Pauline Adamek
The holidays are upon us!! ‘Tis the season for The Music Center to spread joy to thousands of Angelenos and visitors for the holidays.
L.A.’s premier performing arts organization, its resident companies (LA Phil and the Los Angeles Master Chorale) along with Grand Park are producing nearly two dozen holiday-themed events—beginning with the Los Angeles County Tree Lighting Ceremony and Grand Park’s Holiday Lights on Monday, November 28, 2022—that will keep guests jolly throughout the year.
“O come, all ye faithful” to Downtown L.A. to enjoy the following paid ticketed and free events.*
To view the complete list of holiday-themed events, visit musiccenter.org/hohoho.
- Monday, November 28, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
Los Angeles County Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by The Music Center
Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
The annual event returns live and in person for the first time since the pandemic, featuring a special performance by Urban Voices Project. Arrive early to this free public event to enjoy live music beginning 15 minutes prior to the ceremony, snow flurries and complimentary hot chocolate! The LA County of Supervisors will offer holiday greetings before lighting the tree.
- Monday, November 28, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
Holidays Lights presented by Grand Park
Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
In tandem with the Los Angeles County Tree Lighting Ceremony, Grand Park will light up the night with holiday décor on display between Grand Avenue and Hill Street. See the incredible Grand Park Pink Sphere tree, beautiful menorah and twinkling lights guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
- Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Holiday Sing-Along presented by LA Phil
The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
Walt Disney Concert Hall’s massive pipe organ, a choir and a jazz combo lead a cheerful selection of seasonal favorites in this favorite Los Angeles holiday tradition. A jolly good time! Please note: No children under two years old will be admitted to this concert.
- Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 4, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 18, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.
“The Nutcracker” with Dudamel: Tchaikovsky & Ellington presented by LA Phil
The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
When Dudamel last led The Nutcracker in concert with the LA Phil in 2013, the Los Angeles Times’ Mark Swed wrote the music was “irresistible” and “reinvigorated,” noting it was a rare treat to experience Tchaikovsky’s score showcased as the main attraction with nuance and flow. This time, Dudamel conducts the holiday favorite with a twist when he leads both Tchaikovsky’s original as well as Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington’s swinging reimagination of the many colors and drama of the original.
- Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
Dudamel Conducts “The Nutcracker” Symphonies for Youth presented by LA Phil
The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
Gustavo Dudamel hosts and conducts this special 45-minute concert designed for ages 5 to 11 featuring the drama and many musical colors of Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite. Plus, enjoy a pre-concert art activity with your family, starting at 10 a.m.
- Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.
Festival of Carols with the Los Angeles Master Chorale
The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
Usher in the holidays with traditional Christmas carols and festive folksongs from around the world. Joining the Master Chorale for this perennial holiday favorite is special guest Jonathan Antoine, who earned international acclaim after his appearance on Britain’s Got Talent and became the world’s most viewed television audition of any performer in history. Brimming with quality, feeling and authenticity, his performances reach out and draw you into the music. Children six years and above are welcomed to this family-friendly concert.
- Sunday, December 11, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.
Lo, How a Rose with the Los Angeles Master Chorale
The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
Lo, How a Rose pays tribute to the classic Renaissance Christmas carol by Michael Praetorius that depicts the beauty and comfort of the nativity. Music on this program celebrates the wonder of the season, with beloved works by former composers-in-residence Shawn Kirchner and Morten Lauridsen, world premieres by Mari Esabel Valverde and Cristian Grases and music by Benjamin Britten, Stacey Gibbs, Ariel Quintana, Carlos Simon, Hyo-Won Woo and more.
- Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 8:00 p.m.
A Chanticleer Christmas presented by LA Phil
The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
The much-celebrated, GRAMMY®-winning, 12-man ensemble makes its return for a classic holiday program of a cappella choral music, presented with stunning clarity, precision and excellence.
- Sunday, December 18, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.
Handel’s “Messiah” with the Los Angeles Master Chorale
The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
Joyous refrains and exultant arias, including the iconic Hallelujah chorus, fill the Concert Hall this holiday season. This Baroque masterwork, expressing the themes of hope, redemption and grace, showcases the magnificent artistry and skill of the celebrated chorus, complemented by four exceptional guest artists.
- Monday, December 19, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
Carols on the Plaza with the Los Angeles Master Chorale
Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
Delight in singing the songs of the holidays—Deck the Halls, Frosty the Snowman, Joy to the World and more—with 20 singers from the Chorale! Kiki & David Gindler Artistic Director Grant Gershon leads everyone in an evening of merriment and, perhaps, a little mischief. Song booklets provided.
- Monday, December 19, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.
“Messiah” Sing-Along with the Los Angeles Master Chorale
The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
What’s better than listening to Messiah? Singing along, of course! Everyone, from the classically-trained soprano to the spirited singer in the shower, is invited to join this vibrant holiday sing-along tradition. Bring your own score, or purchase one in the lobby, and be prepared to sing, sing, sing and enjoy!
- Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 22, 2022, at 8:00 p.m.
“Home Alone” in Concert presented by LA Phil
The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture, conducted by David Newman. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family!
- Friday, December 23, 2022, at 8:00 p.m.
Arturo Sandoval Swinging Holiday presented by LA Phil
The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
Jazz up your holidays! The 10-time GRAMMY®-winning Sandoval makes it a jumping, jiving, jingling night at Walt Disney Concert Hall, performing a program of holiday favorites decked out in Latin Jazz styling.
- Saturday, December 24, 2022, at 3:00 p.m.
63rd Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration presented by The Music Center
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
An L.A. holiday tradition since 1959, the Emmy® award-winning free holiday spectacular once again spreads joy to thousands of Angelenos on Christmas Eve, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, with performances by two dozen music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from L.A.’s rich diversity of neighborhoods and cultures. Admission to the in-person 63rd annual holiday spectacular is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Saturday, December 31, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
New Year’s Eve with The Roots presented by LA Phil
The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
The legendary Roots crew are one of the best known and most respected Hip-Hop acts in the business, nominated for twelve GRAMMYS® and winning four, including Best R&B Album for Wake Up!, Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for Hang in There(with John Legend) and Best Group or Duo R&B Vocal Performance for Shine. The Roots were named one of the greatest live bands around by Rolling Stone and serve as the official house band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
- Saturday, December 31, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Grand Park’s NYELA
Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
Ring in the new year at Downtown L.A.’s biggest free New Year’s Eve music and dance party starring the city’s best DJs and musicians, including DJ Marques Wyatt and Cuban Funk band Cimafunk, performing on two stages! The family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration crescendos with an epic countdown to 2023 depicted by Grand Park’s signature 3-D video projection and light show on City Hall.
- Tuesdays thru Fridays at 11:00 a.m.
Saturdays and Sundays at 10:15 a.m.
The Music Center Tours
Meet at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012
The Music Center offers free tours of its theatres during the holidays and throughout the year led by volunteer Music Center docents, the Symphonians. The 90-minute tours encompass The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall and share details of each theatre’s history and architecture, along with Jerry Moss Plaza, while highlighting the many pieces of artwork, sculptures, tapestries, paintings and antiques from across the globe dating back to the 17th century. Guests obtain insider perspective on the history of the campus and Downtown Los Angeles through shared stories collected through The Music Center’s nearly 60 years as the heart of Los Angeles County’s cultural life. Toursbegin in the Grand Lobby of Walt Disney Concert Hall. For more information, including a schedule of self-guided audio tours, visit musiccenter.org
*Programs and artists subject to change.
