The holidays run on tradition: Nutcrackers on beloved stages, Messiahs ringing out in historic churches, carols sung by candlelight in neighborhood sanctuaries. But for those looking to shake things up, the festive offers a chance to branch out with brass ensembles swinging the standards, joyful mariachi, and jazzy takes on holiday favorites. As ever, SF Classical Voice offers our annual guide to help you sort through the full range of offerings across the Los Angeles area. Whether you’re here for the comfort of the familiar or the spark of something new, this guide is sure to have something for you.
Star Singers for the Season
El Portal Theatre: “The Big Fat Christmas Show” (Dec. 5) — Broadway meets Sunset Boulevard in this singing and dancing show! Icons including Paul Vogt, Rory O’Malley, Laura Bell Bundy, and more lend their talent to raise funds and awareness for HOPE THE MISSION, which is committed to preventing, reducing, and eliminating poverty, hunger, and homelessness.
The Soraya: Gregory Porter — “Christmas Wish” (Dec. 6) — Returning to The Soraya after a sold-out 2022 debut, Gregory Porter — the soul, gospel, and jazz artist — brings cool yule selections from his Christmas Wish album to The Soraya. The performance will encompass gospel, the Great American Songbook, and the best of Motown.
The Ahmanson: “Ben Platt: Live at the Ahmanson” (Dec. 12–21) — In a two-week residency, the singer and actor returns to the stage and city where he launched his career. He’ll share the concert with some starry special guests as he sings his pop hits and Broadway favorites.
BroadStage: Jane Lynch’s “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” (Dec. 17) — Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet blend comedy and music in a performance centered around their best-selling A Swingin’ Little Christmas holiday album.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts: Jessica Vosk — “Sleigh” (Dec. 17) — Broadway and cabaret star Jessica Vosk returns to the Segerstrom with an eight-piece band to perform classics and new carols from her 2024 album, Sleigh.
Pacific Symphony: “A Rat Pack Christmas with Tony DeSare” (Dec. 19–20) — Pianist and baritone Tony DeSare channels the smooth crooners of yore in his “Rat Pack Christmas” concert. Backed by a full band, DeSare brings the spirit of the 1960s to vintage holiday hits — a yuletide toast with a twist of cool.
Choruses and Caroling
Long Beach Camerata Singers: “Catalyst Candlelight Christmas” (Dec. 2–3) — Featuring the pure a cappella voices of the 14-member Catalyst Chamber Ensemble, this intimate all-candlelit concert surrounds audiences with exquisite harmonies and timeless carols, evoking the serene beauty of the season. Attendees can bask in the warm glow of candlelight and cherished holiday melodies in two locations: St. Cornelius Church in Long Beach (Dec. 2) and St. Francis Church in Palos Verdes Estates (Dec. 3).
Pasadena Chorale: The Light of Hope Returning (Dec. 3) — The community chorale presents Shawn Kirchner’s beloved winter oratorio The Light of Hope Returning, a folk-infused midwinter celebration of reimagined seasonal music. Accompanied by a small band of instrumentalists and joined by the youthful voices of the High Notes middle school ensemble, Pasadena Chorale weaves a hopeful tapestry of carols old and new in a free performance at the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena.
Pacific Chorale: “Carols by Candlelight” (Dec. 6 & 10) — At Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach, Pacific Chorale’s chamber singers offer a serene candlelit evening of classic and contemporary carols. Artistic Director Robert Istad conducts this intimate concert enhanced by organ and piano, inviting the audience to join in sing-alongs of beloved carols amid the church’s glow. A cherished tradition, “Carols by Candlelight” envelops listeners in the joy of the season.
Burbank Chorale: Holiday Concert (Dec. 6) — Led by Dr. Mikhail Shtangrud, the Burbank Chorale rings in the season with a joyous program spanning sacred classics and holiday hits. The repertoire ranges from sublime sacred works — Biebl’s Ave Maria, Handel’s “Hallelujah” Chorus — to beloved carols (“O Holy Night,” “Carol of the Bells”) and playful sing-alongs (“Jingle Bells,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas”). Presented at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Glendale, this festive concert brims with holiday cheer.
Angel City Chorale: “Blockbuster Holiday” (Dec. 6–7) — The 180-voice Angel City Chorale — an America’s Got Talent semifinalist — turns Royce Hall into a Hollywood holiday spectacular. Led by Artistic Director Sue Fink and backed by the ACC Orchestra, the choir performs beloved songs from iconic holiday films — from the classic Meet Me in St. Louis to modern favorite Home Alone — all in dazzling new arrangements. With red-carpet flair, sing-alongs, and surprises, this cinematic concert promises holiday magic.
