Returning Soon: EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays
As the holiday season draws near, EPCOT is getting ready to spread some serious cheer! The International Festival of the Holidays, presented by AdventHealth, is returning with festive sights, sounds, and flavors from November 29 to December 30, 2024. One of the crown jewels of this beloved event is the Candlelight Processional—a cherished tradition that brings the Christmas story to life with music, magic, and star power. Today, Disney announced this year’s Candlelight Processional narrators, so let’s unwrap the details and dive into the holiday spirit!
Candlelight Processional: A Timeless Tradition
Every year, the Candlelight Processional draws in new and returning crowds with an awe-inspiring performance that tells the story of Christmas. This timeless show features a star-studded celebrity narrator, a grand 50-piece orchestra, a choir of Disney cast members, young community singers, and the iconic Voices of Liberty. On select evenings, this magical performance will take place at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. – the perfect way to end your day at EPCOT during the most magical time of the year.
Celebrity Narrators Schedule
This year’s lineup of celebrity narrators is bringing holiday magic to a whole new level! Although some familiar faces are returning, there are also exciting new additions you won’t want to miss. Here’s a sneak peek at who will be gracing the America Gardens Theatre this season:
- Nov. 29 – Nov. 30: Josh Gad (get ready for some Olaf-level warmth!)
- Dec. 1 – Dec. 2: Nico Santos (new)
- Dec. 3 – Dec. 5: Chrissy Metz
- Dec. 6 – Dec. 7: Whoopi Goldberg
- Dec. 8 – Dec. 10: Tituss Burgess (new)
- Dec. 11 – Dec. 12: Brendan Fraser
- Dec. 13 – Dec. 14: Ralph Macchio (new)
- Dec. 15 – Dec. 16: Gary Sinise
- Dec. 17 – Dec. 18: Neil Patrick Harris (always a crowd favorite)
- Dec. 19 – Dec. 21: Pat Sajak
- Dec. 22 – Dec. 23: Gloria Estefan
- Dec. 24 – Dec. 26: Edward James Olmos
- Dec. 27 – Dec. 28: Sterling K. Brown
- Dec. 29 – Dec. 30: Jodi Benson
Whether you’re excited to see a beloved returning star or catch one of the new celebrity narrators in action, the Candlelight Processional is sure to add some magic to your holiday vacation.
Savor the Holiday Flavors with a Candlelight Processional Dining Package
Make your holiday experience even more magical with a Candlelight Processional Dining Package! This special option lets you indulge in a delicious meal at one of EPCOT’s 15 incredible dining spots, and guarantees reserved seating for one of the three daily showtimes. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there’s an option to suit your tastes, from character dining at Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land pavilion to the elegance of Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion.
Dining Package Restaurants:
- Biergarten Resutaruant (Germany Pavilion)
- Chefs de France (France Pavilion)
- La Crêperie de Paris (France Pavilion)
- Coral Reef Restaurant (The Living Seas)
- Garden Grill Restaurant (The Land Pavilion)
- La Hacienda de San Angel (Mexico Pavilion)
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada Steakhouse)
- Nine Dragons Restaurant (China Pavilion)
- Rose & Crown Dining Room (United Kingdom Pavilion)
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya (Japan Pavilion)
- Tepan Edo (Japan Pavilion)
- Spice Road Table (Morocco Pavilion)
- Tutto Italia Ristorante (Italy Pavilion)
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy Pavilion)
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue* (American Adventure Pavilion)
*Same-day dining packages only; no reservations needed
Reservations open on October 29, so be sure to secure your spot while available to elevate your festival experience.
So Much More Than the Processional
While the Candlelight Processional may be the centerpiece, EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays has countless other delights to discover. Take a stroll around the World Showcase, where you’ll encounter the rich holiday traditions of different cultures, each represented with festive music, performances, and decor. Don’t miss the Holiday Kitchens, serving up seasonal dishes and drinks from around the globe—perfect for warming up your taste buds.
Plus, guests visiting EPCOT this winter will be able to experience ‘JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season’ – a returning performance in the new CommuniCore Plaza. This unique celebration will fill the air with gospel, R&B melodies, and holiday songs four times a day, every day.
In addition, Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition scavenger hunt offers fun for the whole family.
The Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT is more than just a celebration—it’s a collection of enchanting memories waiting to be made. From the soulful sounds of the Candlelight Processional to the delectable bites and drinks from the Holiday Kitchens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, mark your calendars and come experience the wonder of the season at EPCOT!
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