Holiday Candle Procession??

[Lolly&Rue]

I have been researching for our 2017 family trip that we have planned November 30 thru December 2nd and I am seeing a lot of rumors that the Holiday Candle Procession will likely fall on that weekend. I have been to disneyland several times but never during the Holiday season and have never heard of the Candle Procession. I quick google search tells me it is a private event that pretty much blocks the front gates (??) and that it is a very popular event (does that mean big crowds for the entire park the whole day??). Someone please tell me more about this event, how we should plan our day in the parks to avoid it, or if there is a way to be invited to this event, do they invite guest of their hotels also or it it only open to AP holders??(we are staying at the DLH). Thanks!!

Also any other popular events I should be aware of that could fall around my dates??

 

[SMD]

https://www.disboards.com/threads/candlelight-processional-2017.3610867/
https://www.disboards.com/threads/planning-mode-for-december-candlelight-processional.3569916/
https://www.disboards.com/threads/christmas-new-years-2017-thread.3606386

 

[Lolly&Rue]

Thank you!!