Live holiday music shows and concerts for a very merry 2023 season
We’ve put together a list of all holiday concerts and live music performances taking place across the Triangle this festive season.
We’ll update this list throughout December, so bookmark it online and check back often. If you see something we missed that you think we should include, let us know by emailing ask@newsobserver.com.
We’ve listed a few special recurring events up top, but then a schedule by date follows.
North Carolina Symphony
The Symphony plays at the 1,700-seater Meymandi Concert Hall, located at 2 E South St. in Raleigh. For information and tickets, visit ncsymphony.org/concerts-events.
▪ A Harry Potter Holiday: Selections from Harry Potter films. Adult and children’s costume contest before the shows. Tickets begin at $50. Three shows will be performed on Nov. 22 at 4 p.m., Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. and Nov. 25 at 3 p.m.
▪ Handel Messiah: This holiday tradition features soloists to honor Handel’s most popular work. Tickets begin at $60. Two shows will be performed on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
▪ Holiday Pops: The NC State University Chorale joins the NC Symphony for a festive concert full of holiday favorites you know and love. Tickets start at $52. Three shows will be performed on Dec. 8 and Dec. 9. (The Symphony will also play a Holiday Pops show on Dec. 3 in Wilmington.)
▪ A Candlelight Christmas: This candlelight-illumined show features a full orchestra and children’s choir. Tickets begin at $60. Two shows will be performed on Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 3 p.m.
Saturday, December 9
▪ A Jolly Broadway Holiday with David Burnham: Listen to Broadway musical hits from Broadway superstar David Burnham, known for his performances in Wicked, Light in the Piazza, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Concessions will be available for sale. Tickets start around $18. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W Garner Rd in Garner Info: garnernc.gov
▪ Black Nativity in Concert: Presented by The Justice Theater Project. This annual event takes place at the NC Museum of Art’s Joseph M. Bryan Jr. Theater. Tickets are $5 per person. When: 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Where: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd. in Raleigh Info: thejusticetheaterproject.org/black-nativity-2023
▪ Big Band Holidays: Presented by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. This year’s edition will feature guest vocalist Ashley Pezzotti. Tickets start around $65 with UNC-CH student discounts available. When: 8 p.m. Where: Memorial Hall, 114 E Cameron Ave. in Chapel Hill Info: carolinaperformingarts.org
▪ Concert Singers of Cary Holiday Pops: This annual evening has a mix of fun traditional carols, sacred music, and always includes at least one song from non-Christian faiths. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for Pre-K to 12th grade students. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Cary Art Center Theater, 101 Dry Ave in Cary Info: concertsingers.org
Sunday, December 10
▪ Triangle Jewish Chorale: Jewish Music Near and Far: In a variety of languages, the Triangle Jewish Chorale presents Hanukkah selections and melodies of praise and reflection. Free admission. When: 3 p.m. Where: Jewish for Good, 1937 W. Cornwallis Rd. in Durham Info: trianglejewishchorale.org
▪ Black Nativity in Concert: Presented by The Justice Theater Project. This annual event takes place at the NC Museum of Art’s Joseph M. Bryan Jr. Theater. Tickets are $5 per person. When: 2:30 p.m. Where: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd. in Raleigh Info: thejusticetheaterproject.org/black-nativity-2023
Wednesday, December 13
▪ Holiday Music on the Roof: Ally J: This Durham-based singer/songwriter will play a holiday-themed set on The Durham’s heated rooftop. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: The Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St. in Durham Info: thedurham.com
▪ Candlelight Holiday Special: Featuring “The Nutcracker,” this holiday concert features Lyricosa String Quartet at the Hayti Heritage Center. Tickets begin at $40. When: 6:30 or 9 p.m. Where: 804 Old Fayetteville St in Durham Info: feverup.com/en/durham-nc/candlelight
Thursday, December 14
▪ Neuse River Big Band’s Swingin’ Holiday: Listen to 20 local musicians holiday music inspired by big band legends, like the Glen Miller Orchestra and Duke Ellington. Individual tickets are about $14. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W Garner Rd in Garner Info: garnernc.gov
Sunday, December 17
▪ The Oakwood Waits: An a cappella caroling ensemble dressed in authentic 1840’s costume will present a concert of medieval to modern carols. Proceeds will benefit Alliance Medical Ministry. $10 minimum donation suggested. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Sanctuary of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 1520 Canterbury Rd. in Raleigh. Info: oakwoodwaits.org
Wednesday, December 20
▪ Holiday Music on the Roof: Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus: This Raleigh-based group will play on The Durham’s heated rooftop. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: The Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St. in Durham Info: thedurham.com
Saturday, December 23
▪ Christmas with the Embers: A night of Christmas and Beach Classics featuring Craig Woolard. Tickets range from $20 to $75. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: The Rialto, 1620 Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh Info: therialto.com
This story was originally published December 3, 2023 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Live holiday music shows and concerts for a very merry 2023 season."
