Harmonious Holidays: From carols to classics, metro-Atlanta’s seasonal concerts inspire joy | EarRelevant

EarRelevant Staff | 28 NOV 2024 (updated 03 DEC 2024)

ATLANTA, Georgia— As we clear away Thanksgiving feasts and the air fills with the crisp promise of December, the City of Atlanta begins its annual transformation into a wonderland of lights, celebrations, and music. From church halls to grand concert venues, the coming weeks will be alive with the sounds of holiday cheer, uniting audiences in the timeless tradition of festive seasonal music.

The season brings a diverse array of performances to suit every taste, from classical favorites to contemporary takes on holiday themes. Families will find opportunities to create lasting memories, whether through sing-alongs of cherished carols, dazzling instrumental displays, or enchanting choral harmonies. For those who treasure holiday nostalgia, performances blending familiar tunes with fresh arrangements promise both comfort and delight.

Atlanta’s holiday concert scene extends across the metro area, plus Athens, with events in cozy neighborhood churches, bustling university halls, and even shopping centers, ensuring accessibility for music lovers of all kinds. These concerts are more than entertainment; they are a reflection of the community’s spirit, a chance to pause amidst the season’s busyness and connect through the shared language of music.

This year’s offerings include a variety of formats, from intimate chamber performances to large-scale orchestral productions. Whether you’re seeking the grandeur of Baroque masterpieces, the exuberance of jazz-infused arrangements, or the sweet simplicity of children’s voices, there’s something to captivate every heart. Many events also include special guests, interactive elements, and live-streaming options to broaden their reach.

As Atlanta’s cultural institutions embrace the season, they uphold long-standing traditions while also forging new ones. Each concert invites audiences to celebrate not just the holidays but the vibrant artistry and community spirit that make the city a thriving cultural hub.

So, as the days grow shorter and the holiday lights grow brighter, embrace the musical magic that awaits. Gather your loved ones, plan your outings, and let the music carry you into a season of joy, reflection, and togetherness. Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a first-timer, Atlanta’s holiday concerts offer a warm and festive escape into the heart of the season.

Here, we offer a sample of some of the holiday and Christmas concerts being offered to Atlanta area audiences this year. ■

A Metro-Atlanta Holiday Concert Sampler

Alpharetta Symphony
- An Alpharetta Holiday
  - Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
    Innovation Academy, Alpharetta
  - Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
    North Point Mall, Alpharetta (Special Preview Performance)
  Join the Alpharetta Symphony for a festive celebration of the season with An Alpharetta Holiday. This family-friendly concert features a mix of holiday classics, including music from beloved films, timeless carols, and a touch of classical charm. Justin Han, guest conductor. More information: alpharettasymphony.org/holiday

Atlanta Boy Choir
- Christmas Concerts
  - Friday, December 13, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
    All Saints’ Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
  - Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
    The Episcopal Church of St. Peter & St. Paul (Marietta)
  Celebrate the season with the Atlanta Boy Choir as they present timeless carols and captivating new works in an evening of soaring harmonies that capture the magic of the holiday season with a festive performance to delight audiences of all ages. zmire information: atlantaboychoir.org

Atlanta Master Chorale
- Christmas with Atlanta Master Chorale
  - Friday, December 13, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
    Emerson Hall, Schwartz Center for Performing Arts
  - Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
    Emerson Hall, Schwartz Center for Performing Arts
  - Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
    Emerson Hall, Schwartz Center for Performing Arts
  This cherished tradition blends nostalgic carols with fresh discoveries, offering audiences a moving experience of comfort, joy, and peace, and invites listeners to leave the everyday clamor behind and immerse themselves in the music of the season. A livestream option is offered for remote audiences. More information: atlantamasterchorale.org

Atlanta Music Project
- Celebrate the Season: AMP Holiday Concert Series
  - Wednesday, December 6, 7:00 p.m.
    After-School Orchestras at AMP Center
  - Thursday, December 7, 4:00 p.m.
    AMP Youth Choirs at First Baptist Church East Point
  - Saturday, December 14, 1:00 p.m.
    AMP Preparatory School at Jean Childs Young Middle School
  - Saturday, December 14, 6:00 p.m.
    AMP Youth Orchestras: at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church
  Join the Atlanta Music Project for its Holiday Concert Series! Experience festive live performances that celebrate the season with music, community spirit, and holiday joy. Bring your family and friends to these unforgettable events that will warm your hearts and brighten your holiday season. More information: atlantamusicproject.org

Atlanta Schola Cantorum
- December 14th Christmas Concert
  - Saturday, December 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
    St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church
  The program, under the direction of Nancy Durance, features 15th- and 16th-century classics by Byrd, De Morales, Dering, and Palestrina, alongside Ola Gjeilo’s contemporary Second Eve. The centerpiece is Tomas De Victoria’s Missa O Magnum Mysterium. This festive event, concluding with a reception. or more information visit atlantaschola.org

