Disney CONFIRMS Major Change for the 2024 EPCOT Candlelight Processional

One of Disney World’s oldest holiday traditions is CHANGING.

EPCOT Christmas Tree

The Candlelight Processional has been a major part of Walt Disney World’s Holiday celebrations for decades. The staged reading of the nativity was first put on at Disneyland in the late 1950s, achieving close to its modern form in 1960. The event moved east during Disney World’s first Holiday Season in 1971, and moved to its current home at EPCOT in 1994.

Since the Candlelight Processional moved to EPCOT 30 years ago, the event has become a holiday tradition for millions. However, this year a big change to the event’s schedule could change the way many attend the event.

This year, the event will see a revised schedule, with showtimes adjusted to 5:00PM, 6:45PM, and 8:15PM according to Disney’s official announcement. While these changes may seem inconsequential, they could have major effects on those who are planning to see the Processional along with dining reservations or as part of their plans.

Previously, Candlelight Processional showtimes took place at 5:15PM, 7:00PM, and 8:30PM, so things have been shifted a bit earlier by 15 minutes.

Candlelight Processional

Along with the showtimes, Disney also announced the last of narrators for this year’s Candlelight Processional. The list is as follows:

11/29–11/30 Josh Gad
12/1–12/2 Nico Santos
12/3-12/5 Chrissy Metz
12/6–12/7 Whoopi Goldberg
12/8–12/10 Tituss Burgess
12/11–12/12 Brendan Fraser
12/13–12/14 Ralph Macchio
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

In addition, Disney confirmed that Candlelight Processional Dining Packages will once again be offered this year at “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.” Reservations for these dining packages open on October 29th.

Neil Patrick Harris Narrating Epcot’s Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional is once again returning to EPCOT this Holiday Season, with a major scheduling change. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Disney’s Holiday events.