One of the most recognizable voices in holiday music is heading to EPCOT. Disney has added Josh Groban to the 2026 Candlelight Processional lineup, and he’ll narrate the beloved holiday tradition on December 13 and 14 at the America Gardens Theatre.
Why Josh Groban Is a Perfect Fit
For many families, Josh Groban is as much a part of the holidays as the tree. His 2007 Christmas album Noël was the best selling album in the United States that year, and his recording of “Believe” from The Polar Express earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Disney fans also know him from “Evermore,” which he sang for the end credits of the 2017 live action Beauty and the Beast.
He’s also a Broadway veteran, with Tony nominations for Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 and the 2023 revival of Sweeney Todd, so he’s well practiced at commanding a live audience.
Celebrity narrators read the Christmas story while the choir and orchestra perform, so whether Groban will sing during his appearance hasn’t been announced. Either way, expect his two nights to be among the most requested of the season.
Benjamin Bratt Also Joins the Lineup
Groban isn’t the only new addition. Benjamin Bratt, known for Law & Order, Miss Congeniality and voicing Ernesto de la Cruz in Pixar’s Coco, will narrate on December 2 and 3.
Auli’i Cravalho, who was part of the original lineup announced in September, no longer appears on Disney’s list, and her November 27 and 28 dates are now listed as to be announced. Disney has not shared a reason for the change.
Updated 2026 Candlelight Processional Narrator Lineup
- November 27 and 28: To be announced
- November 29 to December 1: Gary Sinise
- December 2 and 3: Benjamin Bratt (new)
- December 4 and 5: Whoopi Goldberg
- December 6 and 7: Robin Roberts
- December 8 and 9: Jason Kelce
- December 10 to 12: Neil Patrick Harris
- December 13 and 14: Josh Groban (new)
- December 15 and 16: Lauren Daigle
- December 17 to 19: Ralph Macchio
- December 20 and 21: Henry Winkler
- December 22 and 23: Lacey Chabert
- December 24 and 25: Jodi Benson
- December 26 and 27: Simu Liu
- December 28 to 30: Eva Longoria
Narrator schedules can change, so check Disney’s official narrator schedule before your visit.
How to See the Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional runs nightly from November 27 through December 30 as part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, included with your EPCOT admission. Shows take place at the America Gardens Theatre at 4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Standby seating is first come, first served, and for a narrator as popular as Groban, lines will form very early. If you want a guaranteed seat, the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages open for booking on October 14. Each package includes a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant along with reserved seating for the show. Expect Groban’s dates to book up quickly, so be ready when the window opens.
See everything else happening this season in our complete Disney World Christmas 2026 guide.
You May Also Enjoy: EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Returns November 27 Through December 30, 2026
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