Disney's Candlelight Processional is an annual event held at Disneyland in California and Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida. The processional is currently performed for two nights only at Disneyland, and throughout the month of December at Epcot at Walt Disney World. The event was started by Walt Disney himself and has become an annual holiday tradition for many guests.

Event background and history

Each performance is narrated by a guest narrator, typically a celebrity, often who has been previously affiliated with The Walt Disney Company. At Disneyland, the narrator of the event is kept secret until the day of the first performance, while Walt Disney World announces their narrator lineup ahead of time so guests can plan their vacations accordingly to which narrator they would like to see. Dining packages are available to purchase that guarantees a seat inside the American Gardens Theatre at the

American pavilion The American pavilion is a national pavilion of the Venice Biennale. It houses the United States' official representation during the Biennale. Background The Venice Biennale is an international art biennial exhibition held in Venice, Italy. ...

at Epcot. Prior to 1994 the processional was performed at Magic Kingdom, with the first narrator being Rock Hudson. The term processional refers to the choir entering one by one, typically wearing traditional choir robes, while holding a candle. Originally, singers held real candles with an authentic flame, which have since been replaced by electronic candles. The first guest narrator of the processional was actor

Dennis Morgan Dennis Morgan (born Earl Stanley Morner, December 20, 1908 – September 7, 1994) was an American actor-singer. He used the acting pseudonym Richard Stanley before adopting the name under which he gained his greatest fame. According to one obi ...

at Disneyland in 1961. Walt Disney last attended the processional in December 1965 with

Dick Van Dyke Richard Wayne Van Dyke (born December 13, 1925) is an American actor, entertainer and comedian. His award-winning career has spanned seven decades in film, television, and stage. Van Dyke began his career as an entertainer on radio and telev ...

as narrator. The event is one of the many seasonal entertainment offerings located at Epcot during the International Festival of the Holidays. At Disneyland, the event is held on Main Street, U.S.A. with a stage setup around the train station in Town Square. At Epcot, the professional a cappella singing group Voices of Liberty are utilized in the show as featured singers and soloists and both versions include a live orchestra. The songs are custom composed and arranged for Disney to retell the nativity story. The celebrity narrator tells the story in short passages mixed with songs. The show typically has stayed the same year to year, but it continues to be updated. It uses guest choirs, primarily youth choirs, referred to as a ''mass choir''. The show is performed three times each night at Epcot, with youth choirs performing in the first show and Disney cast members in the second two shows. Cast members (employees) are selected to perform in the show based on auditions that are held prior in the year, with rehearsals being held weekly leading up to performance time. Merchandise is sold to honor the event inside the parks, typically including t-shirts and trading pins.

Disneyland Candlelight Processional Narrator History

* 2004 -

Marie Osmond Olive Marie Osmond (born October 13, 1959) is an American singer, actress, television host, and a member of the show business family the Osmonds. Although she was never part of her family's singing group, she gained success as a country and pop ...

* 2005 -

* 2006 - Andy Garcia - Hector Elizondo * 2007 - Jane Seymour * 2008 -

John Stamos John Phillip Stamos ( ; born August 19, 1963) is an American actor and musician. He first gained recognition for his contract role as Blackie Parrish on the ABC television soap opera ''General Hospital'', for which he was nominated for the Da ...

* 2009 - Jon Voight * 2010 - Tom Skerritt * 2011 - Gary Sinise * 2012 - Dennis Haysbert,

Kurt Russell Kurt Vogel Russell (born March 17, 1951) is an American actor. He began acting on television at the age of 12 in the Westerns on television, western series ''The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters (TV series), The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters'' (19 ...

, Edward James Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips,

, Patricia Heaton,

, Molly Ringwald * 2013 -

Blair Underwood Blair Erwin Underwood (born August 25, 1964) is an American actor. He made his debut in the 1985 musical film ''Krush Groove'' and from 1987 to 1994 starred as attorney Jonathan Rollins in the NBC legal drama series ''L.A. Law''. Underwood has a ...

* 2014 -

Beau Bridges Lloyd Vernet "Beau" Bridges III (born December 9, 1941) is an American actor and director. He is a three-time Emmy, two-time Golden Globe and one-time Grammy Award winner, as well as a two-time Screen Actors Guild Award nominee. Bridges was a ...

* 2015 - Lana Parrilla - Geena Davis * 2016 - Ginnifer Goodwin * 2017 - Chris Hemsworth * 2018 -

Chris Pratt Christopher Michael Pratt (born June 21, 1979) is an American actor. He rose to prominence for playing Andy Dwyer in the NBC sitcom '' Parks and Recreation'' (2009–2015). He also appeared in The WB drama series ''Everwood'' (2002–2006) an ...

* 2019 - Lin-Manuel Miranda * 2021 -

Sterling K. Brown Sterling Kelby Brown (born April 5, 1976) is an American actor. He has portrayed Christopher Darden in the FX limited series '' The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story'' (2016) and stars as Randall Pearson in the NBC drama series '' ...

