From holiday classics to rock and roll, music will fill Chicago’s concert halls this season.
93XRT Holiday Concert for Kids with Freddy Jones Band: Concertgoers are urged to bring a new or like new toy or book for the children in Chicagoland hospitals during the holiday season. Sean Kelly of The Samples opens. Nov. 21 at Park West, 322 W. Armitage, $35.
Vienna Boys Choir — Christmas in Vienna: The choir performs popular folk songs, classical masterpieces and holiday favorites. Nov. 24 at Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan, $25-$85.
“Star Wars – The Empire Strikes Back” in Concert: A screening of the movie as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ score. Nov. 23-25 at Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan, $71-$222.
93XRT Holiday Concert for Kids with Crash Test Dummies: Concertgoers are urged to bring a new or like new toy or book for the children in Chicagoland hospitals during the holiday season. Nov. 24 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, $48.
ChillFest: During small business Saturday, music performances by Hugh Lee and the Pariahs, The Fox & the Hounds, Jonathan Fin, Elle Casazza, Matt Griffo and many more. Nov. 24 in stores throughout Wicker Park/Bucktown. Free
“Amahl and the Night Visitors”: Gian Carlo Menotti’s opera about a young shepherd boy whose life is forever changed when he follows a very special star. Performed by Chamber Opera Chicago with dancers from Ensemble Espanol and Ruth Page Center. Nov. 24-25 at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, $10-$20
The Oak Ridge Boys – Shine the Light on Christmas: A mix of traditional and contemporary songs for the holidays plus personal thoughts from each band member about Christmas. Nov. 25 at Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago, $43-$73.
The Christmas Oratorio: Music of the Baroque performs Bach’s musical interpretations of the Christmas story. Nov. 26 at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph, $10-$64.
Joel Paterson’s Hi-Fi Christmas: The Chicago guitar ace celebrates the release of “Hi-Fi Christmas Guitar” with Beau Sample, Chris Foreman and Oscar Wilson. Nov. 28 at Space, 1245 Chicago, Evanston, $15-$25.
Kenny G — The Miracles Holiday: The contemporary jazz saxophonist performs holiday tunes and songs from his catalog. Nov. 29 at Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago, Joliet, $44-$69.
WKQX’s The Nights We Stole Christmas: With Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Houndmouth, Alice Merton (Nov. 29), The Smashing Pumpkins, Grandson, Albert Hammond Jr. (Nov. 30), Walk the Moon, Chvrches, Flora Cash (Dec. 1), Death Cab for Cutie, Elle King, Lovely the Band (Dec. 2) at The Aragon, 1106 W. Lawrence, ticket prices vary.
Jan Lynch’s “A Swingin’ Little Christmas”: The singer/actress/comedian rings in the holidays with songs from her new Christmas album. Nov. 30 at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph. Sold out.
Jingle Bell Rock with Rosie and the Rivets: A family-friendly holiday music show. Nov. 30, Dec. 14,21 at Hard Rock Cafe, 63 W. Ontario, Free.
Chris and Heather’s Country Calendar Show: Chris Ligon and Heather McAdams celebrate Heather’s new 2019 calendar (featuring her great drawings of singers and musicians) with a live show featuring a variety of music acts including The Flat Five, Jodee Lewis, Phil Angotti, Dennis J. Leise and Tiny Horse, Robbie Fulks and more. Dec. 1 at FitzGerald’s,6615 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn, $20.
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus — Holiday Hullaballoo: The annual holiday concerts featuring seasonal favorites. Nov. 30 at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph, $25-$40. Dec. 1 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie, $25-$40. Dec. 2 at Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th, $25-$40.
Irish Christmas in America: Fiddler Oisin Mac Diarmada’s holiday show features Irish song, music and dance with singers Niamh Farrell and Seamus Begley. Dec. 1 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, $28.
Canadian Brass: Holiday tunes and more from this group and their gold-plated instruments. Dec. 1 at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn, $30-$49.
Holiday Swing!: The JAM Orchestra, a 30-piece orchestra, performs holiday favorites. Dec. 1 at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln, Skokie, $25.
Jennifer Knapp & Margaret Becker’s “Hymns of Christmas”: The singer-songwriters and longtime friends perform songs from their new album, which features their take on familiar carols. Dec. 2 at City Winery 1200 W. Randolph, $18.
The Colors of Christmas: Holiday classics and greatest hits with Peabo Bryson, Taylor Dayne, Jon Secada and Deniece Williams. Dec. 2 at Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee, Waukegan, $48-$68
Chicago Grandstand Big Band Christmas Show: Annual family holiday show with Singing Saucy Santa. Dec. 2 at FitzGerald’s,6615 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn, $10.
Highland Park Strings: Holiday music and more with guest soloists David Cunliffe and Desiree Ruhstrat. Dec. 2 at Highland Park High School, 433 Vine, Highland Park, Free
Evanston Symphony Holiday Concert: Performing with area instrumentalists, singers and dancers. Dec. 2 at Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge, Evanston, $10, $25.
