EPCOT Candlelight Processional Narrator List Announced, No Neil Patrick Harris or Whoopi Goldberg

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EPCOT has revealed who will be narrating this year’s Christmas Candlelight Processional in 2025. The list includes several new faces, and notably, Neil Patrick Harris and Whoopi Goldberg, both popular narrators in past years, will not be participating this time.

EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional is a beloved yearly Christmas tradition. It beautifully retells the story of Jesus’ birth with a live orchestra, choir, and a special celebrity narrator. Held at the America Gardens Theatre, the show features a 50-piece orchestra and a choir made up of Disney cast members and guest singers. It’s one of the few performances at Walt Disney World that specifically focuses on the Christian story of the Nativity.

This event is included with your regular EPCOT ticket. If you’d like a guaranteed seat, you can book a dining package that includes reserved seating.

Possible Reason for Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg Absences

Neil Patrick Harris and Whoopi Goldberg are usually key parts of EPCOT’s Christmas celebrations, so many people have noticed they aren’t participating this year. Fans have already speculated about why Neil Patrick Harris isn’t involved.

He’s currently acting in a Broadway play called *ART* which runs until December 21, 2025. Because of this, he might not be available to record narration in late November or December. Whoopi Goldberg doesn’t have any known scheduling conflicts and is continuing her work hosting *The View* on Disney ABC.

Recent months have seen reports of tension between Disney leadership and the hosts of *The View*. According to some sources, Bob Iger specifically requested that the show’s hosts moderate their political discussions, but they declined.

Full Narrator Lineup for 2025

Disney has revealed the celebrity lineup for the 2025 Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. From November 28th to December 30th, these narrators will take the stage at the America Gardens Theater for performances each night at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.

Dates Celebrity Narrator
Nov. 28‑29 Constance Wu (NEW)
Nov. 30‑Dec. 2 Jordan Fisher
Dec. 3‑4 Jennifer Garner (NEW)
Dec. 5‑6 Ashley Eckstein
Dec. 7‑8 Ralph Macchio
Dec. 9‑10 Leslie Uggams (NEW)
Dec. 11‑13 Marlee Matlin
Dec. 14‑15 Henry Winkler (NEW)
Dec. 16‑17 Lauren Daigle (NEW)
Dec. 18‑19 Gary Sinise
Dec. 20‑22 Brendan Fraser
Dec. 23‑24 Luis Fonsi
Dec. 25‑26 Joel Smallbone (NEW)
Dec. 27‑28 Brie Larson (NEW)
Dec. 29‑30 Sheryl Lee Ralph (NEW)

Based on past events, Brendan Fraser is expected to be a big draw this year, so guests should arrive early to ensure they get a good spot.

New Voices this Year

I’m so excited about the voices joining us for 2025! We’ve got eight amazing new narrators this year: Constance Wu, Jennifer Garner, Henry Winkler, Leslie Uggams, Lauren Daigle, Joel Smallbone, Brie Larson, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. I can’t wait to hear what they bring to the stories!

Since this is a modern take on the Christmas story from the Bible, it’s noteworthy that Disney featured two Christian musicians this year: Lauren Daigle and Joel Smallbone from the band For KING & COUNTRY.

Lauren Daigle and for KING & COUNTRY (Joel and Luke Smallbone) have both graced the stage at EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival – Daigle in 2019 and for KING & COUNTRY in 2023. Daigle also appeared in the 2019 Disney Christmas Day Parade. It’s great that Disney included both artists, particularly since Joel Smallbone now performs on the Christmas Day parade special.

Conclusion

The lineup for the 2025 EPCOT Candlelight Processional has been revealed, and fans are noting both new and returning narrators. This year, Neil Patrick Harris and Whoopi Goldberg won’t be participating, but Lauren Daigle and Joel Smallbone are among those joining the event.

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2025-09-21 16:59