Top 10 Holiday events you should not miss out on!
Families start to plan for the holiday season well in advance every year. Some clamor to the malls to get the last of their shopping done, while others pack up their suitcases to either enjoy their off time on sandy beaches (at places where the sun shines in December), or spend Christmas with friends and family.
There is however another group of people that is always in the lookout for fun and exciting events that awaits them during the holiday season. From theater to concerts, there is always something you can enjoy. With so much to choose from, it is not always easy to select the event you want to go to. With that in mind, we have come up with a list of the Top Ten Holiday Events you can be a part of this year. With choices ranging between concerts, ballets, plays, musicals and Christmas related live events; this is some list.
1. Radio City Christmas Spectacular
What would Christmas in New York be without the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular? Kick off this holiday season with a tradition that dates back to 1933. This amazing show has been entertaining audiences for years on end with performances specially designed to cater to people of all ages.
Follow Santa’s journey from the North Pole, the story of the Nutcracker, the birth of Christ and many more enchanting tales to liven up your holidays and raise your spirits. Head on down to the famous Radio City Music Hall to watch some of the best actors, dancers and singers, accompanied by the legendary Rockettes, celebrate the holidays as only they know how!
2. Trans Siberian Orchestra
Christmas songs have always been a great way to bond with your loved ones and to get them into the spirit of the holiday season. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra however decided to take a slightly different route, when they came out with their debut album ‘Christmas Eve and Other Stories’ in 1996.
Consisting of several well established musicians, the TSO takes Christmas themed stories and brings them to life through rock music. Their concerts are made even better by the addition of large scale pyrotechnics, laser shows, lighting effects and elaborate stage designs. Together they add every TSO show with the feel of a Broadway musical and the drama of an opera.
3. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
The Christmas music industry was forever changed when Mannheim released their album ‘Mannheim Steamroller Christmas’ in 1984. It became one of the highest selling albums of its time and the band in turn became the highest selling Christmas music artists of all time.
Now Mannheim has once again made plans to head out on a live tour of the country and you can be part of this experience as well. Relive their greatest hits and sing along to your favourites as this legendary band turns back the clock for a truly magical evening.
4. New York City Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a timeless tale that centers on Marie and her adventures when her Christmas presents come to life. Watch the epic battle between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker as you explore the wonderful Land of Sweets with the Prince, Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavaliers.
Based on Tschaikovsky’s ballet which debuted in 1892, it was the Balanchine version of the show that found the most mainstream success in the US. Now you can enjoy the beauty of this classical ballet as it takes you on an incredible ride that you will not forget for a long time to come.
5. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
The grumpy, green and hairy Grinch, notorious for his attempts to ruin Christmas of the people living in Whoville by stealing all their presents, is back in town once again. Watch how the belief of one little girl and the resilience of the people living in the town convinces the Grinch to return the presents and finally understand the true meaning of Christmas.
Relive this classic Dr. Seuss tale once again and watch the magic of Christmas melt the heart of this rude and cold creature. With a host of catchy tunes and a cast full of talented actors and dancers, this is one show that you cannot miss out on this holiday season.
6. A Christmas Carol
When it comes to being ill-tempered and grumpy, there are very few characters that can give the Grinch a run for his money but Ebenezer Scrooge is one of them. A lonely and irritable old man, Scrooge hates everyone and everything. The ghost of his business partner and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and the future, pay him a visit to show him the folly of his ways.
This classic Charles Dickens Christmas story has been one of the most influential books in literature for over a hundred and fifty years. It has provided the inspiration for movies, plays and operas over the years. With its latest adaptation, you get the chance to watch over thirty talented and experienced actors, dancers and singers as they put on a show that will remain with the audiences for a lifetime.
7. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
The Nutcracker story is over a hundred years old, yet to this day, people clamber to see it every chance they get. Synonymous with the story of Christmas itself, this age old piece of art’ original score was done by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the legendary Russian composer of the nineteenth century.
Now his countrymen are bringing this story to the US in the form of the ‘Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker.’ Watch the splendid costumes and regale stage sets, as you are transferred into another time, containing talking toys, fighting mice, princes and fairies.
8. Oregon Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker
The Oregon Ballet Theatre has been striving to continue the great tradition of ballet and dance in the US for over twenty five years. In that time they have put up some of the most magnificent productions the country has ever seen. With over three hundred and fifty main stream performances, in excess of eighty dedicated ballet shows and twenty world premiers, this organization has done its share of work to ensure classical theatre remains at the forefront of performing arts.
Now the Oregon Ballet Theatre is once again bringing the classic tale of the Nutcracker to life only for you. Watch as the company takes you on a journey to the Land of the Sweets where anything is possible. Where toys can talk, mice can fight, fairies can fly and all your dreams can come true.
9. Gaither Homecoming Christmas Concert
The holiday season is a time to reflect and appreciate all that you have. At times like these, Gospel music can help you unwind, lift your spirits and bring you closer to God. And nobody does Gospel music better than Bill Gaither. The legend has been making music for over fifty years and in that time he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in gospel music, leading to the formation of the Gaither Homecoming.
This is a collection of talented musicians; some old stalwarts and a few up and coming artists, performing together for their love for Gospel music and Bill Gaither. This is where you will feel closer to God as you enjoy great music in the company of some of the biggest names in the industry.
10. Rat Pack Christmas
The Rat Pack was the name given to a group of highly influential actors and singers during the sixties. These included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin to name but a few. They were among the highest selling artists of their time and their collaborative albums along with extensive live tours made them household names.
Now it is time to relive those amazing memories, stories and songs as the pack gets back on stage. Watch as Sandy Hackett’s production of the Rat Pack Christmas transports you back in time to enjoy some of their greatest Christmas hits and popular classical songs that will leave you asking for more.
There you have it. These are all the amazing events you can watch this holiday season. Just get your tickets and take in these incredible performances from some of the most talented people in the entertainment industry today. Like we said in the beginning, there is something for everyone so, just takes your pick and turns your holiday season into a time to cherish forever.
