We have a rule in my house: No Christmas music until Thanksgiving. But I’ve been known to cheat here and there for an early preview. I mean, what would the holidays be without the bells and jingles and holiday tunes? Sure there are plenty of cringy “classics” that get old fast, there are always new songs and interpretations — especially when it comes to live holiday concerts.
Whether you’re into elegant classical, soulful jazz, rock around the Christmas tree, seasonal sing-alongs, Irish jigs or a whole band of trombones, here’s a full list of musical performances and holiday concerts in Colorado Springs for everyone. The schedule begins before Thanksgiving, and many regular shows have moved forward on the calendar. So be sure to get your tickets early.
Acoustic and World Concerts
Irish Christmas in America
Nov. 28
Stargazers Theatre
Celebrate Christmas with Irish music, song and jigs. The evocative family-friendly show will bring rich tradition and new energy to your holiday season.
Christmas with the Celts
Dec. 1
Pikes Peak Center
Born out of the hit PBS show, Christmas with the Celts has been touring live for 14 years, delivering a spirited combination of timeless ancient Irish Christmas carols and lively Irish dance with contemporary songs played with Irish instrumentation. New Christmas hits, Celts originals and fresh Irish Dance tunes are added each year so that no two years are the same. It’s a high-stepping musical celebration.
A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends
Dec. 5
Ent Center for the Arts
Five-time Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist David Arkenstone brings his holiday tour to the Springs. The genre-bending artist and his band blend cinematic, world music, neo-classical crossover, new age, and Celtic into a joyful holiday celebration.
Trace Bundy’s Acoustic Holiday
Dec. 5
Stargazers Theatre
The “Acoustic Ninja” brings his dazzling guitar wizardry to the annual holiday show. His music is poetry in motion, using harmonics, looping, multiple capos and his unique banter and stage presence to deliver an unforgettable live concert experience. This year’s annual concert features special guests Emma Harner. This one’s a holiday gift of guitar wizardry.
Christmas Carols and Classics
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Nov. 12
Pikes Peak Center
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been a favorite holiday tradition for more than 35 years. The annual holiday tour features the distinctive, Grammy Award-winning electronic sound. And the show features 15 musicians playing 20-some instruments to capture the immersive spirit of the season.
Soli Deo Gloria Holiday Kickoff Concert
Nov. 22
Broadmoor Hall at The Broadmoor
The 120-plus member Soli Deo Gloria community choir performs a free concert in Broadmoor Hall, featuring traditional and sacred holiday songs. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance.
Handel’s Messiah, a Christmas Concert at Glen Eyrie Castle
Nov. 29
Parish House Baroque at Glen Eyrie Castle
Dive into the holiday season with vocal and instrumental selections from Handel’s Messiah. Parish House Baroque, Colorado Springs’ only professional period instrument ensemble, will perform with the Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble. All pieces will be performed on period instruments and with a true baroque repertoire. There is an optional buffet dinner in the Castle Dining Room between the two performances at 4 and 7 p.m.
The Voice and the Violin Candlelight Christmas
Nov. 30
Ent Center for the Arts
Be moved by a breathtaking collaboration between internationally acclaimed violinist The Blue Violin (of the Boston String Quartet) and the blues-soaked vocals of alternative soul-rock sensation Cami Maree. The fusion of genres is often described as “Trans-Siberian Orchestra meets Lindsey Stirling,” and the concert will be set aglow by the stunning ambiance of candlelight.
Colorado Springs Youth Symphony
Dec. 6
Pikes Peak Center
The Colorado Springs Youth Symphony performs its impressive annual Holiday Celebration concert. This year’s show is the Holiday Pops Concert.
’Tis the Season: A Time to Connect
Dec. 7
Pikes Peak Center
The Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale presents its annual holiday concert. Join the festive celebration of holiday music from across the globe in the intimate Studio Bee at the Pikes Peak Center.
