What are some of your favorite holiday traditions at Walt Disney World Resort? For some people it’s the magic of seeing Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Cinderella Castle adorned in Christmas lights. Unfortunately, certain holiday events, such as the Candlelight Processional, had to be canceled this year due to the ongoing pandemic. However, Disney World is still offering wonderful holiday events to check out out at Epcot! But one thought is still running through our minds…Is it possible to host the Candlelight Processional as a virtual event for the 2020 holidays?
EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional
To better describe the special event, EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional is a beloved holiday tradition. It features a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator. The narrator is accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious choir. The festive performance usually takes place annually at Epcot in November and December. We saw quite a few incredible narrators, such as John Stamos and Kurt Russell in recent years!
Virtual Candlelight Processional
So what makes the event so special at Epcot? It’s a heartwarming experience that sends a message of hope and love. Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of a savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem. All the while, gorgeous choral pieces are woven into the production as an orchestra and choir provide and inspirational backdrop with songs of hope and joy.
It would be possible to have a narrator recite the story for a virtual audience. The music and choir can also be performed in separate locations for social distancing.
Keep reading to learn about this year’s Festival of Holidays at Epcot!
Festival of the Holidays
We’ve got all the details for this year’s Festival of the Holidays at Epcot! This year it is Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth and takes place Nov. 27-Dec. 30, 2020. This magical event will feature delicious food and fun activities for the whole family. It’s a great chance to see some Disney characters in their holiday finest!
At this year’s festival, enjoy a global celebration of seasonal cuisine at the Holiday Kitchens, located throughout World Showcase, including three kitchens inside World ShowPlace Events Pavilion. Indulge in festival favorites like the slow-roasted turkey from the American Holiday Table, pork schnitzel at the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen or the beef bourguignon from the Yukon Holiday Kitchen.
As guests sip, savor and sample their way through the Holiday Kitchens, they may spot some of their favorite characters – dressed in their holiday best – traveling through World Showcase to spread holiday cheer. Keep an eye out for Queen Anna and Elsa in the “Frozen Holiday Promenade,” and Mickey Mouse and his pals making merry on the “Mickey and Friends Holiday World Tour.” And we can’t forget about Santa Claus! When Santa visits Epcot during this festive time of year, he’ll take a grand horse-drawn tour around World Showcase, calling out happy holiday wishes to all.
Holiday Entertainment
Be sure to visit America Gardens Theatre to enjoy the sounds of the season from Voices of Liberty! They will share popular Christmas carols through their incredible harmonies. Mariachi Cobre will bring to life Las Posadas, a celebration of Mexican holiday customs through music and dance. Over at the Canada pavilion, JAMMitors will grace the Mill Stage with their playful percussion. And, enjoy the shopping, sights AND sounds inside World ShowPlace as fan-favorite JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season will bring you on an uplifting journey through R&B, gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music.
Epcot’s Cookie Stroll
We’re so excited that the Holiday Cookie Stroll is returning this year. The delicious array of sweet treats to choose from will include cookies from five different locations throughout the park. You can also pick up an adorable cookie jar to collect all of your cookies, available for purchase at the Holiday Markets throughout World Showcase, while supplies last.
To share holiday traditions from around the world, everyone’s favorite snowman from Frozen invites kids of all ages on the new “Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition,” a festive adventure around World Showcase to round up holiday traditions Olaf misplaces. Guests can purchase the expedition map at Mouse Gear, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway, then look for hidden Olafs throughout the World Showcase pavilions. Once they find them all, they’ll receive a gift worth melting for (while supplies last).
Seasons Greetings
The holiday season across the rest of Walt Disney World Resort begins Nov. 6, 2020, with seasonal celebrations at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs and Disney Resort hotels.
Furthermore, we do think a virtual Candlelight Processional would be phenomenal since it would brighten the spirits of many. If we can’t experience it in person at Disney World this holiday season, then a virtual option could be viable. Would you like to see Disney offer a special virtual performance of EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional?
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
- Fun Facts about the Gingerbread Displays at Disney World - December 11, 2022
- Sugar Rush Needs to Replace Tomorrowland Speedway in the Magic Kingdom - December 11, 2022
- Fun Facts about the Holiday Decor at Disney World - December 10, 2022