Los Angeles Children’s Chorus: Winter Concerts (Dec. 6–7) — The Grammy-winning LACC spreads joy with two Winter Concerts showcasing all levels of its renowned youth choirs. The upper-level ensembles perform on Dec. 6 (afternoon at First United Methodist Church Pasadena), and the younger choirs take the stage on Dec. 7 (evening at Pasadena Presbyterian Church). Experience the angelic sound of children’s voices heralding the holidays.
Angeles Chorale & Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles: “Holiday in Harmony” (Dec. 10) — In a dynamic collaboration, the Angeles Chorale joins forces with the Gay Freedom Band for a holiday spectacular at Glendale’s Alex Theatre. They’ll pair John Rutter’s exultant Gloria with a sleigh-full of seasonal favorites. From The Polar Express to the Hanukkah song “S’vivon” to Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, this concert unites voices and brass in a celebration of festive harmony.
Los Angeles Children’s Chorus with Pasadena Symphony and POPS: “Holiday Candlelight” (Dec. 12–13) — Pasadena’s most beloved holiday concert returns to the exquisite All Saints Church, where hundreds of candles create a warm glow throughout the sanctuary. Conductor Larry Blank leads the Pasadena Symphony, Broadway vocalist Sarah Uriarte Berry, and the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (plus an adult choir and handbells) in an enchanting program. Highlights include “Silent Night,” “The Christmas Song,” and a joyous Hallelujah Chorus sing-along — all performed with warmth and reverence.
Los Angeles Philharmonic: “Holiday Sing-Along” (Dec. 13) — Walt Disney Concert Hall hosts a jolly sing-along for the whole family. Hosted by comedian Melissa Peterman and conducted by John Sutton, this festive tradition features a jazz combo, a choir, and the Hall’s mighty pipe organ leading carols like “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night.” Arrive early for Winter Wonderland fun in the lobby (crafts and Santa) to start the merriment.
Elemental Music: “Holiday Sing-Along” (Dec. 13) — Join Elemental Music for a free community sing-along led by Choir Director Jessi Spike Gravelle! There are nearly 800 students in the Santa Monica-based program this year. Festive treats and hot chocolate will be available. There will also be a collection for donations to Westside Food Bank and Spark of Love Toy Drive. Be sure to RSVP.
Long Beach Chorale & Chamber Orchestra: “A Winter’s Night” (Dec. 13–14) — The Long Beach Chorale and its chamber orchestra fill St. Timothy Lutheran Church (Lakewood) with the sounds of the season in a joyful afternoon concert. The program “A Winter’s Night” sparkles with carols, folk songs, and more, crowned by the majestic accompaniment of organist David York. It’s an uplifting sing-along experience that ushers in Christmas with warmth and community spirit.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles: “Holiday Legends” (Dec. 13–14) — GMCLA transforms the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills into the city’s biggest holiday party with “Holiday Legends.” The chorus’s 200 singers and dancers, joined by special guest Salina EsTitties, celebrate legends of the season — from Santa, Rudolph, and the Grinch to Mariah Carey — delivering show-stopping renditions of classic carols, Hanukkah favorites, and pop anthems. All with GMCLA’s trademark humor, heart, and flair.
Disney Hall: Chanticleer (Dec. 15) — The Grammy-winning “orchestra of voices” returns with its renowned a cappella Christmas program at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The 12 men of Chanticleer take listeners on a radiant musical journey from medieval chant to modern gospel. A candlelit procession of ancient carols gives way to jazzy spirituals and contemporary classics, all performed with Chanticleer’s sublime blend and showmanship. This concert is a cherished LA tradition, loved for its sonic beauty.
Los Angeles Master Chorale: “Festival of Carols” and “Carols for Kids” (Dec. 20) — On Dec. 20, the Master Chorale presents two carol-filled concerts at Disney Hall. In the morning, “Carols for Kids” welcomes little ones (under 6) for a playful sing-along of holiday tunes featuring Youth Chorus LA and a visit from Santa, plus pre-concert activities. That afternoon, “Festival of Carols” brings Grant Gershon conducting the full chorale in traditional Christmas carols and folk songs from around the world, accompanied by piano and organ.
Pacific Chorale: “‘Tis the Season!” (Dec. 21–22) — Pacific Chorale lights up Segerstrom Concert Hall with a mix of carols and seasonal hits in Orange County’s holiday extravaganza. Artistic Director Robert Istad conducts the 100-voice Chorale joined by brass, organ, and members of Pacific Symphony, with the Southern California Children’s Chorus and a cameo from Santa. From “O Come, All Ye Faithful” to “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” this concert radiates holiday joy.