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
- Christmas with the ASO
  - Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.
    Atlanta Symphony Hall
  - Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
    Atlanta Symphony Hall
  - Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
    Atlanta Symphony Hall
  Coca-Cola Holiday Concert Series: Celebrate the season with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Christmas with the ASO. This cherished tradition features beloved carols, hymns, and festive favorites performed by the ASO alongside the Morehouse Glee Club and the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir. Inspired by the legacy of Robert Shaw, this program invites audiences to sing along and create lasting holiday memories. More information: aso.org
- Handel’s Messiah with the ASO
  - Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.
    Atlanta Symphony Hall
  Coca-Cola Holiday Concert Series: Experience the majesty of Handel’s Messiah (Part 1) with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus. This Baroque masterpiece celebrates the season’s joy and hope, featuring world-class soloists and the iconic Hallelujah Chorus. Audiences will be transported by the grandeur and beauty of this timeless work.
  More information: aso.org
Atlanta Young Singers
- 50th Anniversary: Music of the Holidays
  - Friday, December 20, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
    Druid Hills Presbyterian Church
  - Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
    Druid Hills Presbyterian Church
  Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Atlanta Young Singers with their Music of the Holidays concert. Featuring the AYS Treble Concert Choir & Youth Chorale, and the Alumni Chorus (on December 21), this performance will showcase beloved holiday pieces from five decades of music-making. More information: atlantayoungsingers.org/listen

Bent Frequency
- Unsilent Night in Candler Park
  - Friday, December 13, 2024
    First Existentialist Church
  Join Bent Frequency for Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night, a 45-minute outdoor sound sculpture where participants become performers, playing pre-recorded tracks on portable devices in a festive street promenade. Starting at First Existentialist Church, the non-religious event blends neighborhood charm with immersive, holiday-adjacent sound art. Bring lights, lanterns, family, and friends, and download your Unsilent Night track here. Free and open to everyone, no experience necessary> Meet at 6:30 p.m., step off at 6:45 p.m. For moreinformation: bentfrequency.com

Cathedral of St. Philip
- Holiday Concert with Members of the Atlanta Symphony Brass
  - Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
    The Cathedral of St. Philip
  Celebrate the season with a stunning performance by members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s brass and percussion sections. Now in its seventh year, this annual holiday concert has become a cherished tradition in Atlanta, featuring traditional holiday carols, beloved symphonic standards, exquisite brass and percussion arrangements. Set in the sumptuous acoustics of the Cathedral of St. Philip, this evening promises a breathtaking musical experience. More information: cathedralatl.org/worship/music/concerts

Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta
- Holiday Concert with the Emory Chamber Music Society
  - Sunday, December 8, 2024, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
    Ackerman Hall, Michael C. Carlos Museum
  Join the Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta for a festive afternoon of classical music and holiday cheer. Hosted in partnership with the Carlos Museum, this free program features pianists Julie Coucheron and William Ransom performing holiday favorites. Special guest Old Saint Nick will lead a lively sing-along, making this event a delightful experience for the whole family. This concert is free and open to the public, but because of limited space please reserve a seat online. More information: carlos.emory.calendar?[event ID]

Emory University Department of Music
- A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
  - Friday, December 6, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
    Glenn Memorial Auditorium, Emory University
  - Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
    Glenn Memorial Auditorium, Emory University
  The Department of Music at Emory presents A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, a cherished Atlanta tradition marking the start of the Christmas season. This candlelit concert features the Emory Concert Choir and University Chorus performing beloved choral works, interwoven with scripture readings by notable Emory community members. Please note that the event takes place at Glenn Memorial Auditorium, with directions and more information available on the Schwartz Center’s website: tickets.arts.emory.edu/overview/lessons2024

Georgia Boy Choir
- Tree Lighting Celebrations:
  - Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
    Haygood United Methodist Church.
  - Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    Murphy’s Restaurant, Virginia-Highland
  - Friday, December 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    Piedmont Driving Club
  - Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
    Georgia Governor’s Mansion
- Christmas with the Georgia Boy Choir:
  - Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers
  - Friday, December 20, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
    Peachtree Road United Methodist Church
  - Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
    Peachtree Road United Methodist Church
  More information: georgiaboychoir.org/events

Georgia State University School of Music
- 27th Annual Holiday Gala Concert
  - Sunday, December 8, 2024, 3:00 p.m.
    Rialto Center for the Arts
  The 27th Annual Holiday Gala, a merry event proudly presented by the Georgia State University School of Music, where exceptionally talented student musicians will deliver a festive splendor, from holiday classics to contemporary works. This year’s gala promises an extra layer of brilliance with special guest performances. We hope you’ll join us for an unforgettable afternoon that combines cherished traditions and the joy of the holiday season. More information: events.rialtocenter.gsu.edu

