Epcot’s Candlelight Processional: Disney holiday tradition at its finest

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional is the nightly, traditional holiday celebration at the Walt Disney World theme park. The enduring story still resonates with guests.

Have you been to Epcot’s Candlelight Processional? The idea of this traditional holiday celebration started 1958 at Disneyland and continues today in California and Florida. Considered a holiday mainstay, the nightly event combines a 50 piece orchestra, choir and celebrity narrator to celebrate the story of Christmas. This holiday event has transcended just the performance and has become a holiday institution.

The holidays are often a wonderful time to visit at Walt Disney World theme park. The vibrant holiday displays coupled with the scrumptious holiday treats seem to put everyone in a celebratory mood. Even if the Florida weather doesn’t bring real North Pole like ambiance, everyone seems a little more festive, happy and thankful.

Specifically at Epcot, the holiday celebration focuses on all cultures’ traditions. From a country’s celebratory food to a native storyteller’s performance, these holiday traditions often showcase more similarities than differences. While the names, details and even flavors might vary, the tradition of gathering friends and family in a celebration of gratitude and fellowship is universal.

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional, photo by Cristine Struble

Since holidays are often about traditions which form into favorite memories, the annual Candlelight Processional has become a holiday mainstay for Disney fans as well as theme park guests. Held nightly at Epcot, this holiday performance is more than just an entertaining experience. It is a reminder of the meaning of the holiday season.

Regardless of personal beliefs, the Candlelight Processional is an inspiring event. From the voices joining together in unison to the trumpets joyous heralding, this performance is a reminder that traditional live events can shine from pure emotion and simplicity. As the rousing music fills the theater, everyone, even sometimes the narrator, is compelled to move to the spirited beat.

This story that has been told for centuries transcends cultures and beliefs. It has become part of a holiday tradition so magical that it seamlessly works into the Disney world. For a period of time, everyone is reminded that goodwill, hope and love can and will prevail in even the most tumultuous times.

Even as the audience joins with the choir in song, it is a moment almost like a traditional holiday movie. Like that turning point where everyone finds the holiday spirit to bring the happy back into the world, those combined voices resonate a moment of holiday cheer and happiness. Even if just for a moment, those notes fill that park with pure happiness that can’t be matched with any pixie dust.

While some guests are drawn to this holiday spectacle because of the grandeur of the living Christmas tree and glorious music, other people want to see the celebrity narrators. Since this Disney tradition holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts, many celebrities join in the celebration.

Alfonso Ribeiro narrating Epcot’s Candlelight Processesional, photo by Cristine Struble

Personally, I was able to see Alfonso Ribeiro in his first appearance as narrator. The smile and joy on his face was infectious. Long before the orchestra swelled to its crescendo, Ribeiro couldn’t help but sway to the holiday songs. It seemed that at any moment, he might break out into song with the choir.

Throughout the holiday season, celebrities read the classic holiday tale. From Whoopi Goldberg to Auli’I Cravalho, these narrators bring the holiday joy to the story. From an inflection in the reading to a smile at the crowd, the meaning that this experience holds for them is as important as the guests in the audience.

For the first time ever, the Candlelight Processional will be shared with people everywhere. Shared live on December 4 at 8:05 p.m. ET and replayed throughout the holiday season, everyone can watch Neil Patrick Harris as narrator. Live streaming on Disney Parks Blog, fans can see this holiday tradition as well as see behind the scene footage of the annual event.

By offering this experience to everyone, Disney furthers entwines itself into people’s holiday memories and traditions. Whether people watch the live stream to remember their own personal visit or this live stream inspires a future visit, the Disney magic only shines brighter during the holiday season. And, that magic only solidifies its bond with its fans.

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional runs daily now through December 30, 2018. The event is held three times a night, 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. at the American Gardens Theater inside Epcot. The event is included in theme park admission but seating can be crowded.

Have you ever been to see Epcot’s Candlelight Processional? What special holiday memory or tradition is part of your annual celebration?