One of the best parts of celebrating the holidays is being able to watch holiday concerts and performances.
Restrictions put in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic prevent attending many performances in person. However, in the tradition of maintaining that “the show must go on,” many artists are still performing — and streaming those concerts so you can watch them from the comfort and safety of your home.
Here, then, are 10 holiday performances and concerts you can stream at home.
Mannheim Steamroller
Now Through December 29
Mannheim Steamroller has been presenting Christmas concerts for 35 years. Unfortunately, this year’s tour has been cancelled.
That doesn’t mean you can’t listen to Mannheim Steamroller. Just in time for the holidays, the Mannheim Steamroller Channel on SiriusXM is streaming holiday classics — without commercials. Mannheim Steamroller even has a special subscription offer for fans.
Darlene Love
December 5
Continuing her tradition of Christmas shows, Darlene Love will present “Love for the Holidays,” streamed from New York’s Sony Hall. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. EST. Tickets cost $35. The tickets provide access for up to 48 hours, so there’s no need to worry if you are unable to tune in on-time.
Boston Pops
December 10 Through January 9, 2021
The annual Boston Pops holiday performance has been a long-running favorite. This year, the “Holiday Pops 2020” concert will be available to stream from December 10 at noon Eastern through January 9, 2021.
The good news is that the performance will include musical numbers that are fan favorites. Those songs include the Pops’ classic “Sleigh Ride,” a Stan Kenton arrangement of “Good King Wenceslas,” and a medley of Christmas-time favorites. The Tanglewood Festival Chorus will also join the concert virtually for a rendition of “Home for the Holidays.”
Of special note for young audiences, the performance will include “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” accompanied by a musical film, and a “Christmas is for Children” sing-along. What’s more, a performance of “Christmas Time is Here,” will feature the Boston Symphony Children’s Choir, joining virtually. Single event passes are $30 for the online stream.
Straight No Chaser
December 10-20
Good news for Straight No Chaser fans. The a cappella group, which was formed in 1996 at Indiana University, is performing 10 shows live from Maryland’s MGM National Harbor. Each show will be live streamed and have a unique setlist featuring holiday hits and pop staples. The group will sing some of their most well-known songs — and even some they have never performed live. Tickets for the performances start at $20.
Andrea Bocelli
December 12
Following the massive success of his Easter performance, Andrea Bocelli will present “Believe in Christmas,” live from Italy’s Teatro Regio di Parma opera house.
This multi-camera event will be filmed in the round and will feature Andrea and some special guests. Franco Dragone, known for his ground-breaking work with Cirque du Soleil, provides the creative direction.
This livestream concert will be broadcast across multiple time zones to accommodate a global audience. Tickets are on sale now.
“A Starry Night from Lambeth Palace”
December 15
Set in London, and home to the second largest gardens in the city, the “A Starry Night from Lambeth Palace” concert “will be a celebration of the work of Ronald McDonald House Charities UK after a very challenging year.”
The line up will include performances by the English National Opera Choir, the Male London Welsh Rugby Choir, clarinetist Emma Johnson MBE, soprano singer Alexandra Kennedy, the twin soprano group Classical Reflection, and sketches from the artistic group “Chimes for Children.”
The performance will begin at 2:30 p.m. EST. While tickets are free, donations are greatly appreciated.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
December 18
In a typical year, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s touring bands put on roughly 120 live shows. This year, of course, with venues closed, that’s not happening.
Instead, Trans-Siberian Orchestra will play its holiday performance, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories Live In Concert,” virtually. The 90-minute performance will take place in Nashville, although there won’t be an in-person audience.
The livestream event will take place December 18 at 8:00 p.m. EST. In addition to the full album concert, fans will be able to watch special pre-show content, which includes behind-the-scenes footage and classic interview segments. Tickets are $30.
Barenaked Ladies
December 18
In the tradition of favorite variety shows from the past, “Barenaked for the Holidays,” by the Barenaked Ladies, will include musical numbers as well as sketch comedy written by the band.
The show begins at 9:00 p.m. EST. Tickets are $15.
Josh Groban
December 19
Perennial holiday favorite Josh Groban will sing at his first holiday concert, which will run 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. Tickets are on sale now.
Bach Society of St. Louis
December 23
Reimagined as a virtual event, the Bach Society of St. Louis will present the “Virtual Christmas Candlelight Concert.” Featuring a mix of both previously recorded content and new footage created specifically for this event, the concert will include “favorite carols to leave everyone filled with joy and holiday cheer.”
The Virtual Christmas Candlelight Concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. CST and run approximately 60 minutes. Tickets are $15.
Even though you can’t be there in person, these virtual shows are sure to help you celebrate the season.