March of the Nutcrackers
Westside Ballet: The Nutcracker (Nov. 29 – Dec. 7) — With nine performances at The Broad Stage, Westside Ballet’s 52nd annual production will feature new set designs and the Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra. The Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 performances will include guest performers from the New York City Ballet in the leading roles. Guest performers from Los Angeles Ballet will be featured the following weekend.
American Contemporary Ballet: The Nutcracker Suite (Nov. 29 – Dec. 24) — Billed as the only ballet company in L.A. to perform exclusively to live music, ACB presents its popular immersive Nutcracker at Bank of America Plaza. Audiences sit at stage level for the 75-minute production, with 24 performances — matinees and evenings — through Christmas Eve.
Pacific Symphony: “The Nutcracker for Kids” (Dec. 6) — The Pacific Symphony is set to host two late-morning performances of the Nutcracker for the whole family to enjoy at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. Special activities for kids will be hosted in the concert hall lobby from 9:00–9:45 a.m. and 12:15–1:00 p.m., including an “instrument petting zoo.”
American Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker (Dec. 11–21) — The New York City-based company is slated to return to the Segerstrom Center for its 10th annual Southern California performance of the Nutcracker. ABT’s polished production will once again feature Alexei Ratmansky’s 2010 choreography paired with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, played by the Pacific Symphony.
Los Angeles Ballet: The Nutcracker (Dec. 12–28) — LAB’s holiday tour features original choreography. The first four performances will occur at UCLA’s Royce Hall before settling in at the Dolby Theatre, where the company will perform the Nutcracker nearly until New Year’s. All performances at the Dolby Theatre will feature the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra.
Long Beach Ballet: The Nutcracker (Dec. 13–21) — Artistic Director David Wilcox doesn’t skimp on the production demands. Long Beach Ballet’s Nutcracker has a cast of over 200 performers and features the full Long Beach Ballet Orchestra in the pit, onstage pyrotechnics, and other special effects. Performances are slated to take place at the 3,000-seat Terrace Theater at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.
Messiah and More
St. Matthew’s Music Guild: Bach Collegium San Diego presents Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 5) — Conductor Ruben Valenzuela brings a complete performance of Handel’s immortal holiday classic to Saint Augustine By-the-Sea Church. The esteemed early-music instrumentalists and singers of Bach Collegium San Diego visit Los Angeles for the thrilling program.
Music at Westwood: “Messiah Sing-A-Long” (Dec. 5) — Forming a 150-voice chorus, the audience will join the Westwood Presbyterian Chancel Choir for a sing-along rendition of Handel’s Messiah. Uplifted by the Westwood Presbyterian Chamber Orchestra, Music at Westwood’s sing-along event is one-of-a-kind in greater Los Angeles. Vocal scores will be available for purchase.
Pacific Symphony: Handel’s Glorious Messiah (Dec. 7) — At Segerstrom Concert Hall, be transported by Handel’s Messiah — the joyous and timeless masterwork that transcends three centuries. Led by Robert Istad, bask in the blazing trumpets, thundering timpani, and uplifting “Hallelujah” chorus with Pacific Chorale.
Global Harmony Symphony: 15th Annual Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 8) — Global Harmony Symphony invites you to its 15th Annual sing-along and play-along rendition of Handel’s Messiah. Led by Valerie Geller at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the event is free with a suggested donation. A livestream will also be available.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels: Handel’s Messiah Christmas Concert at the Cathedral (Dec. 19) — Visit Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for a glorious Messiah with the Los Angeles Dream Orchestra, Opera Chorus of Los Angeles, and the Cathedral Choir. Led by Daniel Suk, the evening will highlight guest violinist Ray Ushikubo. Soaring voices and enchanting melodies will fill the sacred space, inspiring joy and reflection this holiday season.
Musica Angelica: “A Baroque Christmas in Germany” (Dec. 20–21) — With performances in Long Beach on Dec. 20 and Los Angeles on Dec. 21, soprano Robin Johannsen, organist Martin Haselböck, and trumpeter Josh Cohen join Musica Angelica for an unforgettable evening of traditional German baroque holiday music. The program, featuring works by Bach, Handel, and Telemann, celebrates the magical sounds of the season. There will be a preconcert reception with hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 21) — At Walt Disney Concert Hall, experience the Grammy Award-winning voices of the Los Angeles Master Chorale in the iconic holiday masterpiece, Handel’s Messiah. After a pre-concert lecture, enjoy an evening led by Grant Gershon and featuring soprano Anna Schubert, alto Lindsay Patterson Abdou, tenor John Lee Keenan, and bass Chung Uk Lee.
