Walt Disney World updated the 2026 EPCOT Candlelight Processional narrator lineup today, adding Benjamin Bratt on December 2nd and 3rd and Josh Groban on December 13th and 14th. Both are new narrators, which brings the number of first-timers this year to five. Auli’i Cravalho no longer appears on the schedule for November 27th and 28th, and Disney now lists those opening nights as TBA. Here’s the latest.
2026 EPCOT Candlelight Processional Narrator Lineup Update
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- The two new narrators and the dates each one will perform
- The Nov. 27 and 28 shows, which are now to be announced
- The full updated narrator schedule, showtimes, and dining package booking date
The Candlelight Processional schedule now names a narrator for every night except the first two. Benjamin Bratt and Josh Groban fill the two dates that the original lineup left open, and the update arrives with the festival less than two months away. Candlelight Processional Dining Packages open for booking on October 14th, so guests can build their plans around the new names.
Candlelight Processional Narrator Changes
Benjamin Bratt takes the December 2nd and 3rd dates, and Josh Groban takes December 13th and 14th. Bratt joined Pixar’s segment at the D23 Entertainment Showcase in August to confirm that Ernesto de la Cruz returns in Coco 2. That gives his nights a built-in Disney connection for fans of the first film. Groban is the second addition. Auli’i Cravalho exits, no longer performing on opening night.
- Nov. 27 & 28: Disney no longer lists Auli’i Cravalho, and the dates are now to be announced
- Dec. 2 & 3: Benjamin Bratt (NEW), previously to be announced
- Dec. 13 & 14: Josh Groban (NEW), previously to be announced
Disney has not announced a narrator for November 27th and 28th. Gary Sinise now opens the named lineup on November 29th, and Disney says it is “thrilled to welcome new and returning narrators to the stage.” Narrator dates have shifted before, including last year, when Susan Egan replaced Jennifer Garner for early December dates.
Updated 2026 Candlelight Processional Narrator Schedule
Here is the full schedule as Disney now lists it, with the five first-time narrators marked.
- Nov. 27 & 28: To Be Announced
- Nov. 29-Dec. 1: Gary Sinise
- Dec. 2 & 3: Benjamin Bratt (NEW)
- Dec. 4 & 5: Whoopi Goldberg
- Dec. 6 & 7: Robin Roberts (NEW)
- Dec. 8 & 9: Jason Kelce (NEW)
- Dec. 10-12: Neil Patrick Harris
- Dec. 13 & 14: Josh Groban (NEW)
- Dec. 15 & 16: Lauren Daigle
- Dec. 17-19: Ralph Macchio
- Dec. 20 & 21: Henry Winkler
- Dec. 22 & 23: Lacey Chabert (NEW)
- Dec. 24 & 25: Jodi Benson
- Dec. 26 & 27: Simu Liu
- Dec. 28-30: Eva Longoria
Candlelight Processional takes place three times nightly at the America Gardens Theatre, at 4:45pm, 6:30pm, and 8:00pm, which is 15 minutes earlier than in 2025. Seating is first come, first served and often fills up fast. Our 2026 dining package guide lists pricing for all sixteen table-service restaurants, plus the same-day option at Regal Eagle Smokehouse.
Story So Far
- June 24: Disney confirmed the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays dates and details, including the return of Candlelight Processional with narrators still unannounced.
- Sept. 8: Disney announced the original narrator lineup, with three debut narrators and two dates listed as to be announced.
- Sept. 8: Disney released dining package restaurants and pricing for sixteen table-service restaurants and a same-day option.
- Sept. 28: Candlelight Processional showtimes moved 15 minutes earlier to match EPCOT’s 9pm park close during the festival.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!