Santa Fe's Magical Holiday Music: Iconic Concerts and Traditions
Nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like live music, from familiar carols and Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker to haunting Baroque a cappella performances. In Santa Fe, these sounds elevate the season's unique charm.
Santa Fe, the City Different, attracts world-class resident performers and guest artists, especially during holidays when the city glows with color, excitement, and melody.
Hallelujah for Handel
The holiday season officially begins with the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus's annual performance of Handel's Messiah at the Lensic on November 24, conducted by Tom Hall. A pre-concert talk provides context, and printed texts allow audiences to follow along, culminating in the iconic Hallelujah chorus.
It takes a village, or at least a whole chorus, to bring Handel’s Messiah to the stage of the Lensic in Santa Fe.
The Symphony's 30th season continues with Christmas Treasures on December 15 at the festively adorned Lensic, conducted by Joseph Young. This choral program spans Middle Ages favorites to 20th-century classics like Irving Berlin's White Christmas and a Polar Express suite—perfect for families. Pair it with a Sunday dinner downtown for a memorable day.
A Community Sing-Along: The Big Sing
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale, in its 31st season, revives the beloved The Big Sing on December 15 at Cristo Rey Church on Canyon Road. Featuring the Chorale led by Joshua Habermann, the University of New Mexico Concert Choir, and UNM Children’s Chorus, each group shares seasonal selections. Audiences join in on carols like Silver Bells for an immersive experience.
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale makes the rafters ring in Santa Fe’s beautiful Basilica Cathedral of St. Francis
The Chorale's Carols and Lullabies fill the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis with five December performances, offering spiritual depth through ancient lullabies. For lighter fare, the Lighter Side of Christmas benefit on December 17 at Lewallen Gallery includes laughs and a silent auction. End the year with Voasis, the Chorale's contemporary a cappella ensemble, at Warehouse 21 December 28-31, produced by Deke Sharon of NBC's The Sing-Off.
Nutcracker Magic
Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is a holiday staple, featuring enchanting dances, snowflakes, and the Nutcracker's triumph over the King of the Rats. Student performers from ASFB's school add community warmth. Catch two shows daily on December 21-22.
The King of the Rats—or as we might call him in Santa Fe, El Rey de Ratons—will never defeat the Brave Nutcracker
Baroque Splendor
Santa Fe Pro Musica's A Baroque Christmas at the iconic Loretto Chapel (December 20 to Christmas Eve, two nightly shows) showcases Bach, Telemann, Handel, and carols, with mezzo-sopranos Deborah Domanski and Dianna Grabowski. Limited seating means tickets sell out fast.
The sonic glories of Baroque composers come annually to the beautiful Loretto Chapel thanks to Santa Fe Pro Musica
World-Class Concerts from Christmas to New Year's
The Santa Fe Concert Association, marking 76 years of excellence, opens with A Celtic Holiday Concert by The Leahy Family on December 2 at the Lensic—joyous fiddling from eight Canadian siblings.
Hark to the holiday spirit with a merry Celtic mood when Santa Fe Concert Association welcomes the Leahy Family.
The King's Singers perform a diverse repertoire from Mozart to Mancini at the Cathedral Basilica on December 6. Christmas Eve brings Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 and Violin Concerto with Caroline Goulding at the Lensic. New Year's Eve features Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos with Claire Huangci and Brahms' Second Symphony. A Gala Dinner and Dance with Soulstice follows—details on the SFCA website.
Into 2014, free performances of Rossini's The Barber of Seville run January 10-12 at the historic Scottish Rite Center.
Wrapped up in white, the architectural beauty of Santa Fe's St. Francis Cathedral is a holiday delight.
Harmonious Holidays in Santa Fe Santa Fe pulses with holiday music—from symphonies to sing-alongs. As J.K. Rowling notes in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, "Ah, music... a magic beyond all we do here!" Join the festivities for enchanting memories.
