Christmas at the Winspear

By Maia Ellis

They say there’s no place like home for the holidays, but the Winspear Centre is definitely a close second! Step through our doors, and experience our lobby transformed into a winter wonderland, with plenty of beautiful backdrops for photos. Then, settle in for an unforgettable concert, the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of December.

This year we’re proud to present an exceptional line up of holiday performances that we can’t wait for you to experience with friends and family. We are kicking things off in spectacular style, with your Edmonton Symphony Orchestra teaming up with JUNO-award winning singer-songwriter, Johnny Reid, for Christmas with Johnny Reid, two evenings of holiday originals, beloved classics, and inspiring stories. These will definitely be performances to remember!

Composed in 1741, Handel’s Messiah has since become a cherished holiday tradition for millions of people around the world. Your ESO is joining forces with the renowned Richard Eaton Singers for two performances of this timeless work – one of our favourite holiday traditions. Please join us for what is sure to be a powerful and emotional concert.

For anyone wanting to hear all the nostalgic holiday music of their childhood, A Very Merry Pops is the concert for you! One of our most popular concerts, we’ve added more dates this year, to give you plenty of chances to join us. From Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Winter Wonderland, to Silent Night and Carol of the Bells, you’ll find yourself humming along to all of your favourites! Joined by members of several Edmonton choirs, fan-favourite Bob Bernhardt will conduct your ESO through a lively and heartwarming program. They will also be joined by internationally-acclaimed soloist, Mikaela Bennett, who will be making her ESO debut. This concert is the perfect family event!

Looking for something to do with the family between Christmas and New Year’s? Look no further than Hollywood for the Holidays, an exciting concert filled with familiar and iconic movie soundtracks. The always dynamic Lucas Waldin will be conducting your ESO through songs from hit movies like Barbie, Oppenheimer, Moana, Jurassic Park, Titanic, Star Wars IV: A New Hope, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and many more! Vocalist Ariana Whitlow will also take the stage for some showstopping performances.

Whether you’re looking for nostalgia, excitement, or something moving and heartfelt, Christmas at the Winspear has something special for everyone. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you.