Join us for holiday fun and fan favorites!

There are so many holiday events that happen in December. How do you choose what will add to your family’s holiday spirits? The Center’s December event calendar should have you covered. In addition to the Center’s own favorites, our arts partners are also presenting a wide range of productions to put everyone in the festive spirit, even if it is 80 degrees outside!

Pacific Symphony Presents
Holiday Classics: Grieg’s Piano Concerto 
December 3–5  •  Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

The Symphony opens December with Grieg’s Piano Concerto with pianist Joyce Yang. This piece is anchored by Detlev Glanert’s American Prelude No. 1 and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 6. The program will be conducted by Ruth Reinhardt, making her Pacific Symphony debut for this festive, holiday-ready program.

Pacific Symphony Presents
The Nutcracker for Kids 
December 5  •  Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Children will be delighted by The Nutcracker for Kids, a beloved classic designed especially for children. At its condensed running time of 45 minutes, this is a perfect way to introduce children to the seasonal classic ballet with Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy. It features dancers from the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School and takes the audience on an enchanted journey to the Land of the Sweets. Pacific Symphony plays the familiar and festive score.

Pacific Symphony Presents
Handel’s Glorious Messiah 
December 6  •  Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

George Frideric Handel wrote The Messiah in 1741, and it’s been a No. 1 hit ever since. In addition to being an extraordinary composer he was also a philanthropist. Handel intended concerts of this piece to raise money for the Foundling Hospital in London, where women could leave their babies if they couldn’t care for them. Although the hospital is long gone (it’s a museum now) Messiah has never fallen out of popularity. Don’t miss Handel’s Glorious Messiah and its celebration of joy, reflection and renewal. The symphony is joined by Pacific Chorale, led by its artistic director, Robert Istad. 

Philharmonic Society of Orange County Presents
The Holidays with Canadian Brass 
December 8  •  Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

The Philharmonic Society brings back a fan favorite. Nothing says the holidays like Canadian Brass. For more than 50 years, this unique group has been spreading joy and making spirits bright. Experience the warmth and festive spirit of the holidays with an unforgettable evening of brilliant brass music and classic favorites that will fill your heart with cheer. Bring your family and friends and make this concert a cherished part of your holiday traditions. 

Segerstrom Center Presents
Fiesta Navidad
December 9  •  Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Celebrate the spirit of the season with one of Orange County’s most cherished holiday events! Fiesta Navidad returns to Segerstrom Center, featuring the Grammy^® Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos in a vibrant concert that brings Mexican holiday traditions to life through festive music, colorful dance, and joyful celebration. Beloved by audiences of all ages, this heartwarming evening is the perfect way to gather with family and friends and experience the rich cultural heritage of a Mexican Christmas. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of community, tradition, and holiday cheer!

Segerstrom Center Presents
American Ballet Theatre The Nutcracker
with Pacific Symphony
December 10–24  •  Segerstrom Hall

Celebrating its 11th season at Segerstrom Center, SoCal’s favorite holiday tradition returns with American Ballet Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker. Created by one of today’s most celebrated choreographers, Alexei Ratmansky, this dazzling holiday treat features ABT’s roster of superstar dancers along with gorgeous sets and costumes by Tony winner Richard Hudson, and Pacific Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. 

Clara’s nutcracker doll transforms into a handsome prince who joins her on a magical journey to lands filled with dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers and other exotic characters, all brought to vivid life on stage by a cast of over 100 performers! Some of those performers will be young dancers from the Center’s American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School. The Nutcracker is one of the great joys of the holiday season. Enjoy it and make memories with your loved ones.

Pacific Symphony Presents
Holiday Organ Spectacular 
December 14  •  Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

If you haven’t experienced the William J. Gillespie Organ with its 4,322 pipes in Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, you’re in for a treat. Holiday Organ Spectacular highlights world-class organist Todd Wilson and members of Pacific Symphony as they perform a heartwarming mix of sacred and holiday music. Enjoy both the magnitude and delicacy of sounds made by the king of instruments. No matter how many organ concerts you have attended it’s always a thrilling experience.

Philharmonic Society of Orange County Presents
Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas 
December 15  •  Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Voctave returns to ring in the holiday season with its world-renowned a capella sounds. The ensemble brings breathtaking harmonies, festive favorites, and holiday classics to a joyful celebration of the season. Known for viral performances, they have amassed more than 200 million views. Join us for a family-friendly evening filled with warmth, wonder and unforgettable music.

Segerstrom Center Presents
Silent Night Silent Disco
December 18  •  Julianne and George Argyros Plaza

Don’t miss our annual holiday Silent Night Silent Disco party on the Plaza. This year will feature a new way to feel the music with a limited selection of wearable vibrating haptic vests developed by Music: Not Impossible. This assistive technology gives deaf and hard-of-hearing people an immersive way to experience music in real time through a tight-fitted vest containing 20 vibrating plates—allowing every guest—hearing or deaf—to feel the rhythm, texture, and energy of music through their body.

Pacific Symphony Presents
Cody Fry Christmas 
December 18–19  •  Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Cody Fry returns with a holiday show that blends timeless favorites with his signature orchestral style, wit and warmth. This GRAMMY-nominated singer has sold out his previous symphony appearances, and with Pacific Symphony to accompany him, he reimagines beloved songs with lush arrangements, rich harmonies, and a sweeping, cinematic sound—all paired with his natural storytelling that makes for a night of joy and festivities. 

Pacific Chorale Presents
Tis the Season!
December 20–23  •  Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Pacific Chorale certainly keeps Santa busy! Tis the Season! is a cherished Orange County tradition that lights up the hall with a sparkling mix of seasonal classics and whimsical surprises. Tis the Season! started as just one evening performance and its popularity has grown into three performances that sell out every year. Conducted by Robert Istad, the Chorale is accompanied by members of Pacific Symphony and the Southern California Children’s Chorus, creating a perfect festive outing for the whole family. We hear that the Man in Red always attends every show! 

Segerstrom Center Presents
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert
January 3  •  Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

A New Year tradition, Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert returns in January. This symphony of sound and spectacle evokes Vienna’s Golden Age by bringing the music of “Waltz King” Johann Strauss, Jr. to vivid life. Beloved by audiences, this annual tradition features some of Europe’s finest singers, internationally acclaimed dancers, and a full orchestra performing a soaring musical selection including the “Blue Danube Waltz.” This joyful holiday celebration invites audiences to waltz into the new year with delight.