Disney is already looking ahead to one of EPCOT’s most beloved holiday traditions, even though the festive season is still months away. The first major sign that the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is approaching has arrived, as Disney Live Entertainment has officially begun searching for new performers to help bring the Candlelight Processional to life later this year.Credit: DisneyFor many Walt Disney World fans, the Candlelight Processional is more than just another seasonal show. It has become an annual tradition that blends music, storytelling, and holiday spirit into one of the most memorable live performances on Disney property. Every year, thousands of guests fill the America Gardens Theatre to hear celebrity narrators tell the Christmas story while a full orchestra, choir, and the Voices of Liberty create the show’s unmistakable sound.Now, Disney is taking one of the first steps toward making that happen again in 2026.Disney Begins Building This Year’s Holiday CastAlthough the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays won’t begin until late November, Disney is already assembling the talent needed for the Candlelight Processional.Disney Live Entertainment has officially opened auditions for the Voices of Liberty, the acclaimed vocal ensemble that performs throughout EPCOT and serves as one of the signature elements of the Candlelight Processional each holiday season.The early audition process shows just how much planning goes into producing the annual event, which requires months of preparation before guests ever take their seats.Unlike many entertainment offerings that can be prepared relatively quickly, the Candlelight Processional relies on dozens of performers working together in perfect harmony. From rehearsals to scheduling celebrity narrators and coordinating the orchestra, Disney begins laying the foundation well before the first Christmas decorations appear throughout the park.The Voices of Liberty Remain the Heart of the PerformanceAnyone who has watched the Candlelight Processional knows just how important the Voices of Liberty are to the experience.The celebrated a cappella ensemble has become synonymous with EPCOT, performing patriotic favorites inside The American Adventure throughout the year before transitioning into the Candlelight Processional during the holidays.Credit: DisneyDuring the seasonal production, the group joins a massive choir and a live 50-piece orchestra while a celebrity narrator reads the traditional Christmas story. Herald trumpets add another dramatic layer, helping create the grand atmosphere that has made the performance a must-do holiday experience for countless Disney fans.The combination of orchestral music, powerful vocal performances, and celebrity narration has remained one of EPCOT’s defining holiday offerings for decades. While attractions and festivals continue to evolve, the Candlelight Processional has maintained a loyal following thanks to its timeless presentation.Disney Is Looking for Five Vocal PartsThis year’s auditions are focused on filling several different positions within the Voices of Liberty.Disney is currently casting performers for five vocal ranges:SopranoAltoTenorBaritoneBassThose selected will work seasonal contracts that run from November through early January 2027, covering the full Festival of the Holidays season and its rehearsals.Because the ensemble performs intricate harmonies every night during one of Walt Disney World’s busiest seasons, Disney places a strong emphasis on finding experienced vocalists capable of maintaining the high musical standards guests have come to expect.Here’s How the Audition Process WorksThe casting process begins with online submissions.Interested performers must record and submit a video audition through Disney’s audition portal before the application deadline. According to Disney’s timeline, submissions will remain open until July 20, giving singers just a limited window to apply.Credit: Jeff Kern, FlickrAfter reviewing submissions, Disney will invite selected performers to in-person callbacks.This year’s callback schedule includes two locations:August 19 in New YorkAugust 25 in OrlandoApplicants who advance to that stage are expected to receive notification by August 4, giving them time to prepare for the live audition process.It’s a competitive opportunity, as performers from across the country often apply for the limited number of positions available.Returning Performers Still Have to Audition AgainOne detail that may surprise longtime Disney fans is that previous performers don’t automatically return each holiday season.Even singers who have participated in past Candlelight Processional productions must submit a brand-new audition if they want to be considered for this year’s cast. Disney requires returning performers to go through the application process alongside everyone else rather than extending automatic invitations.That approach allows Disney to continually evaluate talent while ensuring each year’s ensemble meets the company’s performance expectations.A Holiday Tradition Worth Waiting ForWhile guests won’t hear the first notes of the Candlelight Processional for several more months, the casting announcement serves as an exciting reminder that the holiday season at Walt Disney World is already beginning to take shape behind the scenes.The 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is scheduled to run from November 27 through December 30, bringing back seasonal food booths, festive entertainment, holiday storytellers from around World Showcase, and, of course, the Candlelight Processional.Credit: Theme Park Tourist, FlickrFor many visitors, the nightly performances become the emotional centerpiece of the festival. Whether it’s hearing a favorite celebrity narrator, experiencing the soaring music of the orchestra, or watching the Voices of Liberty fill the theater with harmonies, the production has earned its reputation as one of Walt Disney World’s premier live entertainment offerings.With auditions now underway, Disney has officially begun the lengthy process of preparing another holiday season at EPCOT. Guests may still be enjoying the summer months, but behind the scenes, the company is already working to ensure that one of its most cherished Christmas traditions returns later this year with the same level of musical excellence and holiday magic fans have come to expect.The post It’s Official: Disney’s 2026 EPCOT Christmas Season Is Already Underway appeared first on Inside the Magic.