Colorado Springs Conservatory’s Holiday Extravaganza
Dec. 10
Ent Center for the Arts
Join the Colorado Springs Conservatory for the fourth annual Holiday Extravaganz. Students fwill get you into the holiday spirit with original music, treasured classics and everything in between.
tickets.entcenterforthearts.org
Wintersong
Dec. 13
Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble at Shove Chapel, Colorado College
Join this cherished holiday tradition of music, spoken word and candlelight by the Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble. The favorite Colorado Springs tradition reflects on the mystery and beauty of the intersection of light and dark and spiritual connection to the natural world. There are two performances at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Read more about the Wonder of Wintersong from our archives here.
First Pres Presents Christmas Joy!
Dec. 14
Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts
First Presbyterian Church’s annual tradition continues with two performances in this musical extravaganza. This year’s performance will showcase holiday favorites, featuring renowned guitarist Wayne Wilkinson, American bass-baritone opera singer Alvy Powell, the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, a 17-piece big band and the 150-voice “Big Blue” First Pres choir along with its full orchestra.
Mr. Sun’s Nutcracker Suite
Dec. 17
Ent Center for the Arts
Celebrate the season with Mr. Sun, the genre-defying bluegrass supergroup known for their adventurous spirit and dazzling virtuosity. The band reimagines Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite with their signature blend of jazz sophistication, bluegrass roots and playful improvisation.
Little London Winds Hanukkah Concert
Dec. 20
Temple Shalom
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a variety of joyous Hanukkah and klezmer music. After the concert and short service, join members of the Little London Winds for refreshments, hosted by the members of Temple Shalom. All faiths are welcome.
Christmas Symphony
Dec. 20-21
Pikes Peak Center
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic will fill the air with holiday cheer in its annual holiday concert. They will be joined by the Colorado Springs Chorale Society to perform festive sing-alongs, holiday favorites and a heartwarming performance that will fill you with holiday spirit.
Candlelight: Christmas Special Featuring The Nutcracker
Dec. 19
First United Methodist Church Colorado
Enjoy holiday favorites while immersed in the glow of candlelight. The String Quartet – Range Ensemble will perform selections from the Nutcracker and much more.
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Dec. 20
First United Methodist Church Colorado
The historic First United Methodist church will glow with candlelight as the Range Ensemble plays holiday favorites.
Little London Christmas Concert
Dec. 21
Bethel Lutheran Church
Join the Little London Winds as they play favorite Christmas tunes to get into the holiday spirit. The concert is free and open to the public regardless of faith and not sponsored by Bethel Lutheran Church.
Pop and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Nov. 16
Broadmoor World Arena
The multi-platinum, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) has bring touring its rock opera-meets-Christmas-and-classical style to arenas around the country for decades. Their concert has become a Springs tradition, and they hit the World Arena early this year. The Ghosts of Christmas Eve compiles a night of the best of TSO and more, and it will get you head-banging right into the holiday season. Choose between two performances on Nov. 16.
Collective Groove Holiday Dance Party
Dec. 6
Stargazers Theatre
Shake your groove thang with Collective Groove as they throw down contemporary beats and tunes from the golden age of soul. The nine-piece funk and soul dance knows how to light up a room, bringing fat beats and a killer horn section, covering dance hits from the Temptations to Prince to Bruno Mars and more.
The Amber Gene Annual Christmas Show
Dec. 7
The Black Sheep
The local indiegaze band The Amber Gene plays its annual Christmas show with guest Evan Cortland (of the local band Same Dude). The $15 entry fee includes a free Miller High Life (The Champagne of Beers) or a special Christmasy cocktail.
Steven Curtis Chapman Music of Christmas Tour
Dec. 9
Rocky Mountain Calvary
Steven Curtis Chapman’s The Music of Christmas Tour visits Colorado Springs as one of its 10 tour stops this Christmas, celebrating 30 years since the release of Chapman’s first Christmas album. SCC will perform songs from that album and more hits and Christmas classics with strings and a choir.!
Jingle Bell Rock!
Dec. 12
Sunshine Studios Live
DEATHRIDE, Jaxon Wood, Before Vegas, Lobatomy and As We Rise will rock the Sunshine Studios stage. Proceeds go to support the work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Paradise Cove Yacht Rock Holiday Party
Dec. 12
Stargazers Theatre & Event Center
Set sail for for a night of smooth grooves and festive cheer as Paradise Cove, Colorado Springs’ premier yacht rock band, hosts a special Holiday Dance Party. Known for their tight harmonies, slick instrumentals, and nostalgic setlists featuring hits from artists like Steely Dan, Michael McDonald and Toto, Paradise Cove promises an evening full of feel-good vibes and seasonal sparkle.
