There’s nothing like the holidays at Disneyland: snow falls upon Main Street, a dazzling light display envelopes the Sleeping Beauty Castle, and Mickey and pals are in their festive garb. And for a lucky few, it also means an invitation to the park’s most exclusive event, the Disneyland Candlelight Processional.

The cherished annual tradition was created by Walt Disney himself in 1958 as a way to thank the local community and leaders for their support. Today, it is a magical celebration of the season showcased in a stage production with a live orchestra, sprawling choir, and celebrity narrator. This year, I was lucky to experience the very special tradition for myself. Here’s what it was like.

What is the Disneyland Candlelight?

The Disneyland Candlelight Processional is one of the oldest and most beloved traditions in the history of Disney theme parks. It’s held over just two nights each December with both the dates and celebrity narrator kept under wraps.

The top-notch production is a 45-minute musical retelling of the “The First Christmas Story,” the birth of Jesus, through classical song and narration. The show begins with a candlelight choir of 600 who parade down Main Street to Town Square. Once on stage, the choir becomes a “living Christmas tree” as many performers stand on a tree-shaped elevated riser.

The dazzling event continues with the Disneyland orchestra, vocalists, fanfare trumpeters, and a celebrity narrator who read portions of the Biblical story between classic hymns like “We Three Kings” and Handel’s “Messiah.” A particularly moving moment was a Spanish/English rendition of “Silent Night” where audience members were invited to join in.

Over the years, narrators have included James Earl Jones, Dick Van Dyke, Brie Larson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Viola Davis. This year, actor Benjamin Bratt was featured, known for films like ''Andor'' and ''Coco.''

Being a member of the choir is a coveted role and includes both community groups and Disney cast members, like Disneyland employees and Walt Disney Imagineers. It was an incredibly moving and grand experience that felt both intimate and lavish.

How to Visit

The affair features seating for just several hundred, and invitations are limited to personal guests of Disney and Club 33 members, Disneyland’s ultra-exclusive members-only club. However, with the event taking place on Main Street, it is possible to see the show from outside of the reserved seating area. The general public will typically line up at the park's opening, as early as 8 a.m., to reserve a standing-only spot outside of the main viewing area.

Disneyland Holiday Traditions

Annual holiday traditions are a cornerstone of Disneyland. The resort-wide celebration features limited-time foods, décor, and seasonal fireworks that run through early January. Favorites include the Disney Festival of Holidays, a multi-cultural food festival, and special attraction overlays, including the festive transformation of it’s a small world.