The 2021 Candlelight Processional will run from Nov. 26-Dec. 30 for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
Last year, Christmas was a little bit darker when Disney World had to cancel its famous Candlelight Processional for the health and safety of its guests and Cast Members during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
But now we can see the light! And don’t worry, you can head toward it. This isn’t Soul.
Thanks to readers like you, we’re able to keep our site free of disrupting ads. Please consider subscribing to our print edition if you’d like to support us directly, and feel free to sign up for our free newsletter so you never miss out on the latest at Walt Disney World!
2023 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Guide - On Sale for $4.99
The Return of EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional
Neil Patrick Harris at the 2019 Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. Photo by Courtney Reynolds
The 2021 Candlelight Processional will return for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Performers include Cast Members, musicians, and singers, as well as celebrity narrators.
Far and away, the most popular celebrity narrator in years past has been Neil Patrick Harris, but other famous narrators have included John Stamos, Helen Hunt, Joey Fatone, Whoopi Goldberg, Cal Ripken, Jr., Jim Caviezel, Ming-Na Wen, and Jodi Benson.
In previous years, singers and musicians have come from high schools and community groups, but given the ongoing pandemic, Disney will be limiting participation to its Cast Members, all of whom are required to be vaccinated. Disney hopes that guest choirs and musicians will return in 2022.
It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas cards. And when you preorder our 2021 Disney World Christmas Cards (full of Cinderella Castle magic!), you’ll get free US shipping! Merry Christmas to you 🎅
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
2021 Candlelight Processional Narrators and Dining Packages
The 2021 Candlelight Processional will be held at the America Gardens Theatre with a live orchestra. Here is the FULL list of celebrity narrators for 2021’s Candlelight Processional at EPCOT:
- Nov. 26-28:Â Auli’i Cravalho
- Nov. 29-Dec. 1:Â Chita Rivera
- Dec. 2-Dec. 4:Â Jodi Benson
- Dec. 5-Dec. 7:Â Alton Fitzgerald White
- Dec. 8-Dec. 10:Â Bart Millard
- Dec. 11-Dec. 13:Â Lisa Ling
- Dec. 14-Dec. 16: Andy Garcia
- Dec. 17-19:Â Ana Gasteyer
- Dec. 20-22:Â Courtney B. Vance
- Dec. 23-Dec. 25:Â Steven Curtis Chapman
- Dec. 26-Dec. 28:Â Blair Underwood
- Dec. 29-Dec. 30:Â Pat Sajak
This year also marks the return of the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. These sold out immediately upon opening.
Subscribe to WDW Magazine and get the April issue all about Animal Kingdom's 25th anniversary.
A Treasured Tradition
Candlelight Processional featuring Alfonso Ribeiro. Photo by Courtney Reynolds
Candlelight Processional dates back to 1958 when it first debuted at Disneyland. Magic Kingdom brought it to Disney World the year the park opened in 1971, and EPCOT took the helm starting in 1994. Last year marked the only year in WDW’s history that there was not a Candlelight Processional.
We’re thrilled that it’s back for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
2021 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: A Complete Guide
2021 Very Merriest After Hours Ticket Prices: Here’s How Much It Costs
Disney Spills the Eggnog on Disney Very Merriest After Hours 2021