* 2022 - Viola Davis

Magic Kingdom Candlelight Processional Narrator History

*1971 - Rock Hudson *1972 - Cary Grant *1973 - Rock Hudson *1974 - Rock Hudson *1975 - Dean Jones *1976 - Joseph Campanella *1977 - Rock Hudson *1978 -

Ross Martin Ross or ROSS may refer to: People * Clan Ross, a Highland Scottish clan * Ross (name), including a list of people with the surname or given name Ross, as well as the meaning * Earl of Ross, a peerage of Scotland Places * RoSS, the Republic of Sout ...

*1979 -

Perry Como Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (; May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian-American singer, actor and television personality. During a career spanning more than half a century, he recorded exclusively for RCA Victor for 44 years, after signing ...

*1980 - Rock Hudson *1981 - James Hampton -

Darren McGavin Darren is a masculine given name of uncertain etymological origins. Some theories state that it originated from an Anglicisation of the Irish first name Darragh or Dáire, meaning "Oak Tree". According to other sources, it is thought to come from ...

*1982 - Pat & Shirley Boone *1983 - Joseph Campanella *1984 - Rock Hudson *1985 - Howard Keel *1986 - Howard Keel *1987 - Dean Jones *1988 - Walter Cronkite *1989 -

McLean Stevenson Edgar "Mac" McLean Stevenson Jr. (November 14, 1927 – February 15, 1996) was an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his role as Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake in the television series ''M*A*S*H'', which earned him a Golden Glob ...

*1990 - Joseph Campanella *1991 -

George Kennedy George Harris Kennedy Jr. (February 18, 1925 – February 28, 2016) was an American actor who appeared in more than 100 film and television productions. He played "Dragline" opposite Paul Newman in ''Cool Hand Luke'' (1967), winning the Academ ...

*1992 -

Paula Zahn Paula Ann Zahn (; born February 24, 1956) is an American journalist and newscaster who has been an anchor at ABC News, CBS News, Fox News, and CNN. She currently produces and hosts the true crime documentary series ''On the Case with Paula Zahn'' ...

*1993 - James Earl Jones

Epcot Candlelight Processional Narrator History

* 2006 -

Rita Moreno Rita Moreno (born Rosa Dolores Alverío Marcano; December 11, 1931) is a Puerto Rican actress, dancer, and singer. Noted for her work across different areas of the entertainment industry, she has appeared in numerous film, television, and thea ...

, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Cameron, Gary Sinise, Marlee Matlin, Brian Dennehy, Maureen McGovern, Mario Lopez, Cuba Gooding Jr. '' * 2007 - Andi MacDowell, Kirk Cameron,

Monique Coleman Adrienne Monique Coleman (born November 13, 1980) is an American actress known for her role in Disney's ''High School Musical'' movies, in which she plays Taylor McKessie. Early life and education Adrienne Monique Coleman was born in Orangebu ...

, Marlee Matlin,

, Chita Rivera, Neil Patrick Harris, Steven Curtis Chapman, Gary Sinise, John O'Hurley, Edward James Olmos, David Robinson, Dennis Franz * 2008 - John O'Hurley, Neil Patrick Harris,

Brian Stokes Mitchell Brian Stokes Mitchell (born October 31, 1957) is an American actor and singer. A powerful baritone, he has been one of the central leading men of the Broadway theater since the 1990s. He won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2000 for ...

, Virginia Madsen, Marlee Matlin,

, Abigail Breslin, Chita Rivera,

Angela Bassett Angela Evelyn Bassett (born August 16, 1958) is an American actress. She had her breakthrough with her portrayal of singer Tina Turner in the biopic ''What's Love Got to Do with It'' (1993), which garnered her a nomination for the Academy Award ...

Courtney B. Vance Courtney Bernard Vance (born March 12, 1960) is an American actor. Known for his commanding presence Vance started his career on stage before transitioning his career into film and television. He's received various accolades including a Tony Awa ...

, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos * 2009 - Isabella Rossellini, John O’Hurley, Steven Curtis Chapman, Anika Noni Rose, Andy Garcia, Abigail Breslin, Brian Dennehy, Edward James Olmos,

, Whoopi Goldberg, Chita Rivera * 2010 - Isabella Rossellini, John O'Hurley,

Corbin Bernsen Corbin Dean Bernsen (born September 7, 1954) is an American actor and film director. He appeared as divorce attorney Arnold Becker on the NBC drama series '' L.A. Law'',

, Susan Lucci, Jodi Benson, Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Curtis Chapman, Thomas Gibson,

Trace Adkins Trace may refer to: Arts and entertainment Music * ''Trace'' (Son Volt album), 1995 * ''Trace'' (Died Pretty album), 1993 * Trace (band), a Dutch progressive rock band * ''The Trace'' (album) Other uses in arts and entertainment * ''Trace'' ...

