The Candlelight Processional (and Candlelight Dinner Package) at Walt Disney World

(This page is one of a series explicating Walt Disney World lingo, abbreviations, and FAQ for first time family visitors to Walt Disney World.)

THE CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL AT EPCOT

The Candlelight Processional is a well-loved part of Disney World’s Christmas season celebrations.

It’s performed in the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot from the Friday after Thanksgiving until December 30, as part of Epcot’s Holidays Around the World celebration.

The show happens three times each evening–5p, 6.45p, and 8.15p.  (Note that the same Friday after Thanksgiving, the Illuminations showtime and park closing time shifts to 9.30, allowing time between the last Candlelight show and Illuminations.)

It includes an orchestra and mass choir performing traditional and contemporary Christmas carols, and a guest celebrity narrator who presents a gospel-based version of the Christmas story.

A Disney tradition since it debuted at Disneyland in the late 50s, the Candlelight Processional can be a hard show to get in to.

Each show has two lines.  One is reserved for those who bought Candlelight Dinner Packages, and the other for walk-ups.

Those who bought the packages are guaranteed a seat, and seated first.

Walk ups will then be admitted to any available remaining seats–and sometimes there aren’t nearly enough for all those standing in line.

THE CANDLELIGHT DINNER PACKAGE

Despite the name, packages are available for both lunch and dinner–the lunch package is required for those intending to see the 5p show.

Purchase of the Candlelight Dinner package–which opened for booking for 2015 on July 7–grants guaranteed seating at the Candlelight Processional–plus a meal!

Prices vary by whether dinner or lunch, by the restaurant reserved, and by age (younger vs. older than 10–kids younger than 3 are free).

2015 prices range for those older than 9 from $35 to over $70.

Users of the Disney Dining Plan can also book this package, at the price of two table service meal credits.

This is a very special show for those for whom it might interest, and hence I recommend the Candlelight Dinner Package as a way to be sure you get a seat!

Those not sure of the appeal of the show should know it isn’t the singing of a bunch of songs like “I’ll be Home for Christmas”–it’s much more like the nativity gospels brought to life through narration and song.  That is, this isn’t a “holiday” show–it’s a Christmas show.

For more, see Disney’s web page on the Candlelight Processional and the Candlelight Dinner Package here.