NEWS: Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators Announced for 2022

It’s hard to believe, but the beginning of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is less than two months away! One of our favorite festival activities is enjoying the “Candlelight Processional.” The celebrity narrators have been announced and we’re very excited at the new faces. Check all the details below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Joey McElroy:

Get ready to fill your holiday season with songs at the “Candlelight Processional,” returning to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth starting Nov. 25. This time-honored tradition has been a part of the holiday season at Walt Disney World since its opening in 1971. Experience the celebrity narrators, the Voices of Liberty acapella ensemble, a 50-piece live orchestra and glorious massed choirs as they present a heartwarming retelling of the traditional Christmas story.

Because the holidays are best celebrated with others, we could not be more excited to again share this tradition with the community as we invite guest choirs from across Florida to take part in the show. Choirs comprised of Disney cast members will also return, bringing magic to their performances as they do in their roles every day.

The 2022 lineup of celebrity narrators features new and returning favorites, including actors from some of your favorite films, world-renowned singers, and other talented artists. Here’s your first look at this year’s narrators:

• • • • 11/25 – 11/26: Simu Liu
      • 11/27 – 11/29: Edward James Olmos
      • 11/30 – 12/1: Raul Esparza (NEW)
      • 12/2 – 12/3: Whoopi Goldberg
      • 12/4 – 12/6: Isabella Rossellini
      • 12/7 – 12/9: Daymond John
      • 12/10 – 12/12: Josh Gad (NEW)
      • 12/13 – 12/14: Gloria Estefan (NEW)
      • 12/15 – 12/18: Neil Patrick Harris
      • 12/19 – 12/20: Mariska Hargitay (NEW)
      • 12/21 – 12/23: Cal Ripken Jr.
      • 12/24 – 12/26: Marie Osmond
      • 12/27 – 12/28: Courtney Vance
      • 12/29 – 12/30: Angela Bassett

Secure your spot at the show by booking a “Candlelight Processional” Dining Package! Packages go on sale Sept. 29. Find out more by visiting EPCOTholidays.com.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is available with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date. Check back with us here on the Disney Parks Blog for more details in the weeks ahead.

RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Things You Need to Know About Epcot’s Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World

by Cindy E. Nykamp

The Epcot Festival of the Holidays celebrates holiday traditions from around the world through storytelling and music presented throughout World Showcase. The highlight of the festival is the Candlelight Processional. After being absent in 2020, the processional returned in 2021, which was better than ever. The processional features a 50-piece orchestra, mass choir, and twelve different celebrity narrators. This event is held in the American Adventure Pavilion and debuted at Walt Disney World in 1993. Enjoying the processional is one of our family’s must-dos during the holiday season. Here are five things you need to know about the Candlelight Processional.

1 – What is it?

The Candlelight Processional is a holiday favorite at Walt Disney World. Each evening a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of a savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem. It is accompanied by the Walt Disney World Orchestra and a mass choir, which includes a special Cast Member. What is truly special about the Cast Member Choir is that they are not all Entertainment Cast Members. Cast from around Walt Disney World who work in any department can audition and volunteer their time to perform in this event! The choir is joined by the Voices of Liberty, who wear red. In years past local high school choirs have also joined in, but this year due to safety concerns, only Cast Members will be taking part. The choir sings traditional Christmas songs that are woven into the retelling of the Christmas nativity story. This event is offered at no additional charge. The processional lasts for about 50 minutes to an hour.

2 – Dates and Times

In 2021, The Candlelight Processional was offered each evening from November 26^th to December 30^th.  There are three showtimes each night; 5 pm, 7:00 pm, and 8:30 pm.  The performances are held in the American Gardens Theater at the American Adventure Pavilion.

3 – Celebrity Narrators

Each year celebrities are invited to narrate the Candlelight Processional. Like all entertainment offerings, it is subject to change at any time. The first celebrity narrators are usually announced in the summer. The full schedule is then finished and announced in the fall. The 2022 narrators are as follows:

Here is the lineup.

• 11/25 – 11/26: Simu Liu
• 11/27 – 11/29: Edward James Olmos
• 11/30 – 12/1: Raul Esparza (NEW)
• 12/2 – 12/3: Whoopi Goldberg
• 12/4 – 12/6: Isabella Rossellini
• 12/7 – 12/9: Daymond John
• 12/10 – 12/12: Josh Gad (NEW)
• 12/13 – 12/14: Gloria Estefan (NEW)
• 12/15 – 12/18: Neil Patrick Harris
• 12/19 – 12/20: Mariska Hargitay (NEW)
• 12/21 – 12/23: Cal Ripken Jr.
• 12/24 – 12/26: Marie Osmond
• 12/27 – 12/28: Courtney Vance
• 12/29 – 12/30: Angela Bassett

Be aware that the celebrity narrators, dates and other entertainment are subject to change or cancelation without notice. No matter who the narrator is, the show is fantastic!

4 – Get in Line Early

The Candlelight Processional is a top-rated show during the Holiday season.  All three performances each night will fill to capacity. If you want to view the show, it is recommended that you get in the standby line at least one hour before showtime or even more for the very popular narrators. A good strategy is to grab some snacks and relax while waiting for the show.

5 – Or Book a Candlelight Dining Package

Another option, instead of waiting in line ahead of time, is to book a Candlelight Dining Package. These packages allow you to dine at one of Epcot’s many restaurants for lunch or dinner. Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are available for lunch or dinner—each meal includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert, one full buffet (where applicable), and a non-alcoholic beverage. The package also gives you reserved seating for specific showtime. This will eliminate your need to wait in the standby line for the show, but you still will need to arrive approximately thirty minutes before show time for seating. The reserved seating area for the dining package is located in the front of the theater, nearest the stage. Handicap seating is available in the reserved area as well. These seats will give you a great, unobstructed view of the entire performance.  Most locations will offer preset menus and prices vary based on location and meal period. You can book the package online or by calling the dining reservation line. The Candlelight Dining package is strongly recommended if you are looking to see a specific celebrity narrator or show. Click here for more information.

The Candlelight Processional at Epcot is a must-do for the Holiday season! The beautiful music and the Christmas story is sure to fill your heart with joy! Be sure to get in line early or book a Candlelight Dining package for the best experience, as the theater will fill to capacity. Don’t forget to check out all the other great holiday offerings at Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays during your visit!