Harp Twins Rockin’ Holidays, Featuring Volfgang Twins
Dec. 13
Stargazers Theatre
The beautiful Harp Twin sisters team up with the burly Volfgang twin brothers on percussion for a family-friendly concert full of magical winter music, Christmas classics, comedy, stories and classic rock favorites. It’s a Nordic inspired musical night of fire and ice.
Spinphony String Quartet Holiday Show
Dec. 14
Stargazers Theatre
The four women of Spinphony break down barriers between classical, rock and pop music and they’ll bring a fresh spin(phony) to your holidays. The electric string quartet plays more like a rock band than an orchestral quartet with unique arrangements such as “Bach in Black” and “Don’t Stop Beethoven” and they’ll bring the same creativity to holiday favorites.
Mindless Vitality Christmas Toy Drive Show
Dec. 14
The Black Sheep
Local rockers Mindless Vitality host their fourth annual toy drive concert for Christmas Unlimited. And they’ll be joined by Letters from the Sun, SemiFiction and Solarpoint. Bring an unopened toy to be donated to a Colorado Springs family in need and your ticket becomes $10.
Lindsey Stirling: The Snow Waltz Tour
Dec. 15
Broadmoor World Arena
Lindsey Stirling weaves a spell with her electric violin, dreaming up an exquisitely composed yet boldly inventive sound entirely her own. on her Snow Waltz tour, the classically trained musician/songwriter/dancer/author shares holiday classics and original songs that bring all the feels — plus choreography, dancing, aerialists, lights and lots of holiday spirit.
Holiday Musicals and Dance
The Nutcracker
Nov. 28-30
Colorado Springs Philharmonic at Pikes Peak Center
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic presents its annual Nutcracker performance with the University of Oklahoma School of Dance and the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale. It’s a timeless classic and a favorite Colorado Springs holiday tradition for the whole family over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Mary Poppins
Nov. 20 – Dec. 28
Fine Arts Center Theatre
Who better to spread holiday cheer for the whole family than Marty Poppins? The much-loved musical classic will flutter onto the mainstage at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College this holiday season offering audiences of all ages a chance rediscover the enchantment of the world’s most beloved nanny.
Don’t miss the the 5 p.m. show on Saturday, Dec.13. when Mr. Banks and Bert will host a professional karaoke experience on stage under the lights following the performance. It’s $15 and will run from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The party will then move to ICONS.
Anastasia
Dec. 5-7
Colorado Springs Conservatory at Colorado College
The Colorado College music department and the Colorado Springs Conservatory are teaming up once again to present Anastasia. The musical tells the story of Anya, a young amnesiac woman who believes she might be the lost Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. The musical explores themes of identity, family and finding one’s place in the world amid political turmoil.
coloradospringsconservatory.org
The Ringmaster’s Holiday Attic
Dec. 6-21
Millibo Art Theatre
The old ringmaster, Seymour Frumple, is calling it quits. When he enters the attic to put away his tall black hat, sneaky cats, magical trunks and talking monkeys keep getting in the way. They’ve got something special in store for this ageless showman. Don’t miss this mad cap family-friendly adventure full of heart, hilarity and circus acts.
A Colorado Nutcracker
Dec. 16-17
Pikes Peak Center
In this annual tradition, the Colorado Ballet Society and Colorado Youth Ballet perform a local rendition of the famous holiday story. Set in a 1907 Christmas Eve celebration at the Glen Eyrie home of Gen. William J. Palmer, young Clara receives an enchanted nutcracker doll from Nikola Tesla, inventor extraordinaire and special guest at the party. Tchaikovsky’s masterwork music is performed by the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs.
Country Christmas Concerts in Colorado Springs
Flying W Christmas at the Ranch
Dec. 4-23, select dates
Flying W Ranch
The Flying W Ranch will twinkle with Christmas lights, from the barn to the rock formations. And the Flying W Wranglers will perform a Cowboy Christmas Jubilee in the Chuckwagon. Of course, there is a full Flying W feast. It’s a classic Colorado experience. Some shows are already sold out.
