Updated December 8, 2025
This time honored tradition is one of my favorites.
With roots back to 1955, the year Disneyland opened, it’s a beautiful celebration of Christ’s birth told through Bible verses. A lovely symphony and choir accompany the readings.
Disneyland hosts shows on only 2 nights.
Epcot, at Walt Disney World, hosts shows nightly for over a month each year.
Here’s a quick reel of Silent Night being sung by guests, too, at the professional a few years ago. It’s so amazing.
What it’s All About
For approximately 45 minutes, the Candlelight Ceremony retells the story of the first Christmas in Bethlehem.
It is a beautiful Christ-focused celebration that leaves most guests in tears.
Bible verses, along with popular hymns, contribute to the production. The “living Christmas tree” builds as the choir arrives and the entire show is spectacular.
For a full history of the show at Disneyland, check out my friend Robert’s post at this link.
I’ve been an invited guest by Disneyland several times and have attended twice. It’s a magical experience through and through.
Disneyland
Disneyland hosts the Candlelight Processional on only two nights each year. They’re typically the first weekend of December, Saturday and Sunday.
Showtimes are usually at 5:30pm and 7:45pm.
Check my crowd calendar here for specifics.
These shows take place at the front of the park in Town Square, the area between the Main Street RR Station and Main Street. The narrator’s identity is top secret until the day of the first performance.
Disneyland’s events are very exclusive and invite-only. VIP, Club 33 members, city officials and more are included at Disney’s discretion.
People without an invitation line up for hours – sometimes all day – for a spot in chairs that remain open after invited guests find their seats. There’s a small standing area, too.
Should You Go Without a Seat?
As much as I want every guest to see it, I don’t recommend waiting for a chance at a seat. There’s no guarantee that you’ll get one and will have spent your whole park day trying.
In fact, I would plan your trip around this first weekend of December if possible. If you are in the parks, avoid the front of Disneyland from around 4:00pm to 9:00pm.
If you insist on taking a peek, literally walk the loop around the event and see as much as you can in small doses.
Disney cast members will direct you around this area, so just keep walking and take in what you can. I’ve had friends take several laps before and enjoyed it!
Here’s another approach: There are two showings each night. Hang out in the standing room area for the first show and when the crowd clears from that show, slide up to the front of the hopefuls waiting for a seat for the second show. You might be able to swoop in at the right time!
Disney Photos
Disney shared these official photos of the 2025 celebration:
Disney World
In Orlando, the show runs as many as 3 times a day for over a month! It’s open to all guests. Narrators are announced well in advance so you can choose your date based on celebrity if you wish.
Here’s the scoop on Candlelight at WDW.
Dining packages are available at WDW. Find details on your options at this link.
Notes
Candlelight weekend adjusts the entertainment schedule a bit so check here if you’re visiting during one of these event days. (For example, the parades will run twice still, but earlier in the day.)
For everything you need to know about the holiday season, running through January 7, 2026, check out this post.
Looking for candy cane info at Disneyland? Go here.
Planning a trip? Start with this post. It shares all sorts of basic planning info that will help you get organized.
Need discounted tickets and hotels? Check out my travel partner, Get Away Today. In business since 1990, they’re the absolute best with both pricing and service. This link takes you to them. Or you can call 855. GET.AWAY toll free.
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Let me know how I can help you plan!!
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