Disney Announces Lacey Chabert, Jason Kelce for Candlelight Processional

Disney World has unveiled its 2026 Candlelight Processional narrator lineup, and Epcot holiday fans have plenty to celebrate. The beloved Christmas tradition returns to the American Gardens Theater from Nov. 27 through Dec. 30, bringing a star-studded mix of Disney favorites, television personalities, musicians, athletes and longtime returning narrators to one of the resort’s most moving seasonal experiences.

With Auli’i Cravalho opening the event, Jason Kelce making his debut and veterans such as Gary Sinise, Neil Patrick Harris and Whoopi Goldberg coming back, this year’s schedule may be one of the most exciting in recent memory.

Disney World Reveals a Major Candlelight Processional Lineup for 2026

The Candlelight Processional is more than a celebrity appearance. It’s a sweeping live presentation featuring an orchestra, a mass choir and the traditional retelling of the Christmas story, with each narrator bringing a distinctive presence to the stage.

It has become an essential stop for many visitors during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, especially for guests who want a little more heart and pageantry amid the seasonal food booths, decorations and festive entertainment.

In 2026, the Processional will be presented three times nightly, giving visitors multiple chances to catch a performance during their Epcot day. The event is included with regular Epcot admission, but dedicated fans know that dining packages can be a smart move for guaranteed seating at this enormously popular holiday production.

Auli’i Cravalho Starts the Holiday Magic

Auli’i Cravalho will kick off the 2026 Candlelight Processional on Nov. 27 and 28. The performer, widely recognized as the voice of Moana in Disney’s 2016 animated hit, brings a natural Disney connection to opening weekend.

Her involvement feels especially fitting for an event that blends storytelling, music and the emotional pull of classic Disney holiday traditions. Opening weekend is typically one of the most sought-after periods of the entire festival, with Thanksgiving crowds flowing into the start of the Christmas season.

Cravalho’s appearance gives Disney fans an extra reason to plan an early holiday visit, particularly those hoping to experience the first performances of the year before the December rush reaches its peak.

Jason Kelce, Robin Roberts and Lacey Chabert Join the Celebration

Disney has added several fresh faces to the Candlelight Processional roster, making 2026 feel notably different from previous years. Broadcaster Robin Roberts, former NFL standout Jason Kelce and Hallmark favorite Lacey Chabert are among the newcomers set to take the stage, and each brings a very different audience to Epcot’s holiday lineup.

The additions show how broad the appeal of Candlelight has become. This is an event that can draw Disney traditionalists, sports fans, morning television viewers and people who schedule their entire holiday season around cozy Christmas movies.

Jason Kelce Brings Football Star Power to Epcot

Jason Kelce is scheduled to narrate Dec. 8 and 9, marking a high-profile debut for the former NFL player. Kelce has built a huge following well beyond football through his personality, humor and growing entertainment profile, so his two-night run could become one of the surprise hottest tickets of the season.

His arrival also continues Disney’s trend of tapping personalities who can attract guests outside the traditional film-and-television celebrity circuit. For fans who watched Kelce dominate on the field and become a pop-culture fixture off it, seeing him in the grand, reverent setting of Candlelight Processional should be an unforgettable change of pace.

Robin Roberts and Lacey Chabert Add Holiday-TV Appeal

Robin Roberts will narrate on Dec. 6 and 7, bringing her familiar broadcast presence to the American Gardens Theater. As one of television’s most recognizable and trusted personalities, Roberts feels like an ideal fit for an event built around warmth, reflection and community.

Lacey Chabert takes over Dec. 22 and 23, perfectly positioned just ahead of Christmas. Her dates arrive as her Disney World-set Hallmark Channel movie, Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, premieres Nov. 28.

That timing gives Chabert’s Candlelight appearance an extra layer of holiday-movie magic, especially for fans eager to see a Hallmark favorite in the place that inspired her latest festive project.

Returning Legends Will Anchor the 2026 Schedule

For all the exciting first-timers, the Candlelight Processional wouldn’t feel complete without its returning icons. Disney has once again scheduled several of the event’s most beloved narrators, including Gary Sinise, Neil Patrick Harris and Whoopi Goldberg.

Their appearances are practically holiday traditions in their own right, with loyal fans often planning trips around specific narrator dates. These repeat performers understand the unique rhythm of the show.

Candlelight isn’t about flashy improvisation or a standard celebrity meet-and-greet. It calls for sincerity, command of a live audience and a voice that can carry a timeless story across a theater filled with thousands of holiday visitors.

Gary Sinise Extends His Remarkable Candlelight Record

Gary Sinise will appear Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, marking his 15th year as a Candlelight Processional narrator. That’s the most appearances of any celebrity in the event’s history, an extraordinary milestone for a performer whose presence has become synonymous with Epcot’s holiday season.

Neil Patrick Harris follows on Dec. 10 through 12 for his 14th time as narrator. Harris remains a perennial fan favorite thanks to his theatrical polish, sharp timing and obvious affection for Disney entertainment.

Whoopi Goldberg, set for Dec. 4 and 5, will make her 13th Candlelight appearance, continuing another impressive legacy at the event.

Full 2026 Candlelight Processional Narrator Schedule

The narrator lineup remains subject to change, and Disney still has a few dates to fill. Dec. 2 and 3 are currently listed as to be announced, as are Dec. 13 and 14.

Guests considering a trip should keep an eye on Disney updates, particularly because the unannounced slots could bring even more major names into the mix.

Here is the currently announced 2026 schedule:

• Nov. 27-28: Auli’i Cravalho
• Nov. 29-Dec. 1: Gary Sinise
• Dec. 2-3: To be announced
• Dec. 4-5: Whoopi Goldberg
• Dec. 6-7: Robin Roberts
• Dec. 8-9: Jason Kelce
• Dec. 10-12: Neil Patrick Harris
• Dec. 13-14: To be announced
• Dec. 15-16: Lauren Daigle
• Dec. 17-18: Ralph Macchio
• Dec. 20-21: Henry Winkler
• Dec. 22-23: Lacey Chabert
• Dec. 24-25: Jodi Benson
• Dec. 26-27: Simu Liu
• Dec. 28-30: Eva Longoria

The Final Weeks Bring Disney Icons and Fan Favorites

The second half of December is loaded with appealing choices. Grammy-winning artist Lauren Daigle appears Dec. 15 and 16, followed by The Karate Kid star Ralph Macchio on Dec. 17 and 18.

Henry Winkler brings his beloved screen presence to Dec. 20 and 21, setting the stage for Chabert’s pre-Christmas run. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day belong to Jodi Benson, the legendary voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

Then comes Simu Liu on Dec. 26 and 27, followed by Eva Longoria, who closes out the season from Dec. 28 through 30. It’s a finish that gives post-Christmas visitors a compelling reason to keep the holiday festivities going right through the final days of the festival.

How to Experience Candlelight Processional at Epcot

Candlelight Processional is included with Epcot admission, but standby availability can be limited, especially when major fan favorites are scheduled. Guests with a must-see narrator in mind may want to consider one of Disney’s dining packages. These include a meal at a participating restaurant and guaranteed seating for a performance.

The 2026 lineup has all the ingredients of a blockbuster holiday season: Disney voices, Hallmark charm, sports-world buzz, television familiarity and the return of Candlelight’s most celebrated veterans. Whether the goal is seeing Jason Kelce’s first appearance, catching Neil Patrick Harris in his element or hearing Jodi Benson narrate on Christmas Day, Epcot has made one thing clear: this holiday tradition is ready to shine brighter than ever.