We were beyond thrilled to see Disney release the official list of Candlelight Processional narrators we’ll get to see at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays this year, but we have to admit that we had to look twice when we realized a certain name wasn’t on there.

Neil Patrick Harris Narrating the Candlelight Processional

Neil Patrick Harris has been a narrator for this special event for the past three years in a row, as well as multiple years prior, but this year, his name isn’t on the list. We’re looking forward to seeing the other narrators, don’t get us wrong, but we know we’re not alone in being a little bummed and wondering why he’s not in attendance this year. We did some digging, though, and it makes TOTAL sense why he won’t be there this year!

As it turns out, Neil Patrick Harris is currently on Broadway, starring in the show ART by Yasmina Reza. This show is only available for a limited time, with the final show on the calendar currently showing to be December 21st. This show follows three longtime friends as they debate a pricey piece of art and argue over what truly constitutes “art.” Throughout the show, they uncover long-held grievances and tension points in their relationships, and it becomes a question of whether their friendship will survive.

©ART

We’re a little bummed we’ll miss out on seeing Neil during this year’s event, but we know the Candlelight Processional isn’t the only thing that brings him to Disney World often. Back in 2019, he created the Black Magic Margarita at La Cava del Tequila, and then we spotted it at Choza de Margarita in the Mexico Pavilion in 2021.

©La Cava del Tequila || Neil Patrick Harris at La Cava Del Tequila

He was just at La Cava del Tequila most recently (or, that’s when the restaurant posted about it) in December 2024, so it’s possible we could see him stop by the parks at a different time to grab a drink (we totally get it, we’d do the same thing).

©La Cava del Tequila

If you are planning to attend the Candlelight Processional this year, here are all the narrators you can see!

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

Candlelight Processional

Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news!

Everything we know so far about this year’s International Festival of the Holidays!

DON'T MISS A MOMENT
OF HOLIDAY MAGIC

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What narrator are you most excited to see this year? Tell us in the comments!