Candlelight Processional 2026: Whoopi Goldberg, Simu Liu and an NFL Star Take the Narrator's Chair

The Candlelight Processional is the longest-running holiday tradition still on the books at Walt Disney World – and 2026 marks its 55th year. Disney has now published the narrator lineup.

Performances run November 27 through December 30, 2026 at the America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT, three times nightly at 4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET. The show is part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays and is included with regular park admission.

The lineup

| Dates | Narrator |
|---|---|
| November 27–28 | Auli'i Cravalho |
| November 29 – December 1 | Gary Sinise |
| December 2–3 | to be announced |
| December 4–5 | Whoopi Goldberg |
| December 6–7 | Robin Roberts (new) |
| December 8–9 | Jason Kelce (new) |
| December 10–12 | Neil Patrick Harris |
| December 13–14 | to be announced |
| December 15–16 | Lauren Daigle |
| December 17–19 | Ralph Macchio |
| December 20–21 | Henry Winkler |
| December 22–23 | Lacey Chabert (new) |
| December 24–25 | Jodi Benson |
| December 26–27 | Simu Liu |
| December 28–30 | Eva Longoria |

Three names are new to the rotation: Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America; Jason Kelce, the former NFL player turned podcaster; and Lacey Chabert, known for her Hallmark Christmas films – one of which, per the announcement, is set at Walt Disney World Resort.

Two slots – December 2–3 and December 13–14 – remain unannounced. Disney typically fills these in later.

What's on stage

Behind the celebrity billing sits a substantial musical operation: a 51-piece orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, and a choir of more than 150 Disney cast members and community singers. The narrator reads the Christmas story, interspersed with traditional carols.

Dining packages from October 14

Anyone who wants a guaranteed seat will find it hard to avoid the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages, which combine a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant with reserved entry to a performance.

Booking opens October 14, 2026. Pricing runs $43 to $109 for adults and $26 to $59 for children aged 3 to 9, depending on the restaurant.

Planning notes

Demand is very unevenly spread. The best-known names and the stretch from December 24 into New Year's reliably draw the biggest crowds. Anyone skipping the dining package should aim for the 4:45 p.m. show and arrive well ahead – or pick an early-December date.

Grand Floridian Cafe Returns November 2 – Reservations Already Live Four months after closing, the Grand Floridian Cafe finally has a date. Walt Disney World's flagship resort restaurant reopens on November 2, 2026, and dinner reservations are open now.