Starlight And Candlelight Illuminate This Lovely Performance. Only a single, glimmering star can be seen center stage. As the musicians deftly transition into the next song, voices can be heard singing along, but the stage remains vacant. 3Ī hush falls across the audience as the orchestra stirs to life, opening the program with a rousing overture. The Processional takes place in the grand American Gardens Theatre in EPCOT (although the beautiful music is usually audible from outside the theatre, too!). This most festive part of Walt’s amazing legacy was performed in the Magic Kingdom for 22 years before moving to EPCOT, where it is still performed today. However, the Processional continued bravely onward in Walt’s absence – all the way to Walt Disney World. This was the last Processional attended by Walt Disney before his untimely death the next year. In 1965, Dick Van Dyke, who’d just brought Bert the chimney sweep to life in Mary Poppins, was chosen to read the biblical Christmas story. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.” (Photo: Unsplash)īy 1958, the Dickens Carolers had grown into a mass choir congregating around the flagpole in Main Street – in fact, bleachers had to be constructed specially for the occasion! With its future as a seasonal staple assured, the performance was finally given a proper name: the Candlelight Processional.īy the early 60s, the iconic “Living Christmas Tree,” as well as celebrity narrators to read the Nativity Story, had been introduced to the annual celebration. He had a “humble desire” for some Dickens Carolers to stroll around the park, as well as perform in the Disneyland Bandstand, and grace park guests with the lovely melodies of classic Christmas hymns. Our own dearly beloved Walter Elias Disney was (perhaps unsurprisingly) the brains behind the Candlelight Processional.Although, admittedly, it’s now quite extravagant compared to his original idea – and I think he’d love it!īack in 1955, Disneyland was gearing up for its very first Christmas, and Walt wanted to make it a special celebration. So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s BEST Christmas event! Walking in a Walter Wonderland

(But once you do, it’s highly likely you’ll want to make it an annual tradition!!) No matter how many times you see the Processional, it is always exceptionally moving and stunningly beautiful. Indeed, I’d say The Candlelight Processional is one of those events every true Disney fan needs to experience at least once.

Invoking the true spirit of Christmas, this performance – conducted by a live orchestra, booming choir, and celebrity narrator – is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences Disney has to offer. One of Disney’s oldest, most brilliant traditions is the Candlelight Processional that takes place during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.

Epcot candlelight processional