The magic of Christmas comes alive every winter at EPCOT through one of Disney’s most cherished holiday traditions – the Candlelight Processional. For the 2025 season, Walt Disney World has unveiled an extraordinary lineup of celebrity narrators that promises to make this year’s Festival of the Holidays truly unforgettable!
What Is the Candlelight Processional?
For those new to this beloved Disney tradition, the Candlelight Processional is a breathtaking 40-minute theatrical experience that tells the Christmas story through powerful narration, stunning music, and visual spectacle. The show features a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece live orchestra, a massive choir of Disney cast members and community singers, and EPCOT’s acclaimed Voices of Liberty a cappella ensemble.
This moving holiday experience takes place at the America Gardens Theatre in EPCOT’s World Showcase, offering guests three nightly performances at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. from November 28 through December 30, 2025. The best part? It’s included with your EPCOT park admission – no separate ticket required.
Complete 2025 Celebrity Narrator Lineup
Disney has announced an impressive roster of 15 celebrity narrators for 2025, with eight making their Candlelight Processional debut. Here’s the complete schedule:
November Narrators:
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November 28-29: Constance Wu (NEW)
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November 30 – December 2: Jordan Fisher
December Narrators:
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December 3-4: Jennifer Garner (NEW)
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December 5-6: Ashley Eckstein
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December 7-8: Ralph Macchio
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December 9-10: Leslie Uggams (NEW)
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December 11-13: Marlee Matlin
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December 14-15: Henry Winkler (NEW)
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December 16-17: Lauren Daigle (NEW)
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December 18-19: Gary Sinise
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December 20-22: Brendan Fraser
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December 23-24: Luis Fonsi
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December 25-26: Joel Smallbone (NEW)
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December 27-28: Brie Larson (NEW)
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December 29-30: Sheryl Lee Ralph (NEW)
Standout New Narrators for 2025
The Broadway and TV Stars
Constance Wu opens the season, bringing her “Fresh Off the Boat” charm and theatrical background to kick off the festivities. Meanwhile, Henry Winkler – beloved as “The Fonz” and more recently as Mr. Cousineau in “Barry” – represents one of the most anticipated debuts.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, fresh from her Emmy-winning performance in “Abbott Elementary”, closes out the season with her powerful Broadway voice and infectious energy. Jennifer Garner adds movie star appeal with her wholesome, family-friendly persona that perfectly matches the Candlelight Processional’s spirit!
The Marvel Connection
Brie Larson, known to Disney fans as Captain Marvel, brings superhero star power to the Christmas story during the busy December 27-28 weekend. Her addition reflects Disney’s strategy of incorporating Marvel stars into park experiences!
Musical Talent
Lauren Daigle, the Grammy-winning Christian artist, adds authentic musical credibility to the narrator lineup. Her powerful voice and spiritual connection to the material make her a natural fit for the Christmas story.
Notable Returning Favorites
The Disney Legends
Gary Sinise returns for his 15th appearance, cementing his status as one of the most experienced Candlelight Processional narrators. His dedication to the event and powerful delivery have made him a fan favorite year after year.
Marlee Matlin, the Academy Award-winning actress, brings her unique perspective and inspiring presence back to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Her performances consistently receive praise for their emotional depth and inclusivity.
Pop Culture Icons
Brendan Fraser continues his Candlelight Processional journey during the busy Christmas week. His recent career resurgence has made him one of the most sought-after narrators among Disney fans.
Ralph Macchio, forever beloved as The Karate Kid, returns with his warm, nostalgic appeal that resonates across generations.
The History Behind the Magic
The Candlelight Processional tradition began at Disneyland in 1958 under the direction of Dr. Charles C. Hirt. Walt Disney wanted to create something special that would embrace the community while celebrating the holidays in a meaningful way.
When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, the tradition moved to the Magic Kingdom with Rock Hudson as the first narrator. The show remained there until 1994, when it was relocated to EPCOT to accommodate larger audiences and run for an extended season.
James Earl Jones served as the final Magic Kingdom narrator, while Phylicia Rashad became the first EPCOT narrator in 1994. Since then, the show has grown from a few performances to three nightly shows for over a month during the holiday season!
Getting the Best Experience
Dining Packages vs. Standby
The Candlelight Processional Dining Package is the most reliable way to secure guaranteed seating. These packages include a meal at participating EPCOT restaurants and reserved seating for one of the three nightly performances. Reservations open October 14, 2025, and can be made up to 60 days in advance.
