Los Angeles Holiday Concert Calendar

Hi, everyone,

Next year I will do this listing earlier to catch some concerts that occured in November and early December, as well as Hanukkah concerts and festivals. If you'd like me to add your concert or information to this list please email me (see sidebar for contact information).

December 15: The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica, The Messiah 8:00 p.m.
Selections from Handel’s Messiah will be performed by Michelle McWilliams, Danielle Marcelle Bond, Steve Grabe and Eric Carampatan, accompanied by a chamber ensemble. Suggested donation is $15, or $10 with a non perishable food donation for the Westside Food Bank. Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica

December 15 & 16: Los Angeles Philharmonic, Handel's Messiah 8 p.m.
It’s hard to imagine Christmas without the most famous oratorio of all time. Experience a complete period-instrument performance, with a stellar lineup of Baroque vocal specialists. Walt Disney Concert Hall

December 18: Viva Christmas! With El Vez & Los Straitjackets 8 p.m.
El Vez, "The Mexican Elvis" puts on an incredible, fun, wild and crazy Christmas concert. The Troubador

December 19: Burbank Chorale, Celebrate! 7:30 p.m.
The Burbank Chorale presents Antonio Vivaldi's "Gloria" and songs of the season. First United Methodist Church

December 19: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels: Cathedral Christmas Concert 7:30 p.m.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels will hold a Christmas Concert with the Cathedral Choir, the Harmonies Girls Choir and the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. The program includes selections from Handel's "Messiah" and the "Messe Solennelle" by Charles Gounod. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles

December 19: Pasadena POPS: Holiday Pops 8 p.m.
During this season of gifts and giving, enjoy a reprieve from the hectic pace by joining the Pasadena POPS as we begin a new family tradition with music that conjures up all the delights and joys of the holidays. Vocalist Valarie Pettiford, the Donald Brinegar Singers and the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus will warm your heart and stir your soul with enchanted holiday favorites. Music from A Charlie Brown Christmas, Home Alone and The Polar Express alongside cherished Christmas melodies Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Nutcracker, O Holy Night and Hallelujah Chorus will culminate in a grand finale of timeless Sing-Alongs to bring you the sparkling musical gems known and loved in this most wonderful time of the year! Pasadena Civic Auditorium
 
December 19 & 20: Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker Various times
Celebrate the city's newest, most endearing tradition - Los Angeles Ballet's acclaimed original production of "The Nutcracker". Join Clara as she journeys to magical realms where mischievous mice battle toy soldiers, snowflakes dance, and Clara's beloved dolls come to life. Royce Hall

December 20: LA Master Chorale Messiah Sing-Along 7 p.m.
The annual Messiah Sing-Along packs the house every year. Whether you join in the joyful singing of just listen from your seat, this is a wonderfully popular community experience. With soloists and an orchestra onstage, you are the chorus! Walt Disney Concert Hall

December 20: Pacific Chorale, Tis the Season 5:30 p.m.
Orange County's favorite holiday tradition! Pacific Chorale, Pacific Symphony and the Southern California Children's Concert Chorus bring the spirit of the season to life through carols, classics, and cheer. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (Costa Mesa)

December 20, 24 & 27: Organ Prelude 10:30 a.m.
The organ and organists of First Congregational Church of Los Angeles are spectactular. When I worked just a few blocks away, I spent every Thursday at lunch enjoying a free organ concert. I don't think they do that anymore but here is an opportunity to hear Christmas music in this gorgeous space. First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

December 23: Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Creole Christmas 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy the festive spirit with the rousing New Orleans jazz sounds of Preservation Hall. Stomp, clap, hoot, and holler, as they take on Christmas favorites and Creole classics in their inimitable style. Walt Disney Concert Hall


December 24: LA County Holiday Celebration 3 p.m.
The six-hour, Emmy-nominated cultural extravaganza is L.A.'s biggest holiday show - and it's free, so bring the whole family! Broadcast live from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on KCET, Holiday Celebration features music and dance of the season from the many neighborhoods and cultures of Los Angeles. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (KCET)