Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. The location will be given when reserving.

Tier 1 meals are buffet. All tier 2 and tier 3 meals include an appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic, non-specialty beverage. Meals are a selection from several fixed options. Packages contain dinner vouchers that must be presented at the restaurant prior to seating. Currently, ADR Dining Packages can be reserved 180 days (+ 10 for resort guests) in advance. Dinner packages do not include Park admission.

Are there any Mouse for Less Tips for the Candlelight Processional?

Of course!  Our members always have helpful advise and comments. Read on for some thoughts from members who have experienced this unique event.

"I have done it at Rose and Crown (dinner package) before and it worked out great. You prepay the dinner package and have reserved seating at CP. If you are already planning to eat in World Showcase, all the better." --- Tia [Note: the package is no longer pre-paid; a credit card guarantee holds your reservation, and you will pay for the package at your restaurant.]

"The Candlelight Processional was AMAZING! (our first time) LeVar Burton was the narrator, and he did a fabulous job! The whole thing was very moving! I especially loved the Herald Trumpets!" --- Flo in NY

"If you REALLY want to see the show, get the package. Otherwise you will be spending hours in a line to get in. Time is Money, do you really want to spend that much time WAITING for something? BTW, the show is FANTASTIC, (book the package!!!)" --- Carrie

"We did the Candlelight Processional Saturday night. One word...Amazing. If you get the chance, you must do it. We stood in the pouring rain w/rain ponchos on but it was well worth it." --- Jen G

"The best way to see the show is with the dinner package. If you cannot book the package, I would suggest a weeknight visit, and get in line EARLY for the show. If you can get to the first show of the evening that might be a little better in terms of available seating, because I know a lot of people think the show is better in the darker evening hours. Because the people who purchase the dinner packages will be seated first, those without the package will be seated as room allows, and the seats are usually towards the back or sides of the theater." --- Anna

If the weather is chilly, bring something to sit on. The metal benches get really cold! --- Melissa

If you don't get in or don't think your kids will sit still through it, you can still sit in the American area and hear some of the beautiful music and story, and when the kids get antsy, move on. Worked for us the one year we were able to go during the holidays. --- Mic

Updated August 20, 2009

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