Between its over-the-top light displays and packed seasonal ice rinks, no one celebrates the holidays quite like Los Angeles. As a nexus of entertainment industry talent, we’re lucky to experience some of the country’s most well-produced holiday and Christmas concerts right here in LA.
Dozens of other thrilling acts are scheduled all over the city, from LA Ballet’s magical rendition of The Nutcracker to an impressive lineup of concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall. How will you ring in the spirit of the season? Read on for our ultimate guide to the most highly-anticipated concerts, performances, and Christmas shows in Los Angeles this winter.
1. Candlelight Christmas concerts
The magical ambiance of a Los Angeles Candlelight concert reaches another level during the holidays. Hear classical renditions of your favorite holiday songs and Christmas carols in an intimate venue decorated with hundreds of glowing candles. And if you want to surprise a loved one with a concert of their choice, this Candlelight Gift Card should do the trick.
2. The Nutcracker
Los Angeles Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is one of the most highly-anticipated holiday shows in LA every single year. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker through memorable scenes from the celebrated ballet, adorned with SoCal touches in the set design such as bougainvillea and calla lilies, Venice Beach archways, and the vast Pacific Ocean. The ballet will grace three different LA venues over the course of its December run.
In addition to Los Angeles Ballet’s beloved rendition, the World Ballet Company will also present The Nutcracker at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale.
📅 Dates: Dec. 6-28, 2024
📍 Location: Pasadena Civic Auditorium (Dec. 6-8), Royce Hall at UCLA (Dec. 13-15), Dolby Theatre (Dec. 19-28), and Alex Theatre in Glendale (Dec. 23-24)
🎵 Tickets: Los Angeles Ballet and World Ballet Company
3. Deck the Hall holiday concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall
LA’s legendary Walt Disney Concert Hall has lined up a wonderful schedule of holiday shows all December long, from an intimate performance by Jennifer Hudson to Home Alone in concert. Arrive early to experience their Winter Wonderland at BP Hall.
Holiday Sing-Along
Walt Disney Concert Hall’s family holiday tradition is back with two separate performances on Dec. 14th, where you’re invited to sing Christmas carols with hundreds of fellow merrymakers.
📅 Date: Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024
Chanticleer
This Grammy-winning, 12-member “orchestra of voices” presents a cappella arrangements of your favorite Christmas classics.
📅 Date: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024
Jennifer Hudson: The Gift of Love
Experience Jennifer Hudson’s powerful and unmistakable vocals in person with these selections from her new album, The Gift of Love.
📅 Date: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024
Home Alone in Concert
Enjoy a live soundtrack version of the holiday classic Home Alone, where conductor David Newman will lead the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra through John Williams’ famous score.
📅 Dates: Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 21-22, 2024
Arturo Sandoval Swinging Holiday
Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter and pianist Arturo Sandoval presents a high-energy program of holiday classics.
📅 Date: Monday, Dec. 23, 2024
New Year’s Eve with D-Nice and Friends
Ring in 2025 with artist and DJ D-Nice, accompanied by iconic performers including Estelle, Kenny Burns, Next, Mike Phillips, Tisha Campbell, and more.
📅 Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024
📍 Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
🎵 Tickets: Walt Disney Concert Hall
4. LA County Holiday Celebration
The Music Center presents the 65th annual LA County Holiday Celebration. See performances from diverse LA-based artists and groups including choral troupes, dance troupes, and more.
📅 Dates: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024
📍 Location: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion – 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
🎵 Tickets: Free admission – learn more from The Music Center
5. Wicked
Something about the nostalgia of The Wizard of Oz pairs so nicely with the holiday season, and this upcoming production of Wicked is sure to draw a range of new and old fans. Tickets are already starting to sell out in December, so make sure you book ASAP.
📅 Dates: Dec. 4, 2024 – Feb. 2, 2025
📍 Location: Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
🎵 Tickets: Broadway in Hollywood
6. Peter Pan and Tinkerbell: A Pirate’s Christmas
Join an interactive family Christmas show with your favorite Peter Pan characters in Thousand Oaks. Cheer on Peter, Wendy, and Tinker Bell as they evade capture by Captain Hook’s gang of pirates.
📅 Dates: Dec. 13-29, 2024
📍 Location: Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
🎵 Tickets: Bank of America Performing Arts Center
7. Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony
Grammy-nominated artist Sarah Brightman is back this year with a magical Christmas concert at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre. Hear her perform the season’s most iconic songs with the help of a full orchestra, choir, and special guests.
📅 Date: Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024
📍 Location: Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
🎵 Tickets: Dolby Theatre
8. The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show
The merriest “Queens of Christmas,” AKA Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme, present a raucously hilarious and delightfully entertaining holiday show at the Dolby Theatre this month after touring all across the United States.
📅 Dates: Monday, Dec. 16, 2024
📍 Location: Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
🎵 Tickets: Dolby Theatre