Throughout the holiday season, we will be sharing some of our favorite things. Things to do. Things to see. Things to eat. Things to give. We hope you enjoy this series!
Every day at Walt Disney World is magical, but for me, there is one time of year that is just a little more special. From the beginning of November to the end of December, Walt Disney World is decorated with trees, lights, and all sorts of other Christmas décor. There are special shows and events, as well as new treats to enjoy at some of the restaurants. Maybe its because of the memories I have, but for me, there is no better time of year for a Disney vacation than Christmas time!
There are so many things going on during the holiday season, but when I think of Christmas at Disney, there is one thing that sticks out in the front of my mind: EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional. Starting after Thanksgiving and running nightly though the end of December, the Candlelight Processional tells the story of Jesus’s birth from the book of Luke, intermixed with traditional Christmas carols sung by a mass choir, accompanied by a live orchestra.
The choir is made up of Disney cast members (the green “tree” in the middle), Disney’ Voices of Liberty (the red group out front), and students from various high schools around the country (the gold). As a high-schooler, I had the privilege of participating in the Candlelight Processional for four years, and it was the highlight of my Christmas season. It was such an incredible feeling to be standing on that stage with the Voices of Liberty, the huge orchestra, and which ever celebrity narrator was there that night. I’ve seen such narrators as Neil Patrick Harris, Phylicia Rashad, Trace Adkins, Rita Moreno, Jodi Benson, and many more!
Since finishing high school, my family has traveled to Walt Disney World multiple times during the Christmas season for the main purpose of seeing the Candlelight Processional, its that wonderful. My husband and I even delayed our honeymoon by three months so we could see it! While watching from the audience is a different feeling than being on that stage, it is just as magical. The lighting effects, instruments, and overall ambiance of the American Gardens theater just bring the show to life!
Because of the popularity of the Candlelight Processional, seating in the amphitheater can be very limited.
The best way to guarantee your seat is to book a Candlelight Processional dining package. Otherwise, you’ll want to get in line a bit early. Don’t worry if you can’t get a seat- since its an amphitheater, you can see from the sidewalk and hear from a fairly large area around it. It won’t be quite the same as being in there, but is better than nothing!
If you enjoy live music, this is definitely a show worth checking out! There are many other things going on in EPCOT during the International Festival of the Holidays that you could spend several days seeing it all. If this sounds like a great way to spend your Christmas season, contact your travel agent to get a vacation booked- its not too late!
Kara Brown is a Vacation Specialist with Coasters & Castles Travel. As a brand new mom to twin baby girls, she loves helping families (especially large ones) with their vacations to Disney World, aboard Disney Cruise Line, to Disneyland, Universal and more! Reach her by email: kbrown@coastersandcastlestravel.com.
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