Since 1958 when Walt Disney was rumored to have asked his friend Dr. Charles Hirt of the University of Southern California if it were possible to have Christmas carolers assembled near his loft at the Main Street hub, Disneyland has helped to ring in the Christmas season with songs and the telling of the story of the life of Jesus.
Since it's first showing some fiity-five years ago, many traditions for the holiday season have changed. But not at Disneyland. Though last year they performance was expanded to twenty nights and brought us orators from Disney legends Kurt Russell and the most famous chimney sweep of them all - Dick Van Dyke, to Patricia Heaton, Molly Ringwald, Dennis Haysbert, Lou Diamond Phillips, Edward James Olmos and John Stamos.
The Candlelight Processional begins at 'It's A Small World' and makes it way to the Main Street Railroad Station, where it joins a full orchestra conducted by Nancy Sulahian. The more than 600 voices of the choir are from various churches and schools from all over Southern California, and some are from Disneyland Cast members who have been 'voluntearing' their voices for decades. They have all been rehearsing since late September and take great pride in being part of the performances. One place of note is the 'Living Christmas Tree'. One missed or late practice and your opportunity to be in it is lost.
With the Holiday Season now being rung in by Black Friday sales the day after Thanksgiving and mass marketing which seems to begin in September, THIS tradition rings true with the season and spirit of Christmas.
This year Disneyland returns to the two night tradition on Decenber 7th and 8th and features orators Blair Underwood and for a third season is none other than Kurt Russell. Mr. Russell is now the second Disney legend to preform three times, along with Dick Van Dyke.