Home Free: Let Me Come Home Tour
Dec. 11
Pikes Peak Center
Known for their jaw-dropping harmonies, signature country charm and a uniquely festive spirit, Home Free brings its heartwarming holiday experience to the Pikes Peak Center,
A John Denver Christmas
Dec. 18
Pikes Peak Center
This Rocky Mountain High Experience stars Rick Schuler as John Denver taking you on an intimate, nostalgic journey back to the 1970s. The enchanting holiday concert features beloved Denver classics like “Rocky Mountain High” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” as well as John Denver seasonal favorites such as “Aspenglow,” “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World” and more.
Cowboy Christmas Featuring Red Mountain Highway
Dec. 20
Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers
Enjoy food, drinks, desserts and rock around the Christmas tree to your favorite country classics sprinkled with holiday cheer, performed by Red Mountain Highway. Local pastor and speaker Matt Heard will do a special retelling of the Christmas story.
Jazz, Big Band, Variety Concerts in Colorado Springs
The long-standing, naughty Christmas tradition Modbo Ho Ho lives on at the MAT. Photo courtesy of the Millibo Art Theatre.
The Modbo Ho-Ho at the Millibo
Dec. 5-6
Millibo Art Theatre
This R-rated production definitely isn’t for kids, but it’s perfect for some irreverent holiday fun. The beloved Modbo gallery has closed, but its holiday cabaret lives on each year at the Millibo Theatre. Enjoy tawdry songs, laughs, dances and some brief moments of holiday earnestness at this year’s performance.
Carols & Cocktails at Golden Hour
Sundays in December
Golden Hour at the Mining Exchange Hotel
Golden Hour, the hotel’s plush indoor-outdoor bar and courtyard, will host spirited sing-alongs every Sunday in December at 4-6 p.m. featuring live holiday music from Dizzy Charlies, festive seasonal cocktails and songbooks so you have no excuse for not joining in.
Christmas Concert at Village Seven Presbyterian Church
Dec. 5-6
Village Seven Presbyterian Church
Celebrate the hope of the season with new and old versions of beloved Christmas music featuring classical, jazz, pop and gospel featuring the choir, orchestra, soloists, band and dancers. This event is free and open to the public.
Yule Be Naughty, As Well This Year
Dec. 11-20
Millibo Art Theatre
Join the holiday mischief at the MAT’s cabaret and irreverent celebration of all things December. Join Babette and an all-star cast as they sing, dance, circus and poke fun at the trials and tribulations of this most Merry Season. It’s a whole new show this year and definitely for adults.
Christmas This Year: Holiday Spectacular
Dec. 13-14
Ent Center for the Arts
This family show is about bringing beauty from the sidelines to the spotlight. With singing and dancing, the variety show celebrates friends with Down syndrome and raises funds and awareness for special needs. All proceeds go to Club 21, a school in South Africa for children with Down syndrome, and to Friends of Club 21, a local nonprofit.
The Broadmoor Holiday Show
Dec. 19, 20, 24
The Broadmoor
The annual Broadmoor holiday tradition features a variety dinner show available as part of an overnight package. The show stars vocal powerhouse Julie Bradley, Sinatra-style crooner Derek Evilsizor, soprano sensation Amy Mushall and international jazz artist Nelson Rangell. This evening blends Broadway, swing, sacred music, and smooth jazz in a heartwarming, high-energy performance. Guitarist Wayne Wilkinson, bassist Ron Bland, and drummer Chris Panish are joined by Ken Miller, who directs and performs with this all-star lineup.
Trombone Christmas
Dec. 21
Bare Bones Trombone Choir at Sunrise United Methodist Church
As Buddy the Elf would say if he played trombone, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is playing trombone loud for all to hear.” You can’t help but get some cheer from this free annual concert. All trombones? I mean, come on. Bring that brass! This year you can catch the horns in Monument and Briargate.
Want to hear holiday music all season?
Check out this Go-to Colorado Christmas Music Playlist from our archives.
