By Steve Griswold & the Pixie Vacations team — former Walt Disney World Cast Members, hosts of the 15-year MouseChat family travel podcast, and an EarMarked by Disney Authorized Travel Agency with 1,195+ verified client reviews averaging 5.0 stars. Last updated: October 2026.
The 2026 EPCOT Candlelight Processional runs November 27 through December 30, 2026, at the America Gardens Theatre during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Celebrity narrators this year include Auli‘i Cravalho, Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Neil Patrick Harris and Jodi Benson. The show is included with EPCOT admission, and Candlelight Dining Packages with guaranteed seating open for booking on October 14, 2026.
This holiday tradition has been part of Walt Disney World since 1971: a celebrity narrator reads the Christmas story, backed by a live orchestra of about 50 musicians, the Voices of Liberty and a massed choir that includes Cast Members and guest choirs from across Florida. There are three shows a night, and standby lines often fill hours ahead — which is why the dining package question matters so much for families.
2026 Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators
According to the lineup Disney announced in September 2026 (reported by Disney Food Blog), here is who narrates each night. Disney can change narrators without notice, so check again close to your trip.
| Dates (2026) | 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 |
Candlelight Dining Package Prices for 2026
A Candlelight Processional Dining Package gives each guest a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant plus one guaranteed seat (in the front half of the theater) at a same-day Candlelight show. Most restaurants include an entrée and dessert (or a buffet) and one drink. Packages go on sale October 14, 2026. Prices per person, before tax and gratuity:
| Restaurant (meal) | Adult (10+) | Child (3–9) |
| Spice Road Table (lunch/dinner) | $63 | $26 |
| Rose & Crown Dining Room | $68 | $31 |
| La Crêperie de Paris | $59 | $31 |
| Nine Dragons Restaurant | $70 | $30 |
| Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria | $71 | $33 |
| Garden Grill (breakfast) | $73 | $46 |
| Biergarten Restaurant (buffet) | $75 | $40 |
| Coral Reef Restaurant | $82 | $34 |
| Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya | $85 | $40 |
| Tutto Italia Ristorante | $85 | $36 |
| Garden Grill (lunch/dinner, characters) | $86 | $55 |
| La Hacienda de San Angel | $86 | $37 |
| Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (princesses) | $87 | $59 |
| Chefs de France | $89 | $37 |
| Teppan Edo | $89 | $40 |
| Le Cellier Steakhouse | $109 | $44 |
There is also a limited same-day package at Regal Eagle Smokehouse ($43 adults / $26 children) that is released the day of and often sells out within minutes. Prices are as reported in September 2026 and can change.
Is the Candlelight Dining Package Worth It?
For most families, yes — if the show is a must-do. Our Pixie planners usually steer guests this way:
- Book a package if you are visiting on a weekend, between December 18 and 30, or with young kids who cannot stand in a standby line for an hour or more.
- Try standby if you are visiting on a weekday in early December, can line up 60–90 minutes before a show, and do not mind a seat in the back.
- Best value picks: Spice Road Table and Rose & Crown are the least expensive full packages; Garden Grill breakfast is the easiest morning option with characters; Akershus adds a princess meal for kids who will not care about the narrator.
How to Book (and When)
- Pick your EPCOT date and check which narrator is scheduled.
- Be ready when dining packages open on October 14, 2026 — popular dates and restaurants go first.
- Choose your meal time so you can walk to the America Gardens Theatre with your show time comfortably.
- Remember that EPCOT park admission is required and is not included in the package.
Already booked your Disney World trip? Our free Disney Countdown Kit maps every booking deadline for your exact dates — with phone alarms built in.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 EPCOT Candlelight Processional?
The Candlelight Processional runs November 27 through December 30, 2026, with three shows nightly at the America Gardens Theatre in EPCOT’s American Adventure pavilion during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
Is the Candlelight Processional included with park admission?
Yes. Standby seating is included with EPCOT admission. The Candlelight Dining Package is an optional paid add-on that guarantees a seat.
When do Candlelight Dining Packages go on sale for 2026?
Disney opens 2026 Candlelight Processional Dining Package reservations on October 14, 2026. Prices start at $59 per adult (La Crêperie de Paris) and run up to $109 per adult (Le Cellier).
Who are the new narrators for 2026?
New narrators for 2026 are Robin Roberts (December 6–7), Jason Kelce (December 8–9) and Lacey Chabert (December 22–23). Two date blocks were still to be announced as of October 2026.
Can I use the Disney Dining Plan for a Candlelight package?
Dining-plan rules for special event packages vary by year, so ask your Pixie agent before you book — we will confirm what applies to your reservation.
Plan Your Holiday Trip With a Pixie
Holiday weeks are Disney World’s busiest — and the best room discounts still apply through December 24, 2026. Tell us your dates and we will match the best current offer, line up your Candlelight package plan, and handle the details at no cost to you. Get your free Disney World quote or call 678-815-1584. See what is bookable now on our Disney World deals page.
Sources: narrator lineup and dining package pricing as reported by Disney Food Blog, September 8, 2026; festival dates per Walt Disney World. Last updated: October 2026.
