It was on this day in 1958 that Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland was first illuminated with choirs holding candles proceeding down to Town Square during the very first Candlelight Procession and Massed Choir Ceremony. The ceremony was conceived by Dr. Charles Hirt of the University of Southern California School of Music, who had been directing Christmas carolers in the park in previous years. Although that first ceremony took place around the flagpole with Dr. Hirt conducting from the center, it soon took place in front of the Disneyland Railroad Station for better guest visibility. Each year the ceremony would grow larger and larger with the addition of a full orchestra, fanfare trumpeters on the train station roof, big-name guest speakers, and the now traditional human Christmas tree of carolers in green robes on circular tiered platforms for a spectacular effect. Today, Candlelight Processionals are performed at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, where the popular event continues glowing strong.
