The holiday season in Buffalo is a magical time filled with twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and the sweet sound of music. Most people would agree that music is the heartbeat of the holiday season, infusing our celebrations with joy, nostalgia, and warm feelings. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) understands this perfectly. Their diverse holiday programming, from the whimsical to the traditional, captures all the season’s sentiments. These concerts aim to create special moments for all ages, offering opportunities for families and friends to enjoy timeless traditions and create memorable new experiences together.
“This year’s holiday lineup is packed with a little bit of everything, and it’s all pure holiday magic!” said Travis Estes, Vice President of Marketing & Communication of the BPO, adding,
From the timeless charm of our Holiday Pops concerts, featuring sing-along favorites, to the beautiful mix of classics in JoAnn Falletta’s Classical Christmas, there’s a lot to look forward to. We’re especially excited for those who snagged tickets to The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert—it’s already sold out! It’s a great reminder of just how beloved these events are, and we love seeing so many people making our holiday concerts part of their annual plans.”
The holiday season kicks off with an incredibly unique performance: The Troupe Vertigo Holiday Show on December 10 at 7:30 PM. This extraordinary experience blends the grace and agility of aerialists and acrobats with the timeless melodies from the season played by the BPO. The program includes holiday favorites like selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and arrangements of “Sleigh Ride,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “Winter Wonderland.”
On December 13th and 14th, Music Director JoAnn Falletta and Concertmaster Nikki Chooi will lead the BPO in a celebration of winter during JoAnn’s Classical Christmas. This year, the program features “Winter” from both The Four Seasons by 18th-century Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi and The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires by 20th-century Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla. This unique juxtaposition highlights the universal beauty and diversity of the season and is the perfect gift for classical music lovers.
For a more lighthearted and interactive experience, the BPO’s Jingle Bell Jam on December 15th is a must-see. This festive concert features beloved holiday tunes that will delight audiences of all ages. Children will be thrilled with a special seasonal souvenir, and Santa himself will take a break from his busy schedule to conduct and lead a sing-along.
The BPO will close out the holiday season with its annual Holiday Pops concert, running December 19th through the 22nd. This evening features the BPO and the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus performing a variety of holiday classics, from the serene “Silent Night” to the joyful “Jingle Bells.” It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
“If you’ve been holding off on visiting Kleinhans Music Hall, the holiday concerts are the perfect way to start,“ said Estes, adding, “There’s something about hearing those familiar holiday songs played live that makes the whole experience feel instantly warm and welcoming, even if it’s your first time here. The music is joyful and recognizable, the hall is beautifully decorated, and there’s a shared sense of celebration that makes it easy to feel right at home. It’s a great time to dip your toes in and see what makes the BPO such a special part of the community.”
Beyond the incredible programming at Kleinhans this season, the BPO offers a variety of festive events throughout December. Experience Handel’s Messiah performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus on Sunday, December 1, at 7:30 PM at Our Lady of Victory Basilica and Sunday, December 8, at 3:00 PM at St. Mary’s Church, Swormville. For a more intimate experience, attend the Candlelight Holiday Concert on Thursday, December 5 at 6:00 PM at Clement House (786 Delaware Ave.) featuring the BPO’s flute and harp duo in a historic mansion, complete with a pre-concert wine and cheese reception. Families can enjoy a special Exceptional Kids Holiday Concert designed for audience members with disabilities on Thursday, December 5 at 10:15 AM, or witness the magic of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker with a collaboration between the BPO and the Neglia Ballet at Shea’s from December 6th through 8th.
“There’s something special about making live music part of your holiday plans—it’s a way to pause, connect, and soak up the season together,” said Estes. “Whether it’s taking the kids to Jingle Bell Jam for a fun, interactive experience or enjoying the nostalgia of our Holiday Pops, the BPO concerts create moments that stick with you. Starting a tradition at the BPO means creating memories that you’ll look forward to year after year. And why stop at December? With performances like Mozart’s Requiem in January, you can carry that holiday magic right into the New Year.”
With its diverse programming, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra offers something for everyone this holiday season. So come and experience the magic of the holidays with the BPO. Tickets and more information are available here.