26 holiday-themed concerts coming to Southern California
As the holiday season is finally upon us, the familiar Southern California concert stages are being set for yuletide extravaganzas and concertgoers will see their favorite venues transformed into winter wonderlands with Christmas decorations galore.
From jazz concerts and holiday mariachi nights to traditional singalongs and Christmas-themed drag queen spectaculars there are plenty of opportunities to be fully immersed in holiday spirit as the year comes to a close.
KIIS-FM and iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball
The annual holiday radio celebration will include performances by Olivia Rodrigo, Niall Horan, AJR, Sabrina Carpenter, Miguel, Flo Rida, (G)I-dle, Doechii and P1Harmony. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 at Kia Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood. Tickets start at $68 at Ticketmaster.com.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”
Progressive rock ensemble Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns with its grand production of “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” this festive season. Expect classic tunes like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” the timeless “O Holy Night,” and the crowd-favorite, “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24.” 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Toyota Arena, 4000 Ontario Center, Ontario. $59-$537 at Ticketmaster.com.
Festival of Carols
Herald the arrival of the Christmas season with the annual selection of carols sung by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. The setlist will combine traditional favorites with newer arrangements and a few seasonal surprises. 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 South Grand Ave, Los Angeles. $55-$159 at lamasterchorale.com.
Nutcracker for Kids: Pacific Symphony
The Pacific Symphony brings back its 45-minute “Nutcracker for Kids” to Costa Mesa featuring the orchestra and dancers from the Festival Ballet Theatre. The performance is designed for children and will conclude with a visit from Santa. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2 at Segerstrom Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. $49-$110. pacificsymphony.org.
Merry-Achi Christmas
The annual Merry-Achi Christmas returns to Cerritos with a colorful Mexican holiday celebration filled with seasonal songs and dancing. Headlining the event is Sol de México de José Hernández Mariachi with Reyna de Los Angeles and the DanzArts Sabor México Dance Company. 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos. $35-$86 at cerritoscenter.com.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Renowned percussionist-composer Chip Davis leads Mannheim Steamroller’s annual Christmas concerts, combining a light show with a musical fusion of holiday classics, classical pieces and rock melodies. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Los Angeles. $48-$107 at thesoraya.com.
Samara Joy: A Joyful Holiday
Two-time Grammy award-winning jazz singer Samara Joy will celebrate the season as she takes the stage with her uncles, cousin and brother, dubbed the McLendon Family band. They’ll set the night with gospel, Motown and festive jazz. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6-Thursday, Dec. 7 at the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Los Angeles. $39-$119 at thesoraya.org.
Drag Queen Christmas
The ultimate drag queen holiday event is coming back for a ninth annual year, hosted by Miz Cracker, featuring well-known “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” queens such as Sasha Colby, Luxx, Trinity Tuck, Alyssa Edwards and special guest Todrick Hall. 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Fred Kavli Theater, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. $55-$80 at Ticketmaster.com; 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. $38.50-$53.50 at LiveNation.com.
For King & Country: A Drummer Boy Christmas
Grammy award-winning duo For King & Country presents “A Drummer Boy Christmas: The 2023 Tour Experience.” Brothers Joel and Luke will be bringing holiday joy to audiences as they perform classics and new tracks such as “Little Drummer Boy” from their 2021 record “A Drummer Boy Christmas,” and hits “For God Is With Us” from their recently released album, “What Are We Waiting For.” 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at Honda Center, 2695 E Katella Ave., Anaheim. $29-$360 at Ticketmaster.com.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the entire Peanuts gang as they embark on a heartwarming holiday journey with an new play with music adapted for children. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8; 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10; 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15; 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 at The Phantom Projects Theatre, 311 South Euclid Street, La Habra. $16.75-$30 at thephantomprojectstheatre.com.
A Big Band Christmas
Swing into the holiday spirit with the D. Ben-jamin’ Big Band Orchestra, singers, swing dancers and arrangements of Christmas classics including “Silent Night,” “Let It Snow,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Little Drummer Boy” and more. Attendees can also expect an appearance from Santa Claus. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8; and 2:30 p.m. Dec.9-10 at California Center for the Arts, 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $37-$80 at artcenter.org.
A Very Irish Christmas
The Trinity Irish Dance Company is making a stop in Southern California for an exclusive holiday performance. This live event will include lively Irish carols and Irish dancing. 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at at the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Los Angeles. $44-$100 at thesoraya.com.
