Kansas City Symphony: Christmas Festival

Kansas City Symphony: Christmas Festival at Helzberg Hall - Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Tradition feels even better when it surprises you. Kansas City Symphony's Christmas Festival arrives December 19, 2026, at Helzberg Hall in Kansas City with an evening that honors the season's most beloved music while giving it something genuinely new to enjoy. Conductor Daniel Wiley leads the orchestra and Symphony Chorus—directed by Betsy Burleigh—alongside vocalist Jim Hogan, combining musical depth with the warmth every December deserves.

Fresh arrangements transform familiar carols into moments worth experiencing live. You know the melodies, but the orchestra and chorus give those familiar lines fresh shape, inviting you to hear the carols with new curiosity. It's the pleasure of recognition meeting discovery, comfort with a spark of curiosity.

The program balances elegance and joy. Santa makes an appearance, bringing a touch of playfulness that keeps the evening welcoming for everyone. It's not a lecture on holiday repertoire; it's a celebration that understands what December nights are for—sharing something beautiful with the people around you, enjoying live music that feels both timeless and immediate.

Orchestra and chorus give the Christmas classics plenty of scale, while Jim Hogan's vocals and Santa's appearance keep the festival's character playful. Whether you're continuing a yearly tradition or starting one, this is the Christmas concert that earns your evening.

Hear fresh takes on holiday favorites at Kansas City Symphony's Christmas Festival—get tickets for December 19.