December Events: Holiday Concerts
There are so many ways to rock around the Christmas tree this year in the Lone Star State: concert band and symphonic orchestra performances, show and community choir concerts, and even a program dedicated solely to honoring the tuba. Whether you prefer show tunes or sophisticated symphonies, there’s a holiday concert on this list that’ll be music to your ears.
Central Texas
Jones Performing Arts Center: A Charlie Brown Christmas, Dec. 4, Austin
Bring your lunch — and maybe some cookies and eggnog for dessert — to the Jones Auditorium for a one-of-a-kind performance of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by a jazz trio from the Austin Chamber Music Center. You can relax to nostalgic tunes such as “Christmastime Is Here” and “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” by Vince Guaraldi and enjoy complimentary light refreshments.
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert, Dec. 13, Cedar Park
This nonprofit community orchestra has gained national acclaim since its formation in 2002. Most recently, the orchestra was a finalist and a four-category semifinalist in the 2018–19 National Competition Awards. They live up to their goal of bringing the great joy of music to everyone by playing free concerts throughout central Texas. Catch their Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Arrive early for a good seat.
North Texas
Denton Community Chorus Holiday Concert, Dec. 14, Corinth
Do-re-mi! Practice your scales and come to Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church for an unforgettable performance by the Denton Community Chorus, including the opportunity to participate in a sing-along! Stick around to snack on refreshments and try your luck at the raffle-style auction.
Brazos Chamber Orchestra Christmas Concert Series, Dec. 15, 16, 17, and 19 in Mansfield, Granbury, Burleson, and, Cleburne, respectively
This lineup of four concerts will fill North Texas with holiday spirit this year. Maestro David R. Anavitarte has conducted the symphonic orchestra since its foundation in 1998. Since then, they’ve delighted audiences with a broad range of music from classical to popular tunes from Hollywood and Broadway. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.
South Texas
Christmas at the Mission, Dec. 7, Goliad
It’s hard to not be moved by the sounds of the pitch-perfect Beeville Community Chorus singing Christmas classics by candlelight in the Mission Espiritu Santo. Dr. James Lee will lead the chorus through a number of holiday favorites inside the acoustically optimized Spanish colonial chapel. It’s a simply magical experience.
Entry fees to Goliad State Park and Historic Site are $4 per adult and free for children under 12 and TSPP cardholders.
Holidays in the Plaza Featuring the Houston Show Choir, Dec. 7, Houston
If you’re tired of the same old holiday song and dance, this is the ensemble show for you. Three different choirs will give you a tour through the many flavors of the holidays — with pop, country, disco, rock, show tunes, jazz numbers, and more. Your toes will tap and your heart will warm watching these pros give their all onstage.
East Texas
Wonderland of Lights, Nov. 27–Dec. 29, Marshall
Downtown Marshall looks and sounds like a wonderland during the holidays. While you have a whole host of options for entertainment and activities at the Wonderland of Lights Festival, consider scrolling into Telegraph Park to be serenaded by local musicians and church and school choirs. It’s a great way to cool down after a couple of laps around the ice-skating rink!
UT Tyler Choral Christmas Concert, Dec. 7, Tyler
Enjoy a delightful evening of Christmas songs at Marvin United Methodist Church, sang by the UT Tyler Concert Chorale. This singing troupe is known for performing everything from challenging ensembles from the Renaissance era to contemporary jazz. The conductor, Cameron J. Rose, has led the group since 2008 and is credited with building it into a crowd-drawing success sure to knock your festive argyle socks off.
West Texas
El Paso Winds Holiday Concert, Dec. 13, El Paso
Come to the UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall to hear the exceptional sounds of approximately 45 woodwind and brass players and percussionists playing holiday favorites under the direction of conductor Ron Hufstader. You might spot a few familiar faces, as many of the musicians are band directors for El Paso’s public and private schools.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, military, and students.
Tuba Christmas, Dec. 21, San Angelo
Forget the sweet sounds of sleigh bells — you’ve got to hear a Christmas tuba! Head to the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts for a unique and memorable concert event where you can hear your favorite Christmas classics played by some of the most underrated instruments: the tuba and the tuba’s lesser-known cousin, the euphonium.
If these holiday concerts have put you in the holiday spirit, cap off your evening with these hot drink recipes and maybe even a Christmas cookie.
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