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Messiah Sing-Along (Dec. 22) — Join the Grammy Award-winning voices of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, along with 2,000 other voices in Walt Disney Concert Hall, for a sing-along of Handel’s Messiah. This marks the 45th year of the Master Chorale’s beloved holiday tradition. The evening will be led by Grant Gershon.
Long Beach Camerata Singers: Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 22) — In a night of music, meaning, and holiday cheer, discover Handel’s magical Messiah with the Long Beach Camerata Singers at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church. Newcomers welcome!
Jouyssance Early Music Ensemble: “Joyeux Noël!” (Jan. 10–11, 2026) — The Jouyssance early music ensemble performs mystical medieval motets and traditional French Noëls, plus masterworks by Dufay, Josquin, and Sermisy. At Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Westchester on Jan. 10 and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Monrovia on Jan. 11, experience a joyous Noël and a welcoming post-concert reception.
Winter Pops
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Home Alone in Concert (Dec. 5–7) — David Newman conducts the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in a live performance of John Williams’s score to a screening of one of the most classic holiday films of all.
New West Symphony: “Winter Dreams” (Dec. 6–7) — Music Director David Christie leads the New West Symphony and Chorus, the Los Robles Children’s Chorus, and the California Contemporary Ballet. The concert swings from Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony to Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite to a Las Posadas celebration. Enjoy traditional carols, a Hanukkah Fantasy, and the world premiere of Peace on Earth by composer Pauline Frechette.
Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra: “An Italian Christmas” (Dec. 10) — The Broad Stage hosts the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra conducted by Carlo Ponti in a concert of carols, Italian seasonal songs, and Neapolitan melodies sung by tenor Pasquale Esposito.
Pasadena Symphony and POPS: “Holiday Candlelight” (Dec. 12–13) — The traditional candlelight concert is a magical event, especially when you have Sarah Uriarte Berry singing the solos. All Saints Church hosts the Pasadena Symphony and POPS, the LA Children’s Chorus, the Donald Brinegar Singers and JPL Chorus, a handbell ensemble, and the star soprano in a celebration of carols and a few 20th-century standards.
Golden State Pops Orchestra: “2025 Holiday POPS Spectacular” (Dec. 20) — A movie music orchestra gets in on the Christmas binge with music from The Polar Express and Home Alone. Vocalist Drew Tablak sings favorite carols, and a few undisclosed surprises grace the rest of the concert.
Los Angeles Symphony: Christmas Concert (Dec. 21) — Music Director Hyun Sang Joo has a knack for eclectic and surprising combinations. His orchestra’s holiday concert puts Christmas music in dialogue with classic opera arias, with the help of a 50-member choir and featured soloists. At the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts: “Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert” (Dec. 30) — Waltz into the new year with a concert that brings Vienna’s Golden Age to the West Coast. Vocalists Sera Gösch and Brian Cheney and dancers from San Diego Ballet join the Strauss Symphony of America for a whirling program of music by “The Waltz King,” Johann Strauss II.
Holiday Horns and Keyboards
Pacific Symphony: “Holiday Organ Spectacular” (Dec. 9) — Organist Todd Wilson illuminates Christmas carols and sacred music on a 4,322-pipe concert organ, accompanied by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. In a pre-concert performance, flutist Cynthia Ellis will lead the Laguna Flutes of Orange County in the lobby of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
Philharmonic Society of Orange County: “The Holidays with Canadian Brass” (Dec. 10) — The stellar Canadian quintet plays its holiday concert at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, presented by the Philharmonic Society. This is a group that knows how to have fun, and they plan to announce the night’s selected program of original arrangements from the stage.
Concordia University Irvine: “Emmanuel! A Concordia Christmas 2025” (Dec. 13) — Concordia University Irvine’s annual holiday concert returns to the Segerstrom Concert Hall for two fun-filled concerts — one in the late afternoon and one in the evening. The event is a part of the organization’s “made-for-TV Christmas special” to be aired on PBS.
Southern California Brass Consortium: “Joy to the World! Free Holiday Concert” (Dec. 14) — Hector Salazar’s brass band does things a little differently. The holidays are a time to shine, and each year SCBC shows off new works and new arrangements of familiar favorites. The group’s 26 players, including a harpist and several percussionists, will perform at Bay Shore Community Congregational Church. This year’s “Joy to the World!” concert is free and donation-based, with attendees encouraged to bring peanut butter, cereal, boxes of macaroni and cheese, and/or canned fruit to give to the local food bank.
