Candlelight Processional information from today's (12/02/19)
MP DLR Update:
Disneyland's Candlelight Processional takes place this Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8. Started by Walt Disney in 1958 as a community appreciation event, the show features a candlelight choir made up of cast members and community choir members, all accompanied by the Disneyland orchestra. Celebrity guest narrators read the Christmas story in between songs.
Disneyland rarely officially announces the celebrity narrator in advance, though word has sometimes leaked out early. In the past two years, it has managed lock down the rumor mill until the narrator stepped out for a pre-show sound check on Saturday afternoon, and we again have no idea who to expect at the podium this weekend.
After trying a few times to make this a larger public offering with dining packages and reserved viewing, Disney has returned to the practice of treating Candlelight as a private event that just happens to take place in the middle of an operating theme park. Invited guests include community and civic leaders, as well as media and Club 33 members.
It is very difficult for other visitors to get a perfect view of the show without devoting an entire day to saving a spot on Main Street, U.S.A. Still, this event has become an annual tradition for many of our readers, and we share tips from past years to hope you enjoy—or avoid—the Candlelight Ceremony and Processional as it takes over Main Street, U.S.A. for this most magical weekend.
Event schedule
There are two performances each day. The following is our best estimate of the schedule for Saturday and Sunday based on information provided by cast members and on previous years. This information is unofficial, and subject to change:
- 4:45 p.m. – Seating of invited guests begins for the first performance.
- 5:20 p.m. – The first processional begins.
- 5:30 p.m. – The first ceremony begins at Town Square.
- 7:15 p.m. – Seating of invited guests begins for the second performance.
- 7:35 p.m. – The second processional begins.
- 7:45 p.m. – The second ceremony begins at Town Square.
Standby viewing
You have some options if you want to view the ceremony. Standby viewing is very limited, and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Bench seating is available near the Christmas tree on the west side of Town Square; standing room-only locations are near City Hall, the Opera House, and any open spaces behind the seating area in Town Square. Viewing areas for the 5:30 p.m. performance opens at park opening (8 a.m. each day, with Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning at 7 a.m. on Saturday), but viewing areas on the east side of Main Street are not available until after the 3:15 p.m. "A Christmas Fantasy" parade passes that location.
All guests must leave the viewing area after the first performance has concluded. The line for the 7:45 p.m. performance then forms at the south end of Main Street, as soon as the 5:20 p.m. Processional has passed.
Guests with disabilities may sit in any of these viewing areas. A special assistance viewing area will also be provided on the east side of the viewing area, outside of the Opera House.
Enjoy the processional
If you don't want to devote the day to saving the perfect spot on Main Street, you can still enjoy the Processional down Main Street, U.S.A. and hear the performers sing as they walk to the stage. Just grab an open spot along the curb on Main Street, between the Camera Shop and the Christmas tree. The first processional begins at 5:20 p.m., and the second at 7:35 p.m.
Operational effects
The performances on Saturday and Sunday affect numerous stores and attractions in the Town Square area. Based on past year's schedules, expect changes to the entertainment schedule, and attraction, food, and store closures to be in effect both days:
- A Christmas Fantasy Parade – erformances at 12:45 and 3:15 p.m.
- Main Street Vehicles – closed 12:30 p.m. to midnight
- Main Street Opera House – closed 3:00 to 10:00 p.m.
- Tomorrowland Theater – closed 1:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- The Mad Hatter on Main Street – closed 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- The Disney Gallery – closed 4:45 to 9:00 p.m.
- Town Square popcorn and churro carts – closed all day
- Disneyland Railroad – closed during performances
- Jungle Cruise – closed during performances
- Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty Castle – one performance at 7:00 p.m.
Traffic flow
Disneyland will again use the backstage passageways behind Main Street, U.S.A. If you don't need to be on Main Street between 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., take advantage of lighter crowds throughout the rest of the park.
) and going to DCA on the 8th. However, its currently predicting 40% chance of rain on the 7th and 10% on the 8th. Of course, I know that may change. We are doing 1 park per day tickets to save $$, so we will need a plan before we enter the park for the day. 
