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SALT LAKE CITY — Cheers thundered through Vivint Smart Home Arena Monday, bouncing off the walls as face after excited face flashed across the Jumbotron. The music swelled; the crowd screamed, quite literally, in anticipation.
Clad in full uniform — red suit, red hat, long beard — the man they’d been waiting to see strode out onto the court and waved to his fans.
Thousands filled the arena Monday night for the 35th annual “Larry H. Miller Christmas Carole Sing-Along,” featuring a performance from Utah-connected singer Ryan Innes, the guest-conducting talents of Salt Lake meteorologist Sterling Poulson, and, yes, Santa Claus himself.
Backed up by the West Valley Symphony of Utah and with bellies full of free doughnuts, families and friends from across Utah gathered to sing and dance to holiday classics such as “Frosty the Snowman,” “Let It Snow” and “Silent Night.”
Erin Blass and her kids, Abbie and Braxton, have come from Clearfield for the event for the past six or seven years.
“I love all of it,” Blass aid. “I love the atmosphere, I love the music.”
Her favorite Christmas song, “O Holy Night,” wasn’t on the singalong list. But “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas,” a favorite of family friend Lily McConkie, was.
Ron and Jeanie Smith, of Park City, came with their grandchildren, Sophie and Henry. The family has attended several times in the past, including last year.
“They love to sing,” Ron Smith said. “So it’s a nice little outing for them.”
“I like the doughnuts,” Sophie said. Her grandfather laughed and produced an extra from his pocket.
After leading the crowd in a vocal warm-up, emcee Jason Hewlett instructed attendees to pull out their cellphones and take a selfie with the person next to them.
“We’re gonna make this go viral,” he announced.
Cellphones were produced from pockets again later on in the night — this time used as flashlights — as Innes, a Brigham Young University alumnus and former contestant on NBC’s “The Voice,” crooned a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
The technology may have evolved since the 80s, when the singalong tradition began. The location has also changed: whereas the event used to be held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square, it has been hosted by the Miller family at the Delta Center — now the Vivint Smart Home Arena — since 1997. But the goal of the event has remained the same.
“The holidays are a magical time of year to be shared with family and friends,” said Gail Miller in a statement. “Our family loves bringing the community together for a special night of Christmas carols, where everyone can participate and enjoy amazing talent, treats and joy.”