Los Angeles Philharmonic: “Holiday Brass” (Dec. 16) — Known for its grand, energetic performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil appears in a more intimate form to perform chamber music pieces in small brass ensembles. Led by conductor Shannon Lavery, the program includes classic Christmastime tunes like Sleigh Ride and Silent Night.
Swing Into the Spirit
Irvine Barclay Theatre: Various programs (Nov. 30 – Dec. 18) — The Irvine Barclay Theatre invites audiences to a variety of holiday-themed performances, ranging from the classic to the contemporary — like its “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” event with contemporary swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The ensemble will perform creative arrangements of classic carols like “Jingle Bells,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”
A Big Band Holiday with the 17-Piece Big Band Alumni and vocalists Bill A. Jones and Nancy Osborne (Dec. 7) — Big Band Alumni is known for its swing arrangements reimagining classics, and this concert promises to be chock-full of them. Guest vocalists Bill A. Jones and Nancy Osborne join the 17-person ensemble for a performance of fan-favorite Christmas songs with a swing music twist.
The Soraya: Christian Sands Quartet — “Christmas Stories” (Dec. 12–13) — Two-time Grammy Award-nominee Christian Sands and his quartet take to The Soraya for two performances of a thoughtful program of classic Christmas tunes alongside Sands’s own winter-inspired compositions. The jazz pianist made his debut at The Soraya in 2022 as a last-minute performer for the Jazz at Naz festival.
Dave Koz Christmas Tour 2025 (Dec. 19–20) — Saxophonist Dave Koz plans to spend the holiday season bringing Christmas cheer to audiences around the country, and he is set to make a stop in Cerritos on Dec. 19–20. Joining him on his tour are guitarist Jonathan Butler and guest artists Haley Reinhart (vocals), Casey Abrams (bass/vocals), and Kayla Waters (keyboard).
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Arturo Sandoval — “Swinging Holiday” (Dec. 23) — Returning to Disney Hall for a fifth straight year, the legendary Latin jazz trumpeter — who, as of December 2024, can add Kennedy Center Honoree to his list of distinctions — puts his signature spin on holiday favorites. You can expect “a jumping, jiving, jingling night.”
Navidad
Los Angeles LGBT Center: “A Rainbow Navidad III” (Dec. 4) — Join Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles and Los Angeles LGBT Center for an evening of joy, community, laughter, and love! At The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, you can experience the 3rd annual “A Rainbow Navidad” Christmas spectacular, featuring a program that includes Mexican folk music and Christmas standards.
Mariachi Sol de México: “Merry-Achi Christmas” (Dec. 5–7) — After stopping at Davies Symphony Hall on Nov. 30, catch Mariachi Sol de México at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts for their Merry-Achi Christmas tour. Experience a multicultural celebration of holiday favorites performed by the boundary-breaking ensemble, masterminded by composer and educator José Hernández.
Musco Center for the Arts: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico (Dec. 14) — Mariachi Garibaldi and Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande invite you to celebrate the holiday season with Christmas in Mexico! Campana Sobre Campana, named for the beloved Andalusian Christmas carol, is a vibrant show that weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a magical story of the season. Presented by Chapman University’s Musco Center for the Arts.
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts: Navidad en México (Dec. 14) — Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno revives its holiday spectacular, “Navidad en México.” A family favorite since 1971, this vibrant and unique production celebrates Mexico’s festive Christmas traditions and folklore through music, song, and dance. Supported by a live mariachi band and gorgeous costumes, the production invites audiences to embark on a journey through the many regions of Mexico at La Mirada Theatre.
The Soraya: “Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular” (Dec. 20–22) — Celebrate the 10th anniversary of “Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular” featuring Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, Mariachi Pueblo Viejo, and Grammy-nominated vocalist Ximena Sariñana. This beloved holiday performance at The Soraya highlights Mexico’s many vibrant regions and family traditions.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts: “Fiesta Navidad” (Dec. 23) — Fiesta Navidad, one of Orange County’s cherished holiday traditions, returns to the Segerstrom Center on Christmas eve-eve! Featuring the Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos, this vibrant concert brings Mexican holiday traditions to life through festive music, colorful dance, and joyful celebration.
Christmas Eve
The Music Center: 66th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration (Dec. 24) — At the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, enjoy L.A. County’s favorite holiday variety show! Built for audiences of all ages, this three-hour performance features more than 20 local music ensembles, choirs, and dance companies. As Southern California’s largest free holiday show, this is an event not to be missed.
