Epcot tree lighting?

[Stitch1404]

Can anyone give me any information on this? Is it worth seeing? I would also love to know what time it happens. We are trying to plan our evening at Epcot. Here's what I'm hoping to do:

Dinner at Garden Grill at 4 (CP package)
Tree lighting
Candlelight Processional at 6:45
IllumiNations at 9:30

Am I crazy in thinking we can fit all this in? Also, is it feasable to make it from the tree lighting to the theater for the CP?

Thanks for any help!

 

[rkujay]

I would suggest it, highly. It is cute, and tugs at your Disney heart strings. Since it starts in November and goes to January (please don't quote me on this, but this is what my foggy old memory suggests), I think the times may vary due to light conditions.
It starts with the characters in a little warm up for the star guests (Mickey and Minnie). A little song and dance, and then the lighting. Takes about 15 minutes and leaves you feeling better than you were before.

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

The tree lighting is usually at 6pm. If your CP time is 6:45pm I would suggest getting in line for 6pm. You might be able to watch the tree lighting then rush off to the CP theater but you will not get as good of a seat. It will take you about 15 minutes for the tree lighting show and 15 minutes to walk over to the theater. That will put you only 15 minutes before the show. That will probably too late. Last year we took advantage of the CP package and we got to the theater about 45 minutes before our time. Even getting in line that early there were about 100 or so people in front of us. I would say skip the tree lighting if you really want to get a good seat for the Candlelight show.
Once the people with CP packages get in the theater, general audience people are admitted.

Good luck.

 

[Stitch1404]

This sounds so adorable, I definitely want to see it! But, I guess it's not a good idea to try to see it the same night we see the Candlelight Processional. I think we would be too rushed.

However, our trip is mainly in January, will this still be going on then?

 

[Hugpug]

It runs from Nov.14 try Jan.7 as far as I know I am sure someone else will come along and verify. As posted above there is no way you can do the tree lighting and CP on the evening unless you have a seating for 8:15 instead of 6:45.

 

[Stitch1404]

Great! I'm glad to hear it runs through the 7th. We will just hit it another night and plan for the Candlelight Processional and IllumiNations for this Epcot night. Thanks for the info!