Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
November 26, 7:30 PM
Ferguson Center
This year, Mannheim Steamroller’s two touring ensembles will hold over 90 performances throughout the United States. The shows will feature the favorite Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with state-of-the-art multimedia effects in an intimate setting.
Lauren Daigle: The Behold Christmas Tour
November 30, 7:30 PM
Harrison Opera House
The two-time Billboard Music Award, Grammy and American Music Award winner will perform tunes from her new deluxe version of “Behold: A Christmas Collection,” including “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Away in a Manger.”
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2018
December 1, 8 PM
Ferguson Center
Koz returns to the road this Holiday Season for his 21st annual “Dave Koz Christmas Tour 2018”. Special Guests joining Dave this year will be Mindi Abair, pop/blues saxophonist/singer who will be making her first Christmas Tour appearance; South African guitarist/singer, Jonathan Butler, who returns for another wonderful time with Dave; and Japanese keyboard sensation Keiko Matsui.
The Manhattan Transfer Holiday Show
December 1, 8 PM
December 2, 3 PM
American Theatre
The Manhattan Transfer’s incredible vocal power has entertained worldwide audiences for more than four decades. During this special time of year, the group delivers a remarkable performance of holiday favorites from its hit albums, The Christmas Album, An Acapella Christmas, as well as selections from the recently released, chart-soaring album, The Junction. The Manhattan Transfer Holiday Show is a rare opportunity to see one of the music industry’s most influential jazz vocal groups.
Virginia Chorale
Sing We Nowell
December 1, St Andrew’s Episcopal Church
December 2, First Presbyterian Church
Traditional carols and seasonal anthems fill the air as the Chorale presents its annual joy-filled celebration of the holidays. Harpists Barbara Chapman and Colleen Thorburn join the chorus for the Hampton Roads premiere of Will Todd’s radiant Among Angels, a lustrous evocation of angels in flight. The program also includes alluring arrangements of holiday favorites.
Soweto Gospel Choir
Presented by Virginia Arts Festival
December 3, 7 PM
Historic First Baptist Church/Norfolk
This extraordinary South African choir brings irresistible, infectious joy to their performances, blending elements of African gospel, traditional spirituals, American popular music, and holiday songs. The group first performed at a historic 2003 concert for Nelson Mandela and has since toured internationally; their albums Blessed and African Spirit won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album in 2007 and 2008. Gather family and friends for an unforgettable concert, including holiday favorites.
Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival
December 8, 11 AM to 3 PM
High Street/Portsmouth
Various street performs play and sing the holiday traditions.
Chris Tomlin: Christmas Songs of Worship
December 8, 7:30 PM
Ferguson Center
On any given Sunday, tens of millions in churches across the globe sing songs from Chris’ rich, worship-focused catalog. His benchmark anthems include “At the Cross (Love Ran Red),” “Our God,” “How Great is our God,” and his latest No.1 single “Good, Good Father” was Recording Industry Association of America certified Gold after spending 15 weeks atop the Billboard Top Christian Tracks Chart.
Winter Classics & Holiday Favorites
Hampton Roads Philharmonic
December 9, 2:30 PM
American Theatre
Come hear the sounds of the season as the orchestra presents a program of holiday favorites including “The Nutcracker,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Holiday Brass
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 | Chesapeake Conference Center, Chesapeake | 7PM
Friday, December 14, 2018 | St. Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg | 8PM
Saturday, December 15, 2018 | Regent University Chapel, Virginia Beach | 7PM
Sunday, December 16, 2018 | Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery, Hampton | 2PM
The bold sounds of the Virginia Symphony brass section ring in the holidays with a blast! Experience the festive sounds of the season in a concert filled with wit, virtuosity, and the glorious music of the holidays—featuring the VSO brass and percussion sections in an all-new program. You’ll enjoy music from a variety of styles that have made this concert a new holiday tradition.
Will Downing’s Soulful Sounds of Christmas
December 13, 7:30 PM
Harrison Opera House
The R&B singer with 18 studio albums to his credit brings his holiday favorites for a memorable concert in Norfolk.
Handel’s Messiah
Virginia Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
December 13, Regent University
December 14, First Baptist Church
December 15, Harrison Opera House
Join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and VSO Chorus for the time-honored Christmas tradition of George Frideric Handel’s revered oratorio, Messiah. Get in the spirit of the season with this distinguished performance of Handel’s sacred masterpiece that presents the austere and dramatic narrative of the Messiah. From Isaiah’s prophecies to the Hallelujah Chorus, you will be brought to your feet in the Messiah performance of the season.
Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas
December 14, 7:30 PM
Harrison Opera House
Jim Brickman delivers the sound and spirit of the season with carols, classics and original songs on his 22nd annual holiday tour. Holiday music brings yuletide memories to life as Brickman helps you escape from the holiday hustle-bustle and keeps your days merry and bright.
Holiday Portraits
Presented by Tidewater Winds
December 17, 7:30 PM
Sandler Center
The Tidewater Winds, under the direction of Maestro John Brewington, will feature our talented musicians and vocalists of Fond Memories, who have captured those precious family pictures and turned them into a presentation titled “Holiday Portraits.” Experience familiar holiday favorites like “Sleigh Ride,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Jingle Bells” and more.
Visions of Sugar Plums
Presented by Virginia Beach Chorale
December 18, 7:30 PM
Sandler Center
Experience the magic of the holiday season as the Virginia Beach Chorale presents the most heartwarming songs of Christmas.
The King’s Singers
Presented by Virginia Arts Festival
December 20, Christ & St Luke’s/Norfolk
December 21, St. Bede Catholic Church/Williamsburg
This world-renowned ensemble was formed in 1968 by six recently-graduated choral scholars from King’s College, Cambridge. Their members have changed over the years, but their dedication to vocal music and their commitment to the highest level of artistry have remained. 2018 marks the 50th birthday of the group, and their Gold season celebrates the amazing musical heritage of The King’s Singers, while looking ahead to the bright future of vocal music in all its forms. The group has consistently been welcomed on the world’s great stages, from London’s Royal Albert Hall to the Opera House in Sydney and New York’s Carnegie Hall, and proudly claims two Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a place in Gramophone magazine’s inaugural Hall of Fame among their many accolades. Hear this beloved ensemble perform music across centuries in a special holiday program.
Holiday Pops
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
December 20, Ferguson Center
December 21, Chrysler Hall
December 22, Sandler Center
There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Virginia Symphony, the inspirational voices of Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and special guests. Led by conductor Robert Shoup, Holiday Pops will have all the magical elements you’ve come to expect —high energy, familiar carols and lots of holiday warmth.
Jingle Bell Jam
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
December 22, 2 PM
Sandler Center
The bold sounds of the Virginia Symphony brass section ring in the holidays with a blast! Experience the festive sounds of the season in a concert filled with wit, virtuosity, and the glorious music of the holidays—featuring the VSO brass and percussion sections in an all-new program. You’ll enjoy music from a variety of styles that have made this concert a new holiday tradition.
36th Annual Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along
Presented by Symphonicity
December 23, 8 PM
Sandler Center
Conducted by Daniel W. Boothe, this concert includes the audience, who will sing the choruses from the Christmas portion of Messiah. Professional singers will perform the solos. This concert is free and open to the public.