A Definitive Ranking of Disney’s Holiday Candlelight Processional Narrators
Who’s worth skipping Rise of the Resistance for?
Epcot’s Candlelight Processional is one of Disney’s most cherished holiday traditions. Every year, Disney celebs tell the story of Christmas accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and choir singing holiday songs and hymns. As with any Disney event, some celebrities in attendance are bigger and better than others. So, now that the 2024 narrator list has been announced for December, here is our ranking of the narrators based on who is a must-see — and who you could use the time to get in line for Test Track.
Note: sadly, at the time of publishing, we’ve already missed one of our highly anticipated narrators, Josh Gad. May Olaf’s performance live on forever in our top three.
1. Nico Santos (Dec. 1 & 2)
Not to have low expectations for the new narrator, but if you’re going to introduce someone new, we expect a little more star power — or at least a bigger connection to Disney than a brief appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
2. Edward James Olmos (Dec. 24-26)
Speaking of a connection to Disney, Olmos has held many roles in films and television shows, however, we’re not sure he’s still pulling in audiences. Especially not on some of the busiest days of the Disney year — Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
3. Pat Sajak (Dec. 19-21)
Sorry, Mr. Sajak, but now that you’ve retired from Wheel of Fortune, it might be time to retire from the processional, too. The kids likely didn’t know who you were before and now that Ryan Seacrest has the job, you’re definitely not sparking recognition with anyone under the age of 20.
4. Gloria Estefan (Dec. 22 & 23)
Estefan is always a queen, however, likely not one we’d skip our Genie+ reservation for. But, if we happen to be free at 5, 6:45, or 8:15, we’d likely stop over.
5. Chrissy Metz (Dec. 3 & 5)
Metz made her Candlelight Processional debut in 2023, and she was great. So, if you didn’t see her reading last year, we’d recommend it. However, if you did, you’re probably feeling content with your dinner reservation that night.
6. Whoopi Goldberg (Dec. 6 & 7)
Hey, the Disney Legend is here. Whoo-pie! Goldberg is a pro at the Candlelight Processional narration by now. If you’ve yet to catch her near-yearly performance, now’s your chance. But, we don’t think we’d be booking our Epcot day just to see her.
7. Gary Sinise (Dec. 15 & 16)
Oh, Lieutenant Dan, how we’ve missed your narration. Sinise is back after nearly five years, and we know this is one your mom will be dragging you to if you’re there. So, just embrace it.
8. Brendan Fraser (Dec. 11 & 12)
Fraser is returning for his second year, and while we all know we could go a few miles down the road to Universal to see him in the Revenge of the Mummy ride, the narration might scratch the same itch. Who are we kidding? Nothing beats Fraser screaming for his cup of coffee — but a Christmas narration will just have to do.
9. Ralph Macchio (Dec. 13 & 14)
Karate Kid, what are you doing here? Fresh off the final season of Netflix’s Cobra Kai, Macchio seems to be doing well for himself in his second stint of fame. He’s yet another narrator that your mom will likely drag you to see — however, because this is his first go, we bet it’s worth it.
10. Sterling K. Brown (Dec. 27 & 28)
Disney is still really leaning into the This Is Us stars. However, with their new podcast, That Was Us, it makes sense. At least Brown has had a few memorable Disney roles that make his presence extra welcomed. Plus, there’s just something about his voice that we know makes the story of Christmas sound extra soothing.
11. Tituss Burgess (Dec. 8-10)
Now this is the star power we’re looking for in the new additions. Burgess isn’t only our most anticipated new narrator, he’s one of the most exciting narrators, in general. We love when a theatrical Broadway performer — like Josh Gad or Rita Moreno — makes their processional debut. It just adds a new je ne sais quoi to the performance.
12. Jodi Benson (Dec. 29 & 30)
As excited as we are for Burgess’ performance, you already know that the real-life Ariel has to place near the top of our list. She’s back for her 10th year as a Candlelight Processional narrator and we’re sure the lines for these shows will be long — maybe even longer than Soarin’. But, it’s 100% worth it.
13. Neil Patrick Harris (Dec. 17 & 18)
We’ll be honest, there are only two Candlelight Processional narrators we would buy tickets to Disney World just to see read the story of Christmas: Josh Gad and Neil Patrick Harris. Since we already missed Gad, catch us checking flight prices for NPH’s performance. Harris is the longest-tenured narrator, and one we’re sure the various YouTube videos of his readings don’t do justice to him speaking live. If we’re in Epcot Dec. 17 or 18, you might just find us happily sitting through multiple shows instead of drinking around the world.