, Brad Garrett, Marlee Matlin, Edward James Olmos * 2011 - Mira Sorvino, Geena Davis, Isabella Rossellini, Neil Patrick Harris, Chita Rivera, Marlee Matlin,

, Edward James Olmos, Susan Lucci, Michael W. Smith * 2012 - Geena Davis,

Lea Salonga Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga (; born February 22, 1971), known professionally as Lea Salonga, is a Filipino singer, actress, and columnist. Nicknamed "Pride of the Philippines," she is best known for her roles in musical theatre, for supplyin ...

, Jodi Benson, Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg,

, James Denton,

Alfre Woodard Alfre Woodard (; born November 8, 1952) is an American actress. She has received various accolades, including four Primetime Emmy Awards (tying the record for the most acting Emmys won by an African-American performer, along with Regina King), ...

, Amy Grant, Gary Sinise,

, Andy Garcia, Marlee Matlin * 2013 - Gary Sinise, Neil Patrick Harris, Ashley Judd, Whoopi Goldberg, Sigourney Weaver, Dennis Haysbert, James Denton, Edward James Olmos,

, Steven Curtis Chapman,

, Amy Grant *2014 - Jodi Benson, Neil Patrick Harris,

Jonathan Groff Jonathan Drew Groff (born March 26, 1985) is an American actor and singer . He began his career on Broadway, rising to prominence for his portrayal of Melchior Gabor in the original production of '' Spring Awakening'' (2006-2008), for which h ...

, Whoopi Goldberg, Levar Burton, Edward James Olmos, Joe Morton, Chita Rivera, Ana Gasteyer, Marlee Matlin, Isabella Rossellini,

, Steven Curtis Chapman *2015 - Gary Sinise, Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Joe Morton, Ana Gasteyer,

Meredith Viera Meredith Louise Vieira (born December 30, 1953) is an American broadcast journalist and television personality. She is best known as the original moderator of the daytime talk show '' The View'' (1997–2006), the original host of the syndicated ...

, America Ferrera, Chandra Wilson, Daniel Dae Kim, Edward James Olmos,

, Amy Grant *2016 - Steven Curtis Chapman, Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Edward James Olmos, Anthony Mackie, Robby Benson,

, Jim Caviezel, Joe Morton, Ming-Na Wen,

Cal Ripken Jr. Calvin Edwin Ripken Jr. (born August 24, 1960), nicknamed "Iron man (sports streak), The Iron Man", is an American former baseball shortstop and third baseman who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles (1981� ...

, Jodi Benson *2017 -

Laurie Hernandez Lauren Zoe Hernandez (born June 9, 2000) is an American artistic gymnast. During her debut year as a senior gymnast, she competed as a member of the U.S. women's gymnastics team dubbed the " Final Five" at the 2016 Summer Olympics; Ultimately, t ...

, Matt Bomer, Ana Gasteyer, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Jodi Benson, Jaci Velasquez, Warwick Davis, Chandra Wilson,

, CCH Pounder,

, Neil Patrick Harris *2018 - Chita Rivera,

Helen Hunt Helen Elizabeth Hunt (born June 15, 1963) is an American actress and director. She is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. Hunt rose to fame portraying Jam ...

, Alfonso Ribeiro, Robby Benson,

, Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg,

Bart Millard Bart Marshall Millard (born December 1, 1972) is an American singer and songwriter who is best known as the leader of the band MercyMe. He has also released two solo albums: '' Hymned, No. 1'', in 2005 and '' Hymned Again'' in 2008. He received a ...

, Gary Sinise, Pat Sajak, Auli’i Cravalho, Joey Fatone,

, Jodi Benson *2019 - Ming-Na Wen, Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Isabella Rossellini, Alton Fitzgerald White, Gary Sinise, Pat Sajak, Geena Davis, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, Marlee Matlin, Lisa Ling *2021 - Auli’i Cravalho, Chita Rivera, Jodi Benson, Alton Fitzgerald White,

, Lisa Ling, Andy Garcia, Ana Gasteyer,

, Pat Sajak,

, Steven Curtis Chapman *2022 - Simu Liu, Chita Rivera, Raul Esparza,

Daymond John Daymond Garfield John (born February 23, 1969) is an American businessman, investor, and television personality. He is best known as the founder, president, and chief executive officer of FUBU, and appears as an investor on the ABC reality telev ...

, Josh Gad, Mariska Hargitay,

, Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Isabella Rossellini,

Gloria Estefan Gloria Estefan (; born Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo García; born 1 September 1957) is a Cuban-American singer, actress, and businesswoman. Estefan is a seven-time Grammy Award winner, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and has been ...

Audio recordings

In 1999, the Epcot Candlelight Processional was professionally recorded and released on Walt Disney Records cassette and cd with Phylicia Rashad as guest narrator. The Epcot Candlelight Processional was also recorded and released in 1997, with Louis Gossett Jr. as narrator.

References

External links

Information about Epcot's Candlelight Processional
{{Disneyland Events at Walt Disney World Walt Disney Parks and Resorts fireworks World Showcase