Oak Park Concert Chorale: A festive Christmas concert. Nov. 18 at St. John Lutheran Church, 305 Circle, Forest Park; Dec. 2 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1025 W. Lake, Melrose Park, $12-$20.
A Chanticleer Christmas: The male chorus presents its annual concert of holiday classics from medieval to modern. Dec. 4-5 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut, $39-$61.
The Grammy Award–winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer makes their annual visit to Chicago with their program “A Chanticleer Christmas” Dec. 4- 5 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut.| Provided Photo
Somethin’ About Christmas with Kris Allen and Sawyer: The Season 8 “American Idol” winner welcomes the holidays with special guest Sawyer. Dec. 4 at City Winery 1200 W. Randolph, $25-$35.
The Lakeside Singers: A mash up of traditional choral and contemporary holiday songs. Dec. 4 at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights, $25, $35.
93XRT Holiday Concert for Kids with The Head and the Heart: Concertgoers are urged to bring a new or like new toy or book for the children in Chicagoland hospitals during the holiday season. Mt. Joy opens the show. Dec. 6 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, $39.50-$75.
The Empty Pockets Holiday Concert: Holiday songs and originals flavored with the band’s folk-soul sounds. Dec. 6 at City Winery 1200 W. Randolph, $28-$42.
Ron and Naomi’s Christmas Special: One part Andy Williams, one part Garrison Keillor, one part Pee Wee’s Playhouse, this is a holiday party you won’t want to miss. Dec. 6 at FitzGerald’s,6615 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn, $15.
A Doo Wop Christmas Show: Stars from “Jersey Boys” and “Motown: The Musical” perform doo-wop hits and holiday tunes. Dec. 7 at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn, $50-$60,
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” in Concert: A screening of the movie as members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ score. Dec. 7-9 at Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan, $55-$145.
Chicago a cappella Holiday Concerts: Beloved carols plus others from around the world. Dec. 7 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake, Oak Park; Dec. 8 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago, Evanston; Dec. 9 at St. Clement Church, 642 W. Deming Place; Dec. 14 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut; Dec. 15 at Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago, Naperville; Dec. 16 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago, Evanston, $20-$43.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will present “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” in Concert, a screening of the movie as members of the CSO perform John Williams’ score. Dec. 7-9 at Chicago Symphony Center,| AP Photo/Peter Mountain
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Show: The 21th edition of this holiday show promises fresh renditions of holiday classics as well as a Hanukkah medley and hits from his songbook. Dec. 7 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, $29-$115.
Brendan Bayliss & Jake Cinninger Holiday Show: The Umphrey’s McGee guitarists with a mix holiday tunes and McGee originals. Dec. 7 at Park West, 322 W. Armitage, $37.50.
Ingrid Michaelson’s “Songs for the Season”: The singer performs tunes from her new holiday disc. Dec. 7 at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield, $44.50, $54.50.
B96 Jingle Bash: With performances by Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes, Cardi B, Mike Posner, Why Don’t We, Lauv. Dec. 8 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont, $70-$125.
The Piano Guys — Christmas Together: The duo that created an Internet phenomenon with their original blend of classical and pop turns their attention to holiday songs. Dec. 8 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, $53-$193.
Harry Shearer & Judith Owen’s Christmas Without Tears: A reverent and irreverent antidote to the most stressful of seasons. Dec. 8-9 at Space, 1245 Chicago, Evanston, $20-$75.
West Towns Chorus Christmas Show: The award-winning barbershop chorus has a long history of entertaining audiences with its harmonies. Dec. 8-9 at Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main, St. Charles, $20-$26.
Chicago Philharmonic Chamber Players with “A Christmas Carol”: Charles Dickens classic is brought to life via narrator Frank Babbitt and the Chamber Players plus mezzo-soprano Maureen Davies. Dec. 9 at City Winery 1200 W. Randolph, $25.
Camila Cabello (pictured at an April 2018 concert in Vancouver, Canada) is a among the lineup for this year’s B96 Jingle Bash on Dec. 8 at the Allstate Arena.| Andrew Chin/Getty Images
Jazz Community Big Band Holiday Show: Annual holiday show with vocalist Ava Logan and an opening set by Jones College Prep Jazz Combos. Dec. 9 at FitzGerald’s,6615 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn, $10.
The Weepies Holiday Acoustic Tour: Singer-songwriters Deb Talan and Steven Tannen celebrate a song-filled holiday. Matt the Electrician opens the show. Dec. 9 at Park West, 322 W. Armitage, $32, $35.
Paddy Homan & the Noble Call: A trip back to a traditional Irish Christmas via songs, stories and dance. Dec. 9 at Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N, Knox, $20, $22.
Tony Orlando & Dawn’s “A Christmas Reunion”: The iconic group reunites to celebrate the holidays. Dec. 11 at Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main, St. Charles, $59-$125.
She’s Folks’ Holiday Hootenanny: Story, song and sass with a seasonal twist. Dec. 11 at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail, Arlington Heights, $10-$22.
Pentatonix – Christmas Is Here! Tour: The a cappella group celebrates the holidays and the release of a fourth album of modern and classic seasonal tunes.