For 2025, dining packages range from $70-86 for adults depending on the restaurant, with options including Biergarten, Chefs de France, Coral Reef, and Le Cellier Steakhouse.
Standby Strategy
Without a dining package, you’ll need to arrive very early – often 90 minutes to several hours before showtime. Popular narrators like Neil Patrick Harris (though not returning in 2025) typically require even longer wait times!
Pro tip: If you’re targeting the 8:15 p.m. show, consider getting in line for the earlier performance to secure better positioning.
What Makes Each Narrator Special
Fan Favorites Through the Years
Disney fans have consistently rated Neil Patrick Harris and Josh Gad as top performers, though both are notably absent from the 2025 lineup. John Stamos has been called an “all-time favorite” by many Disney blog reviewers for his genuine enthusiasm and Disney fandom.
Gary Sinise and Marlee Matlin have become institution favorites, with Sinise appearing 14 times and earning praise for his gravitas and voice. Edward James Olmos holds the record with 15 appearances, though he’s not returning in 2025.
What to Expect from New Narrators
First-time narrators often bring fresh energy and excitement to the role. Sterling K. Brown was highly praised in recent years for his “gravitas” and witty commentary. The 2025 newcomers represent diverse backgrounds – from sitcom stars to Broadway veterans to Grammy winners – ensuring variety in presentation styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Candlelight Processional cost?
The show is completely free and included with EPCOT park admission. Only the optional dining packages require additional payment.
Can you see the show without a dining package?
Yes, but standby seating is extremely limited. You’ll need to arrive several hours early, especially for popular narrators or busy dates like Christmas week.
What time should I arrive for standby seating?
For the most popular shows, guests begin lining up 2-4 hours early. Less popular narrators or weeknight shows may require only 90 minutes of advance arrival.
Are all three shows identical each night?
Yes, each narrator performs the same show three times nightly. The only difference might be slight variations in the narrator’s ad-libbed comments between songs.
What happens if a narrator cancels?
Disney maintains a list of backup local narrators who can step in on short notice. Ashley Eckstein once famously arrived with just two hours’ notice to save a show.
Is the show appropriate for young children?
Absolutely! The 40-minute runtime and beautiful music make it suitable for all ages, though very young children should be prepared for the outdoor evening setting.
When do dining package reservations open?
Reservations begin October 14, 2025, at 60 days in advance. Resort guests get an additional 10-day advantage for later dates.
The 2025 Season Outlook
This year’s narrator lineup represents a perfect blend of Disney favorites, newcomers, and returning legends. With eight first-time narrators, longtime fans will have plenty of new experiences while still enjoying beloved returnees like Gary Sinise and Marlee Matlin.
The notable absence of perennial favorites like Neil Patrick Harris and Josh Gad creates opportunities for new narrators to establish themselves as future fan favorites. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Marvel star Brie Larson and Grammy winner Lauren Daigle shows Disney’s commitment to bringing diverse, high-profile talent to this cherished tradition!
Henry Winkler’s debut has generated particular excitement among Disney fans, with many noting his authentic enthusiasm and connection to family entertainment. Similarly, Jennifer Garner’s wholesome appeal makes her a natural fit for the Christmas story format!
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Candlelight Processional promises to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. With a stellar mix of eight debut narrators and beloved returning favorites, there’s truly something for every Disney fan and holiday enthusiast!
Whether you’re drawn to Marvel star Brie Larson, Broadway legend Sheryl Lee Ralph, or longtime favorite Gary Sinise, this year’s lineup offers unprecedented variety and star power. The addition of Grammy winner Lauren Daigle and beloved TV personalities like Henry Winkler ensures that each performance will bring its own unique magic to the America Gardens Theatre.
As this cherished 67-year tradition continues to evolve, the 2025 season stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Candlelight Processional. From November 28 through December 30, guests will have the opportunity to experience one of Disney’s most moving holiday celebrations, where the timeless Christmas story comes alive through the perfect combination of celebrity narration, stunning music, and pure Disney magic!
Make sure to mark your calendars, consider those dining packages, and prepare for a truly magical start to your holiday season at EPCOT. After all, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the Candlelight Processional to remind us all of the true spirit of Christmas!
