The countdown to Christmas at Walt Disney World is officially underway, but Disney has been making a few adjustments before its holiday entertainment begins.
EPCOT is preparing to welcome guests for another season of festive music, decorations, and special performances. Among the returning experiences is a longtime Christmas tradition that attracts visitors from across the country.
This year's celebration features several familiar celebrities, although the original schedule didn't remain intact.
After one announced performer disappeared from the lineup, Disney left two important dates without a replacement.
Now, the company has finally revealed who will take over, and the announcement comes just weeks before the holiday festivities begin.
An Unexpected Change Leaves Disney With Two Open Dates
The 2026 EPCOT Candlelight Processional originally included Auli'i Cravalho among its celebrity narrators.
However, Disney removed the actress from the schedule earlier in October, leaving November 27 and 28 without an announced performer.
Those dates are particularly important because they mark the beginning of this year's Candlelight Processional performances.
With the event scheduled to begin during Thanksgiving weekend, guests planning holiday vacations were left waiting for an update.
Disney has now confirmed that actor and singer Jordan Fisher will fill both openings.
WDWMAGIC reported officially completing the celebrity schedule for the 2026 season.
Fisher's involvement gives the opening weekend a recognizable name while bringing another Disney-connected performer into the celebration.
Jordan Fisher Has a Special Connection to Magic Kingdom
Many Walt Disney World guests have already experienced Fisher's work without necessarily realizing it.
He performs “Happily Ever After,” the song featured in Magic Kingdom's nighttime fireworks spectacular of the same name.
The performance has become a familiar part of the park's nighttime entertainment, connecting Fisher to one of Disney World's most recognizable experiences.
Outside the theme parks, Fisher has enjoyed success across television, film, and music.
He won the 25th season of Dancing with the Stars and appeared in Grease: Live (2016).
He also appeared in the Netflix romantic comedy To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020).
While fans may associate him with singing and acting, his newest Disney role will focus on storytelling.
During the Candlelight Processional, Fisher will narrate the traditional Christmas story as a live orchestra and choir accompany the presentation.
It's a different kind of performance from the fireworks spectacular at Magic Kingdom, but one that fits naturally into EPCOT's annual holiday celebration.
Disney's Christmas Celebration Features Several Major Names
Fisher isn't the only recognizable celebrity participating in the 2026 Candlelight Processional.
The lineup includes Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Neil Patrick Harris, Josh Groban, Henry Winkler, and Eva Longoria.
Disney has also scheduled appearances by Benjamin Bratt, Robin Roberts, Jason Kelce, Lauren Daigle, Ralph Macchio, and Lacey Chabert.
Disney fans may be particularly interested in Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in The Little Mermaid (1989).
Benson will narrate the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day performances.
Meanwhile, Marvel actor Simu Liu will appear December 26 and 27 before Eva Longoria concludes the season December 28 through 30.
Each narrator brings a different personality to the presentation, which helps make the Candlelight Processional a unique experience for returning visitors.
With Fisher now confirmed, all performances have an assigned celebrity narrator.
How to Experience the Candlelight Processional in 2026
The Candlelight Processional returns to the America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT on November 27 and continues through December 30.
Guests can choose between three nightly performances scheduled for 4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.
The event takes place during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, presented by AdventHealth.
For visitors hoping to attend, Disney offers two main seating options.
Guests can wait in the regular standby line, where seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Alternatively, visitors can reserve a Candlelight Processional Dining Package, which includes a restaurant meal and guaranteed seating for a performance later that day.
Dining package reservations are already open for the holiday season.
Because the event attracts significant interest, especially during busy holiday periods, visitors should consider their options before arriving.
Fisher's opening weekend appearances could be particularly appealing to fans familiar with his Magic Kingdom connection.
Although the original schedule changed, Disney has now finalized its 2026 celebrity lineup.
With Thanksgiving weekend approaching, EPCOT is nearly ready to welcome another season of holiday storytelling, live music, and celebrity performances.
