NEWS: Disney Announces Candlelight Processional Narrators & More Details for 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, Disney has released new details about the upcoming 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, including the full lineup of Candlelight Processional narrators. Learn more below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Mallory Heinz Ledet:

The holidays are all about cherished family traditions—and at the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, there are traditions new and old from all corners of the globe! Now’s the time to start planning merry moments for the season – check out the top three must-see holiday entertainment highlights of the festival, all included with your EPCOT ticket.

Around the World Stories 

Stroll around World Showcase where seasonal legends and stories come alive with Holiday Storytellers. Meet the mischievous Barn Santa in the Norway pavilion for a great laugh or listen to the tale of La Befana in Italy, the kind-hearted witch who visits on the Eve of the Epiphany; take in the wonders of Lunar New Year with a Chinese Lion Dance viewing or discover the traditions of Hanukkah located between Morocco and France. Every culture has its special way of celebrating the holidays, and there’s no better place than EPCOT to experience the magic of it all!

Jam at JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season in an All-New Location 

Experience the joy of Christmas in the uplifting Gospel, R&B, and holiday songs of JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season. Join the choir as they harmonize for the holidays in their new location at CommuniCore Plaza. This unique celebration happens only four times a day, so don’t miss your chance to catch a glimpse of the holiday cheer they bring.

Hear Tidings of Comfort and Joy with the Candlelight Processional 

For many guests, the Candlelight Processional is a must-do tradition each year. The beloved show tells the story of Christmas through a stunning performance, featuring a celebrity narrator, a mass choir of Disney cast members and young singers from the community, a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets, and the incredible Voices of Liberty. Showtimes this year have adjusted to 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Celebrity Narrators Bring Merry & Bright Star Power 

So, who will be the celebrity narrators bringing the story of Christmas to life in an unforgettable way during the Candlelight Processional? This year’s list of celebrity narrators is packed with all the stars to light up the America Gardens Theatre:

• • • 11/29 – 11/30 Josh Gad

• • • 12/1 – 12/2 Nico Santos (NEW)

• • • 12/3-12/5 Chrissy Metz

• • • 12/6 – 12/7 Whoopi Goldberg

• • • 12/8 – 12/10 Tituss Burgess (NEW)

• • • 12/11 – 12/12 Brendan Fraser

• • • 12/13 – 12/14 Ralph Macchio (NEW)

• • • 12/15 – 12/16 Gary Sinise

• • • 12/17 – 12/18 Neil Patrick Harris

• • • 12/19 – 12/21 Pat Sajak

• • • 12/22 – 12/23 Gloria Estefan

• • • 12/24 – 12/26 Edward James Olmos

• • • 12/27 – 12/28 Sterling K Brown

• • • 12/29 – 12/30 Jodi Benson

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages  

The Candlelight Processional is a family favorite event for a reason. Why not elevate it with a delicious dining package that includes reserved seating, ensuring that you and your family won’t miss a moment of the holiday magic? You can choose from fifteen distinctive eateries, ranging from character dining at Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land pavilion to dining at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion. The package includes options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with guaranteed seating for one of three Candlelight Processional shows. You can book your dining package starting October 29; for more information visit DisneyWorld.com.

Believe in the magic of the holidays with your family at the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. The season of cheer is here!

RELATED ARTICLE: 8 Reasons Winter is the Perfect Time to Visit Disney World

by D.W. Noonan

Most travelers to Walt Disney World favor specific times of the year to visit. Some prefer waiting until school lets out to enjoy Florida’s summertime fun; others can’t wait for Epcot’s spring and autumn festivals. Though these seasons certainly offer many wonders to enjoy, the following eight reasons reveal why the winter season, from mid-November to the end of January, is the perfect time to visit Disney World.

8 – Fewer Crowds

Except during school breaks for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, the vacation population of Walt Disney World drops significantly in winter, creating several benefits for those looking to flock to their favorite destination. To begin with, crowds tend to be more mature since most families with children hesitate to pull their kids out of school for extended periods, and retired “snowbirds” fly south to Florida to avoid frigid weather. This doesn’t mean that you won’t meet families with children at Walt Disney World in the winter, just fewer than normal. Locals still visit theme parks at this time, especially during weekends, and many South American families fly up for a bit of Mickey-time during their summer break. Nevertheless, imagine standing on Main Street, U.S.A., or in the middle of Central Plaza and watching Happily Ever After without having to keep your arms at your side to avoid elbowing strangers.

