With the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays just around the corner, Walt Disney World Resort has issued an official update impacting one of its most beloved Christmas offerings. A new announcement confirms a change to the celebrity narrator lineup for the Candlelight Processional, the long-running holiday tradition that brings the religious story of Christmas to life through narration and music performed by a choir of Disney cast members.
EPCOT Candlelight Processional Lineup Update
Back in September, Disney Parks Blog revealed this year’s full roster of celebrity Candlelight Processional narrators, which includes a mix of returning favorites and several first-time participants. A total of 15 celebrity guests are set to appear throughout the season, performing three times nightly from November 28 through December 30, 2025, at the America Gardens Theatre.
However, a recent update on the Walt Disney World Resort website confirms that a change has been made to the early December schedule. Disney Legend Susan Egan has stepped in to replace Jennifer Garner, who was initially scheduled to narrate on December 3 and 4. The updated narrator schedule now includes the following:
November 28-29 – Constance Wu (NEW)
November 30-December 2 – Jordan Fisher
December 3-4 – Susan Egan (NEW)
December 5-6 – Ashley Eckstein
December 7-8 – Ralph Macchio
December 9-10 – Leslie Uggams (NEW)
December 11-13 – Marlee Matlin
December 14-15 – Henry Winkler (NEW)
December 16-17 – Lauren Daigle (NEW)
December 18-19 – Gary Sinise
December 20-22 – Brendan Fraser
December 23-24 – Luis Fonsi
December 25-26 – Joel David Smallbone (NEW)
December 27-28 – Brie Larson (NEW)
December 29-30 – Sheryl Lee Ralph (NEW)
Susan Egan has a long history with The Walt Disney Company. She voiced Megara in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Hercules (1997) and originated the role of Belle in the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast, earning a Tony Award nomination for her performance. Over the years, she has been part of countless Disney celebrations and was recently named the Godparent of Disney Destiny, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Planning Your Visit
Guests hoping to watch Egan—or any of the season’s narrators—should be prepared for long standby lines, especially on popular dates. Many Walt Disney World Resort visitors opt for a Candlelight Processional dining package, which includes guaranteed seating and often sells out quickly.
The Candlelight Processional will run nightly beginning November 28 at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. as part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. This cherished holiday program remains a highlight of the most wonderful time of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, combining celebrity narration, a choir of cast members, and a live orchestra in a moving retelling of the classic Christmas story.
Have you seen the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT? Who was your celebrity narrator? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments!
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