Walt Disney World updated its 2026 EPCOT Candlelight Processional narrator lineup on October 6, 2026. The update introduces major performers Josh Groban and Benjamin Bratt to the upcoming holiday schedule. These late-breaking adjustments fill two previously open dates for the annual event, which runs nightly from November 27 through December 30 at the America Gardens Theatre inside EPCOT.
The annual holiday tradition marks its 55th year across the Walt Disney World Resort and its 32nd year specifically anchored at EPCOT as part of the International Festival of the Holidays. Each nightly production features three scheduled showtimes at 4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Performances combine a traditional retelling of the Christmas story delivered by a celebrity narrator, backed by a 51-piece live orchestra, herald trumpets, the Voices of Liberty, and a massed choir of more than 150 Disney cast members and community vocalists.
New Additions Fill Key December Dates
Benjamin Bratt makes his debut in the narrator role on December 2 and December 3. Bratt brings a well-established career across film and television to the stage. This follows recent confirmations of his return as the voice of Ernesto de la Cruz in Pixar’s upcoming Coco 2.
Grammy-nominated and Tony-nominated vocalist Josh Groban takes over the America Gardens Theatre stage later in the month on December 13 and December 14. Groban’s background in classical crossover music, Broadway, and multi-platinum holiday albums makes his musical storytelling debut a natural pairing for the event. His notable works include his 2007 hit release Noël and his performance of “Evermore” in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast.
Lineup Adjustments and Complete 2026 Schedule
Alongside the additions of Groban and Bratt, the updated schedule reflects the removal of original opening weekend narrator Auli’i Cravalho, who voices the title character in Disney’s Moana. Cravalho was initially slated for the November 27 and 28 slots. These dates are currently listed as To Be Announced, indicating further schedule updates may arrive before the festival opens.
- November 27 & 28: To Be Announced
- November 29 – December 1: Gary Sinise
- December 2 & 3: Benjamin Bratt (NEW)
- 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: Josh Groban (NEW)
- 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
Planning Your Visit and Dining Packages
While general admission to EPCOT includes access to the Candlelight Processional on a first-come, first-served basis, seating fills up rapidly during peak holiday weeks. To guarantee entry to a specific performance, Disney offers Candlelight Processional Dining Packages.
Reservations for these dining packages officially open on October 14, 2026. The packages pair a breakfast, lunch, or dinner reservation at participating restaurants around EPCOT with a dedicated badge providing reserved seating for one of the evening showtimes. Disney recommends that guests still arrive early to secure preferred sightlines within the reserved seating zone.
