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Merry, Merry Chicago!
Dec 18-23, 2026
Overview
Head to Chicago Symphony Center for a magical evening celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and conductor Thomas Wilkins are joined by Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez, whose soaring vocals have lit up Hamilton and In the Heights. This cherished holiday tradition features beloved carols, popular seasonal songs and sparkling holiday surprises — all in the lavishly decorated Orchestra Hall.
Program to include:
VARIOUS (arr. Wasson)
Christmastide Celebration
PIERPOINT (arr. Lai, orch. Shirar)
Jingle, Jingle Bells
SHAYNE & REGNEY (arr. Davis)
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Suppé
Light Cavalry Overture
TORMÉ (arr. Hjelt)
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
Anderson
A Christmas Festival
OFFENBACH (arr. Dorati)
La Vie parisienne
MARTIN & BLANE (arr. Hjelt)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
LIVINGSTON & EVANS (arr. Connors)
Que Sera, Sera
Stephenson
Hot Santa
Anderson
Sleigh Ride
Tchaikovsky
"Waltz of the Flowers" from Nutcracker
VARIOUS (arr. Reineke, orch. Shoup)
Holiday Hits Medley
Performers
Enhance your experience
Preconcert Dining
Explore Chicago Symphony Center’s on-site dining options for a seamless preconcert experience. Preorder a Sound Bites meal to enjoy in the Rotunda before the concert — or make a reservation to dine at the Thomas Club, offering a prix fixe menu featuring traditional American fare and a spectacular view of Lake Michigan.
Reservations Learn more and view the menu
DECEMBER 19: LATINO ALLIACE PRECONCERT RECEPTION
Gather the family for the Latino Alliance’s annual Noche navideña event! Celebrate the season with holiday cookies, a hot cocoa bar and music performed by the Chicago West Community Music Center Orchestra.
Sponsors & Partners
The Chicago Symphony acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.
Media Partner
Inside the Music
From the Vienna Boys Choir to "Elf in Concert" to "A Chanticleer Christmas" to "Merry, Merry Chicago!," Chicago Symphony Center will host an extensive lineup of events that capture the festive spirit of the holiday season.
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"The Christmas Song," one of the most beloved holiday classics, has a legacy that harks back to Chicago, thanks to the artists Mel Tormé and Nat King Cole,
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