For some inexplicable reason that can only be described as a Christmas miracle, Disneyland has continued to uphold its overtly religious Candlelight ceremony every year since the park opened in 1955. A ceremony filled by light and wonder, where visitors to the “happiest place on earth” are invited to remember the holiest event in history, complete with traditional Christmas hymns like “Silent Night” and a reading of Luke’s Gospel from a celebrity guest.
This year’s reading was offered by none other than Chris Pratt from Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Past narrators include Darth Vader’s alter-ego James Earl Jones, Dick Van Dyke and Ginnifer Goodwin, whose vocal talents could be heard in “Zootopia.”
According to Theme Park Insider, the annual Candlelight processional offered at Disneyland is markedly different than the one offered at Disney World’s Epcot. For 63 years, the Disneyland event has remained “an exclusive affair, playing just four shows across two nights on the first weekend in December.” No seats are offered to the public and it’s invitation-only. Spectators, however, can watch the show in designated standing room-viewing areas in the perimeter of Main Street’s Town Square. – READ MORE