Holidays with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with your favorite holiday films with live music, classic Christmas carols, and festive holiday showstoppers performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
2024 Holiday Performances
Ellington & The Nutcracker
Friday, December 6—Sunday, December 8, 2024
Music Director Jader Bignamini gets us into the holiday spirit with not one, but two Nutcrackers. Tchaikovsky’s ballet music is a beloved favorite, and Duke Ellington really makes it swing. Grammy Award nominee Carlos Simon puts dance at the heart of celebration and guest soloist Ray Chen’s “joy in music making is palpable” (Los Angeles Times) throughout Barber’s Violin Concerto.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Cyrus Chestnut and Friends
Friday, December 6, 2024—8:00pm
Begin your holiday season with Vince Guaraldi's classic score from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Virtuosic and playful pianist Cyrus Chestnut infuses these classic charts with his soulful sound. Hear all your favorites: "Linus and Lucy," "Christmas Time is Here," "O Tannenbaum," and more!
Let It Snow!
Saturday, December 7, 2024—11:00am
The weather outside may be frightful, but the orchestra is so delightful! Get in the spirit of the winter season as Frosty and friends take you over the hills and through a snow-filled musical adventure.
Home Alone in Concert
Wednesday, December 11, 2024—7:30pm
Enjoy one of the most beloved holiday films of all time accompanied by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams's captivating score! Relive John Hughes's charming and hilarious story about family with the young Macaulay Culkin who captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Friday, December 20—Saturday, December 21, 2024
When the grumpy Scrooge receives Christmas Eve visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, they show him the error of his self-serving ways. Though the miserable old man seems beyond any hope of redemption and happiness, the kind and humble Bob Cratchit, his family, and the Spirits open Scrooge's eyes—and his heart—to the true meaning of Christmas. Celebrate the holidays with The Muppets' beloved retelling of this holiday classic and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra playing Miles Goodman’s (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Little Shop of Horrors) original score alongside the film.
Leslie Odom, Jr.: The Christmas Tour
Sunday, December 22, 2024—7:00pm
Broadway star Leslie Odom, Jr. joins the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for a special evening of Christmas, Broadway, and popular hits. The Grammy® and Tony award-winner—renowned for his performance in the original cast of Hamilton—will light up Orchestra Hall with his vocal prowess and charisma to celebrate the holiday season.
Holidays with the Detroit Music Hall
Who Brought The Humbug
- Dec 08, 2024
- MAIN STAGE
- 4:00pm Dec, 08
Enjoy Holiday fun for all ages, at this family friendly, funky, feel good Christmas season musical! Set at the wildest ugly sweater party ever, all the guests are talented singers, incredible tap dancers, and high-energy musicians! The swinging Holiday fun really gets exciting when Santa Claus starts rapping with Rudolph, while Frosty the Snowman tap dances, and all of the other reindeer hip hop to the beat! The party comes to a hilarious halt when it is revealed that someone at the party brought a “humbug!”
Amadeus – Christmas Concert
- Dec 14, 2024
- MAIN STAGE
- 8:00pm Dec, 14
Amadeus, known as the uncontested leader of Romania's classical crossover music genre, has released six albums of original music and is renowned for their instrumental arrangements of classical, movie themes, pop, and rock classics. With over 200 million views on their official YouTube channel, they have captured the hearts of fans worldwide and performed in more than 40 countries all over the world.
Amadeus promises a diverse repertoire – carols included – that transcends language barriers, connecting people through the universal language of music. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening with a date or a joyful gathering with friends, this Christmas concert promises an unforgettable experience. Secure your tickets now and be part of this extraordinary celebration at the Detroit Music Hall Center. Don't miss this opportunity to let Amadeus transport you to a world of enchantment on December 14, 2024. Get ready for a holiday experience you'll cherish forever!
Rocky Mountain High Experience John Denver Christmas
- Dec 18, 2024
- MAIN STAGE
- 8:00pm Dec, 18
Rocky Mountain High Experience®, A John Denver Christmas starring Rick Schuler, America’s Top John Denver Tribute, is an intimate experience that will take you back to the ’70s when John Denver’s music permeated the radio airways.
Rick's enchanting holiday show features all your favorite Denver hits including “Rocky Mountain High”, “Sunshine On My Shoulders”, “Take Me Home Country Roads”, “Leaving On A Jet Plane”, “Annie’s Song”, and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy”, just to name a few.
Schuler weaves in John’s heartwarming inspirational carols and holiday classics from his memorable TV specials and Christmas albums including “Aspenglow”, “Silent Night”, “Joy to the World”, “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”, and many more festive standards.
Rocky Mountain High Experience®, A John Denver Christmas captivates audiences young and old alike. Don’t miss the incomparable event of the season… you will swear you are back in the ’70s with John Denver on stage!
Snow Queen
- Dec 26, 2024
- MAIN STAGE
- 7:00pm Dec, 26
For the 2024/25 season, The Grand Kyiv Ballet presents a special treat with the enchanting Christmas ballet “The Snow Queen,” inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale. Set to the music of Grieg, Massenet, Mozart, and Vivaldi, this magical performance promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Follow Gerda on her brave quest to rescue Kai from the Snow Queen’s icy grip. With charming characters like forest fairies, trolls, and a funny Snowman, this ballet will fill your heart with holiday joy and wonder.