Magical Holidays: The Epcot Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World

The highlight of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is undoubtedly the Candlelight Processional. This captivating show brings the story of Christmas to life through the narration of a celebrity guest, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of holiday music performed by a 50-piece orchestra. Enhancing the experience further is a full choir, often featuring talented performers from local area schools, adding a rich, harmonious backdrop to the narration.

The Candlelight Processional takes place at the America Gardens Theatre, a picturesque venue located directly across from the American Adventure Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase. This setting provides an intimate and festive atmosphere, perfect for immersing guests in the holiday spirit.

The combination of the stirring narrative, the majestic music, and the communal singing creates an unforgettable experience that resonates deeply with audiences of all ages.

For those looking to secure a seat, the Candlelight Processional Dining Package offers reserved seating and is highly recommended due to the popularity of the event.

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional is approximately 45 to 55 minutes in length and there are three shows per night which are typically held at 5:15 PM, 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM.  

Candlelight Processional Dining Package

Disney offers a special Candlelight Processional Dining Package including includes a quality meal along with guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional. Guests with the dining package will receive Candlelight Seating badges at the restaurant after their meal and will enter through the America Gardens Theatre via a separate queue.  Seating is guaranteed but on a first-come, first serve basis.

There are a number of different restaurants offered in this package.  Prices and restaurants for 2023 are as follows:

• Biergarten Restaurant: Located in the Germany Pavilion, guests ages 10 and up cost $71.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $38.00 per person.
• Chefs de France: Located in the France Pavilion, guests ages 10 and up cost $66.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $37.00 per person.
• Coral Reef Restaurant: Located in The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion, guests ages 10 and up cost $78.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $32.00 per person.
• Garden Grill Restaurant: Located in The Land, guests ages 10 and up cost $84.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $52.00 per person. Breakfast is offered for $71.00 (adults) and $43.00 (children).
• La Creperie de Paris: Located in the France Pavilion, guests ages 10 and up cost $53.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $27.00 per person.
• La Hacienda de San Angel: Located in the Mexico Pavilion, guests ages 10 and up cost $86.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $37.00 per person.
• Le Cellier Steakhouse: Located in the Canada Pavilion, guests ages 10 and up cost $104.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $42.00 per person.
• Nine Dragons Restaurant: Located in the Japan Pavilion, guests ages 10 and up cost $65.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $28.00 per person.
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Located in the American Adventure Pavilion, this package is for same-day dining only and priced at $41.00.
• Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya: Located in the Japan Pavilion, guests ages 10 and up cost $105.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $60.00 per person.
• Rose & Crown Dining Room: Located in the United Kingdom Pavilion, guests ages 10 and up cost $66.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $29.00 per person.
• Teppan Edo: Located in the Japan Pavilion, guests ages 10 and up cost $105.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $60.00 per person.
• Tutto Italia Ristorante: Located in the Italy Pavilion, guests ages 10 and up cost $75.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $28.00 per person.
• Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria: Located in the Italy Pavilion, guests ages 10 and up cost $63.00 per person and children ages 3 to 9 cost $27.00 per person.

While the “quick-service” dining food quality at the Regal Eagle is not of the quality as some of the other table service restaurants, the cost for our meal plus the reserved seating was completely worth the $41price.

Click here to make reservations for the Candlelight Processional Dining Package.

Best hotels to stay when visiting EPCOT for the holidays?

Local area hotels book up quickly so it is our recommendation that you get your reservations as early as possible.  Crowd levels are typically higher than usual due not only to this special event, but for summer vacations and fall holidays. Typically in the fall, there are always large conventions coming to Orlando where many hotels block off rooms for the convention attendees.

If you are planning on consuming a number of adult beverages during your visit, we would highly recommend you stay a hotel within walking distance or with a transportation service.

The Walt Disney World Boardwalk Resort Hotels

The Walt Disney World Boardwalk Resorts comprise the following resort hotels and vacation club properties:

• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas (vacation club)
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas (vacation club)

All three are within walking distance to Epcot’s International Gateway (the entrance in the World Showcase area of the park) and there is also a water taxi service that runs all day long.  

These resort hotel are very popular (especially during the holiday season) and rates are typically not cheap.  Prices range from less than $500 per night to more than $1,000 per night depending on the room type and the date of the stay. 

The Walt Disney World Dolphin

The Walt Disney World Dolphin is one of our favorite hotels in Orlando and it is our “go to” when we are planning on visiting Epcot.  The Dolphin is immediately adjacent to the Walt Disney World Boardwalk and within easy walking distance of both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Water taxi transportation is also available.

The Dolphin is part of the Marriott Bonvoy program so guests can earn or use points for their stay at one of the 1,514 rooms or suites.  There are extensive amenities and dining options at this massive resort.

Hotel rates range around $350.00 per night to more than $700.00 per night depending on the time a year and room type.