7 – Shorter Lines (Most of the Time)

While children are in school, the lines at attractions are shorter than you’ll find in the summer. Then again, they grow very long during the winter holiday break. Planning your trip for the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas or a week or so after New Year’s Day will result in shorter wait times at most attractions and shows. With reduced waiting, you’ll experience more rides each day, get better seats at shows, and avoid long delays at counter-service restaurants, all of which are great reasons to visit in the winter.

6 – Restaurant Reservations

Reservation hunting at Walt Disney World in peak season frustrates even the most patient restaurant guests. Trying to book tables at establishments like Space 220 or ‘Ohana during these busy periods proves impossible, and those you manage to snag are usually inconvenient. Reserving tables during the winter lull offers visitors better time selections and more opportunities to dine at eateries normally out of reach for most guests during crowded weeks.

5 – Mild Temperatures

The scorching heat of Florida spikes into the high 90s in the summer, and temperatures hover in the mid-80s during spring and autumn. Add sweltering humidity to the mix, and the heat almost smothers you. On the other hand, you’ll enjoy temperatures in the 60s to 70s as you stroll through your favorite theme park in the winter. However, be certain to bring a jacket for evening activities because nights can dip into the 40s and 50s. Those who love swimming at Disney Resorts shouldn’t worry about these low temperatures since the pools maintain a comfortable 82 degrees.

4 – Dry Weather

Florida’s dry season begins in late November and extends until May, making winter an ideal time to visit. The rest of the year features the national hurricane season and Florida’s normal wet season. From June to October, 70% of the state’s annual rainfall falls in a seemingly unpredictable fashion, keeping you dry for hours and then drenching you in a span of minutes. Also, Floridian storms often produce incredible lightning, which easily disrupts theme park operations. Winter travelers to Walt Disney World won’t have to worry about Expedition Everest being closed due to dangerous weather conditions.

3 – Lower Travel Prices

Because winter isn’t the tourist season for Central Florida, Disney Resorts and other hotels in the area lower their room rates, making them more affordable for Mickey fans on a tight budget. Additionally, many airlines discount tickets during this time due to low traffic to the region. Of course, you’ll have to avoid the holiday weeks to get these rates since the demand for travel arrangements increases at this time. Nevertheless, purchasing a world-class vacation at bargain prices may be worth the trip when tourism lags, even if the timing is problematic.

2 – Christmas Décor

Christmas serves as one of the most beloved holidays of the year, and Walt Disney World remains the most popular vacation destination. During the winter holidays, Disney cast members decorate the parks and resorts with garland, Christmas lights, bows, trees, and more; small “snow flurries” even appear, though they consist of soapflakes rather than snowflakes. Even Jungle Cruise undergoes a makeover, becoming “Jingle Cruise” to exhibit its holiday spirit. Intertwining Christmas and Disney magic provides the perfect occasion for feeling both holiday and vacation delight, which is why this two-week holiday break is one of the busiest times of the year. Nevertheless, if you want to avoid the crowds of Christmas but desire to feel its spirit, then schedule your trip two weeks before Thanksgiving or the first two weeks of December. Disney cast members will have already decked the halls with boughs of holly, but most of the holiday visitors will not have arrived yet.

1 – Holiday Events

The Imagineers and event planners at Walt Disney World have cooked up some pretty remarkable activities for the winter season, beginning with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which runs from early November to a few days before Christmas. This party includes all of Mickey’s friends, dressed in their best Christmas attire to perform for all attendees. As you make your way to Epcot, be sure to check out the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, a presentation of Christmas décor and traditions from the nations represented at the World Showcase. Your visit to Epcot can be capped off with the Candlelight Processional, a mass choir and orchestral show at America Gardens Theatre that’s hosted by a well-known celebrity. Overall, these activities will enhance your holiday celebrations, providing you with a winter vacation that you’ll never forget.