The Candlelight Processional

[ellie]

We love Epcot, and especially at Christmas when the firework and laser show is even more spectacular. But if you are lucky enough to visit at this time of year then do try and see the Candlelight Processional. This is an annual event held in the open air America Gardens Theatre, just opposite the American Pavilion. It tells the Christmas story in words and music, and there is a fantastic choir, The Voice of Liberty, plus a 50 piece orchestra, with plenty of opportunity to join in with all the Christmas favourites. The story itself is read by a variety of famous narrators, and they have just released this year's list, although it may be subject to change.

Isabella Rossellini -- Nov. 27-29
John O' Hurley -- Nov. 30, Dec. 1-2
Steven Curtis Chapman -- Dec. 3-5
TBA -- Dec. 6-8
Andy Garcia -- Dec. 9-11
Vanessa Williams -- Dec. 12-14
Abigail Breslin -- Dec. 15-17
Whoopi Goldberg -- Dec. 18-20
Brian Dennehy -- Dec. 21-23
Edward James Olmos -- Dec. 24-26
Angela Bassett & Courtney B. Vance -- Dec. 27-30.

Entrance is free but you do need to queue about 45 mins before each performance. You can ensure a good seat by buying a special dinner package at a variety of restaurants around the World Showcase, as this gives you reserved seating.

Its just the way to start off the Christmas celebrations and to get you in the mood!

[Steve]

Yes totally agree ellie, we went one year 2004 I think and we saw Andy Garcia and I see he is back again this year. It really makes it feel like Christmas even if the weather doesn't!

[pbensur]

We went a few years ago and loved this! We had the pleasure of seeing Levar Burton - my kids were thrilled as they remembered him well from watching Reading Rainbow when they were small!

[ellie]

I would love to see Isabella Rosselini. She is SO like her mother it is uncanny, and Ingrid Bergman is one of my favourite 'old' actresses.

Would also like to see Whoopi Goldberg, guess she would be great, too.

[pbensur]

Candlelight Processional returns to Epcot Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 2010

Scheduled celebrity narrators for this year include:

Nov. 26-28: Isabella Rossellini
Nov. 29-Dec. 1: TBD
Dec. 2-4: Corbin Bernsen
Dec. 5-6: Susan Lucci
Dec. 7-9: Jodi Benson
Dec. 10-11: Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 12-15: Steven Curtis Chapman
Dec. 16-18: Thomas Gibson
Dec. 19-21: Trace Adkins
Dec. 22-23: Brad Garrett
Dec. 24-27: Edward James Olmos
Dec. 28-30: Marlee Matlin/Jack Jason

They will be joined by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra. This renowned holiday tradition takes place at the America Gardens Theatre nightly at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.

Performances are included with Epcot admission, though you need to get there early for a seat. To ensure a seat, Candlelight dinner packages are available at select Epcot restaurants and include guaranteed seating for Candlelight Processional and a special viewing location for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.”

[Steve]

It is well worth the visit.