Epcot invites guests to experience the magic of the season and time-honored traditions from around the globe during Holidays Around the World. This year’s festive celebration rings in a new entertainment offering as well as seasonal favorites from Nov. 27 – Dec. 30, 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort.
One of the most beloved holiday traditions during this special seasonal event is The Candlelight Processional. This poignant performance allows guests to experience the Christmas story through masterful storytelling by celebrity narrators, accompanied by a mass choir and the Walt Disney World orchestra performing traditional and contemporary Christmas songs.
The Candlelight Processional is performed three times each evening, 5:00, 6:45 and 8 p.m., from Nov. 27 to Dec. 30. The line-up of celebrity narrators includes (entertainment and times subject to change):
11/27 – 11/29 — Gary Sinise
11/30 – 12/3 — Neil Patrick Harris
12/4 – 12/5 — Whoopi Goldberg
12/6 – 12/8 — Joe Morton
12/9 – 12/11 — Ana Gasteyer
12/12 – 12/14 — Meredith Vieira – NEW
12/15 – 12/17— America Ferrera – NEW
12/18 – 12/20 — Chandra Wilson – NEW
12/21 – 12/23 — Daniel Dae Kim – NEW
12/24 – 12/26 — Edward James Olmos
12/27 – 12/28 – Blair Underwood
12/29 – 12/30 — Amy Grant
For an extra special yuletide experience, guests can purchase the Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Dining packages include appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage at select Epcot full-service restaurants (or one full buffet where applicable), and guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional. Dining packages do not include park admission. For reservations, guests can call 407-WDW-DINE, or visit disneyword.com/dining.
The Candlelight Processional is one of many jubilant holiday entertainment offerings at Epcot. Classic Christmas tunes soar to new heights with soulful performances at the Fountain Stage in Future World each day with two merry musical ensembles. The five-person a capella performing group American Music Machine gives a contemporary twist to favorite Christmas tunes with the expertise of ground-breaking vocal arranger Tim Davis, whose previous credits include the hit TV series “Glee.” This holiday stage show includes new musical arrangements, dances, and a brand new look with performances of both modern and nostalgic holiday hits, including “White Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “All I Want for Christmas is You.” And for spirited renditions of holiday classics, guests also can sing and dance to the music of “Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season.”
In addition to the joy-filled stage performances, Holidays Around the World immerses guests in holiday celebrations and traditions from various countries throughout World Showcase. Amid joyful music and festive treats, treasured traditions spring to life as storytellers share their countries’ holiday heritage. International holiday experiences around the World Showcase include the musical Canadian Holiday Voyageurs at the Canada Pavilion, the colorful Chinese Lion Dance at the China Pavilion, a festive mariachi band and vibrant dancers at the Mexico Pavilion, and a lesson about the “spice of life” by a Moroccan drummer at the Morocco Pavilion. Guests also can enjoy the music of the Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers and greet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the American Adventure Pavilion. For a full list of Holidays Around the World festivities, visit disneyworld.com/holidays-around-the-world.
The celebration comes to a joyful conclusion each night with “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” a laser, light, and fireworks spectacular capped with a dazzling seasonal finale.
For more information about the holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort, visit disneyworld.com/holidays.