KROQ-FM 106.7’s Almost Acoustic Christmas
KROQ-FM’s long-running Almost Acoustic Christmas holiday concert will return with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Offspring, Garbage, Portugal. The Man, Bleachers, Cannons, Lovejoy, Bakar and The Beaches. 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at Kia Forum, 3900 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood. $139-$1,285 at Ticketmaster.com.
Christmas in L.A. with Dawes & Friends
Folk rock ensemble Dawes has plans to bring the holiday glee to the stage and may bring out a few sleigh bells too, as they play Christmas standards along with hits like “When My Time Comes” and “A Little Bit of Everything.” 8 p.m. Dec. 9 at The Bellwether, 333 South Boylston St., Los Angeles. $45 at Ticketmaster.com.
Chris Isaak: It’s Almost Christmas Tour
Actor and musician Chris Isaak brings the holidays to Anaheim with his It’s Almost Christmas Tour. Featuring songs from his 2022 record “Everybody Knows It’s Christmas,” the concert promises a festive lead-up to the season. 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 East Katella Ave., Anaheim; 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at The Orpheum Theatre, 842 S Broadway, Los Angeles; 8 p.m. Dec. 20 at Pechanga Resort Casino, 45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula. $50-599 at Ticketmaster.com.
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour
Grammy-nominated jazz musician and producer Dave Koz returns to Cerritos for another festive show to get fans in the holiday mood with spirited jazz standards. 8 p.m. Dec. 15-16 at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos. $59-$103 at cerritoscenter.com; 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. $60-$115 at mvp.tickets.com; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave., San Diego. $55-$125 at Ticketmaster.com.
Fidlar: FIDmas Spectacular
The California skate rock band will bring its second annual FIDmas Spectacular show to the desert. The group will be accompanied by Sad Park and Death Lens. 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at Pappy and Harriets, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. $50.99 at dice.com.
Nochebuena
Mexican folk dance company Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles is taking the stage for a mariachi-infused holiday performance. The shows will feature the musical sounds of Los Angeles’ Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 16; 3 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Los Angeles. $54 at thesoraya.com.
Holiday Sing-Along
Walt Disney Concert Hall will host a massive pipe organ, choir and a jazz combo that will lead the crowd with a selection of seasonal favorites. 11:30 a.m. 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles. $39-$99 at laphil.com.
Celtic Woman: Christmas Symphony
The all-female Irish music ensemble is back for another holiday performance that will feature a live orchestra. 8 p.m. Dec. 15-16 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. $144-$288 at costamesatheater.com.
Pacific Chorale’s Tis the Season!
The Pacific Chorale’s annual holiday celebration will include seasonal favorites such as “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Deck The Hall.” 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17-Monday, Dec. 18 at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. $30-$132 at pacificchorale.org.
X’s X-Mas 2023
Los Angeles punk band X will host its annual X’s X-Mas show, featuring all four original members playing the bands greatest hits and a few Christmas classics. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19-Wednesday, Dec. 20 at The Roxy, 9009 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. $50 at AXS.com.
“Home Alone” in Concert
Conductor David Newman returns to the Walt Disney Concert Hall as he leads John Williams’ score for the beloved holiday classic “Home Alone” as it is screened along with a live performance. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20-Thursday, Dec. 22 at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles. $51-$194 at laphil.com.
Katharine McPhee & Take 6 Holiday Concert
Singer and actress Katharine McPhee, Grammy-winning vocal group Take 6, and internationally renowned violinist Caroline Campbell will come together for a night filled with holiday surprises and sounds. The night promises to be a festive fusion of timeless holiday classics and jazzy arrangements. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 at Alex Theatre 216 North Brand Blvd., Glendale. $59-$270 at Ticketmaster.com.
The Vandals’ 27th Annual Christmas Formal
Orange County band The Vandals will play original holiday tunes and fan-favorite hits during their annual punk rock Christmas party. 7 p.m. Dec. 23 at House of Blues Anaheim, 400 Disney Way #337, Anaheim. $44.50 at LiveNation.com.
Straight No Chaser: Sleighin’ It Tour
A cappella group Straight No Chaser is heading to Southern California for its holiday show Sleighin’ It Tour. The group, initially formed at Indiana University in ’96, will perform hits off its newest record “Stocking Stuffer” that includes festive tracks like “Christmas Night With You” and “Christmas Like.” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27 at Fred Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. $39.59-$232 at Ticktmaster.com; 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29 at at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos. $60-$90 at cerritoscenter.com.