Georgia Symphony Orchestra
- Holiday Pops!
  - Saturday, December 7, 2024, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
    Marietta Performing Arts Center
  - Sunday, December 8, 2024, 3:00–5:00 p.m.
    Marietta Performing Arts Center
  Celebrate the holiday season with the Georgia Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops!, a beloved tradition in Cobb and Marietta. Featuring the GSO Chorus, this festive program combines timeless holiday classics, fresh arrangements, and a visit from Old Saint Nick. After the concert, enjoy a photo opportunity with Santa. More information: georgiasymphony.org

Gwinnett Symphony
- Special Holiday Pops
  - Sunday, December 15, 2024, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
    Norcross First Global Methodist Church
  Celebrate the season with the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra & Chorus’s Special Holiday Pops concert, featuring holiday classics, Santa’s Elves, Kid Conductors, and appearances by Frosty and Rudolph. This two-hour family-friendly event offers heartwarming music and festive fun for all ages. For more information, visit gwinnettsymphony.org.

Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra
- A Kids’ Christmas
  - Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 3:30 p.m.
    Mount Pisgah Church, Johns Creek, GA
  Join the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra for A Kids’ Christmas, a sensory-friendly holiday concert designed for audiences of all ages and abilities. Guest conductor Paul Bhasin leads the orchestra in festive tunes from around the world, featuring the Fleetwood Dancers, a special narrator, sing-alongs, and a visit from Santa Claus. This one-hour, family-friendly performance is ideal for individuals with autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, young children, or anyone seeking a casual and inclusive holiday experience. More information: johnscreeksymphony.org/concerts
- Holidays with the JCSO
  - Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
    Mount Pisgah Church, Johns Creek, GA
  Experience the magic of Holidays with the JCSO, the orchestra’s most popular concert of the year. Guest conductor Paul Bhasin leads a program of seasonal favorites, featuring guest vocalist Bethany Mamola and the Johns Creek Chorale. From expressive classics to festive cheer, this concert promises to be a heartwarming highlight of the holiday season. More information: johnscreeksymphony.org/concerts

Kennesaw State University Bailey School of Music
- 2024 Holiday Concert
  - Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
    Morgan Concert Hall, Dr. Bobbie Bailey and Family Performance Center
  Join the Kennesaw State University Bailey School of Music for their annual Holiday Concert, featuring nearly 280 KSU students across the Choirs, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Band I. This year’s concert promises a unique blend of holiday favorites and unusual selections, including music by Tchaikovsky, Duke Ellington, and a Brazilian folk song. More information: calendar.kennesaw.edu/event/bailey-school-of-music-holiday-concert
Spelman College and Morehouse College Glee Clubs
- 98th Annual Christmas Carol Concerts
  - Friday, December 6, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
    Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, Spelman College
  - Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
    Sisters Chapel, Spelman College
  - Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
    Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, Spelman College
  The Spelman and Morehouse College Glee Clubs will unite once again to bring holiday cheer to Atlanta with their beloved **98th Annual Christmas Carol Concert**. This tradition has been uplifting the community for nearly a century. More information: spelman.edu/academics/music/christmas-carol-concert.html
- A Taste of Christmas: Preview Concert (Centennial Celebration)
  - Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  This special daytime concert is perfect for elderly community members and families with young children. Featuring a selection of highlights from the 98th Annual Christmas Carol Concert, this will be a memorable celebration, including narration on the Glee Club’s history and the concert’s long-standing tradition. At 10:00 a.m., Westlake High School Choir will perform a 30-minute prelude in the Upper Manley Student Center. The concert will conclude with a short Q&A session, allowing the audience to interact with the conductors and student leaders. This concert provides an opportunity for those who cannot attend evening performances or those seeking a sneak peek into the event. More information: spelman.edu/academics/music/christmas-carol-concert.html

Spivey Hall Children’s Choir
- Annual Holiday Concert
  - Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
    Spivey Hall
  - Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
    Spivey Hall
  Celebrate the holiday season with the award-winning Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program, a cherished tradition at Spivey Hall. This year’s concerts feature all three ensembles—Young Artists, Children’s Choir, and Tour Choir—accompanied by Spivey Hall’s resident organist, Alan Morrison. The program blends beloved holiday classics with fresh new works, offering an uplifting experience for audiences of all ages. spiveyhall.org/events/upcoming-events

Vienna Boys Choir
- Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna
  - Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
    Hodgson Concert Hall, Athens, GA
  The Vienna Boys Choir returns to the UGA PAC’s Hodgson Hall with “Christmas in Vienna,” a festive program blending ancient carols and contemporary favorites, including music by ABBA. Renowned for their rich history dating back to 1498, the Choir remains a global ambassador for choral excellence. More information: uga.edu/pac

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This entry was posted in Education & Community and tagged Alpharetta Symphony, Atlanta Boy Choir, Atlanta Master Chorale, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Young Singers, Bailey School of Music, Cathedral of St. Philip, Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta, Emory University, Georgia Boy Choir, Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, Morehouse College Glee Club, Spelman College Glee Club, Spivey Hall Children's Choir on November 28, 2024 by EarRelevant Staff.

A Metro-Atlanta Holiday Concert Sampler

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