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With the weather getting colder, it's time to start thinking about the holidays and ringing in the season with festive spirit—and what better way to kick off the winter months than with holiday music performed by the world-renowned Utah Symphony!
Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, the Utah Symphony presents five performances filled with holiday magic sure to delight the entire family. With something for everyone—even dad—these concerts at the symphony's iconic downtown home, Maurice Abravanel Hall, are guaranteed to be some of the most entertaining family activities available in Salt Lake City.
Holiday concerts are also a fun way to introduce your little ones to the majesty of the symphony orchestra. With lighthearted performances including "Here Comes Santa Claus!" and Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas In Concert," the Utah Symphony's performances are sure to enchant even the smallest audience members—making it easy to make live music part of your family traditions.
Messiah Sing-In 2022
Nov. 26-27
Composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741, Handel's "Messiah" is the original Christmas hit, detailing the life of Christ in a three-part performance—the prediction of his birth, his life works, and his eventual death and resurrection. Drawing inspiration from both the Old and New Testaments, Handel's "Messiah" brings passionate and moving music to the Christmas story.
As a cherished Salt Lake City tradition, the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera invite invites all to share in the joy of Handel's masterpiece. For the first time since 2019, audience members are once again able to join with the Utah Opera Chorus in singing the beloved tunes of this famous composition, including the ever-popular "Hallelujah" chorus. Musical scores are available for purchase in the lobby.
Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony Tour 2022
Dec. 6
Celtic Woman is the most successful all-female group in Irish history, with a legacy of 12 consecutive Billboard number ones, 10 million album sales, and an incredible 2 billion online streams to date.
This holiday season, join Celtic Woman for an Irish Christmas celebration featuring a wealth of seasonal music to gladden your heart. Hear stunning new arrangements of the classic "Silent Night" and the ancient Gaelic carol "Dia do Bheatha" from their holiday album, "The Magic of Christmas." Listen out for the jingle of bells as you glide through the snowy landscape of "Sleigh Ride" and get ready to sing along when it's time to "Deck the Halls!"
Don't forget to arrive early to enjoy a special performance by local Irish dancers from Dragan Ceilteach in the lobby.
Here Comes Santa Claus!
Dec. 17
Perfect for your young ones, "Here Comes Santa Claus!" sets the holiday scene with a wide showcase of favorite winter carols and tunes performed live by the Utah Symphony. Kids from 1 to 92 will enjoy this concert created especially for children and families, with a joyful sing-along closing out the program. Kris Kringle himself is expected to make an appearance, bringing extra holiday fun and all the magic of the North Pole for your kids to enjoy.
Don't forget to arrive early to mail a letter to Santa, make your own holiday bell and more!
A Soulful Holiday with the Utah Symphony
Dec. 16-17
Want to try your holiday music with a twist this year? Hear a stirring spin on tried-and-true songs like "White Christmas" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with Broadway star and Postmodern Jukebox alum Morgan James. An audience favorite and Utah Symphony regular, James returns with a jazzy and soulful twist on joyful carols in this sparkling show.
Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" in concert
Dec. 21-23
As a beloved holiday classic that has become a pop culture phenomenon over nearly 30 years, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is sure to charm children of all ages.
A delightfully quirky score from Danny Elfman drives Tim Burton's fantastical tale of Jack Skellington's plot for Halloween Town to take over Christmas—and the hilariously haunting results. Enjoy a full screening of the film as the Utah Symphony plays the score live, including memorable songs like "This is Halloween" and "Jack's Obsession."
Don't forget to arrive early with your little ones to early to make a spooky ornament and snap pictures at the movie-themed photo station.
Holiday music is even better when it's performed live by the world-class musicians of the Utah Symphony—and tickets start at just $21, at utahsymphony.org/holiday.
