Celebrate the Holidays at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles

One of the largest performing arts centers in the country, The Music Center is home to the Ahmanson Theatre, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall (WDCH). From concerts and sing-alongs to the city’s largest holiday celebration, visitors can spend the entire season at The Music Center and never see the same event twice.

Bring your friends and the whole family to the annual L.A. County Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, taking place from 5pm to 7pm at Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Help deck the halls and gather around the magnificent Christmas tree dressed in its holiday finest!

'Tis the season for the annual holiday movie screening at Walt Disney Concert Hall! Written and produced by John Hughes, Home Alone (1990) stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who's accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation. Kevin must defend his home against two bumbling thieves (played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) in this modern classic directed by Chris Columbus.

On December 5-7, John Williams' Oscar-nominated score - featuring the signature song "Somewhere in My Memory" - will be performed live-to-picture at WDCH, conducted by David Newman with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Evening and matinee performances each day.

The holiday magic comes early to Los Angeles, as Center Theatre Group welcomes Tony, GRAMMY and Emmy Award winner Ben Platt for an electrifying two-week residency at the Ahmanson Theatre! Originally directed by Tony Award winner Michael Arden (Parade), Ben Platt: Live at the Ahmanson marks a homecoming as Platt returns to the very stage and city that launched his theatrical career (Dead End; Caroline, or Change).

For 10 performances only from December 12–21, Platt and a star-studded set of special guests join forces to perform a dazzling new concert of some of his greatest hits, as well as a set of timeless Broadway favorites. Platt's 2024 Broadway residency was a veritable Who’s Who of Broadway and pop music royalty, including Cynthia Erivo, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Hudson, Kacey Musgraves, Sam Smith, Micaela Diamond, and Shoshana Bean, among many others. For his LA run Platt is upping the ante with even more incredible surprise guests joining the fun each night.

Deck the Hall with the Holiday Sing-Along, taking place at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday, December 13. Raise your voices and spirits with hundreds of fellow revelers in this annual holiday tradition that offers fun, cheer, and festive music for the whole family! Hosted by Melissa Peterman and conducted by John Sutton, the Holiday Sing-Along features the Hall’s massive pipe organ, a choir, and a jazz combo leading a selection of seasonal favorites. Performances at 11:30am and 2:30pm.

From the candlelit chant procession to the triumphant gospel finale, Chanticleer presents a cappella arrangements of some of the greatest and most moving Christmas music from throughout the centuries. Experience an unforgettable holiday tradition when the GRAMMY-winning “orchestra of voices” returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall on Monday, December 15.

Celebrate the season with a night of timeless melodies and sonorous brass harmonies at Holiday Brass, taking place at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Tuesday, December 16. Join members of the LA Phil for a musical sleigh ride through the unforgettable holiday hit by Leroy Anderson, as well as Handel’s glorious Joy to the World, Anthony DiLorenzo’s adaptation of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, a mash-up of Hanukkah staples and more. Come early and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine before the performance, starting at 6:30pm.

Joining cherished traditions is the inaugural family-friendly Carols for Kids, which is specially designed for kids under 6, welcoming seat wiggles and giggles, and featuring favorite childhood carols. Youth Chorus LA will be highlighted in their first main stage performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Holiday-themed activities, including photos with Santa, will take place in BP Hall prior to the concert.

The GRAMMY Award-winning Los Angeles Master Chorale rings in the holiday season with the annual Festival of Carols at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday, December 20. The matinee program features traditional Christmas carols and festive folk songs from around the world, led by conductor Grant Gershon and performed by 62 singers, piano and organ. The family-friendly Festival of Carols welcomes children ages six and above.

Handel-Mozart "Messiah" (December 21)
On Sunday, December 21, the Los Angeles Master Chorale presents the rarely performed Mozart version of Handel’s Messiah. A tribute from one musical genius to another, Mozart’s “cover” of Handel’s Messiah is a revelation of symphonic grandeur and sensuous orchestral colors. In this extraordinary collaboration across centuries, Mozart’s nuanced arrangement elegantly enhances the grandeur of Handel’s sacred masterpiece. This is a rare opportunity to experience a beloved classic in a totally new way.

"Messiah" Sing-Along (December 22)
One of the highlights of the holiday season, LA Master Chorale Artistic Director Grant Gershon conducts the audience in a joyful Messiah Sing-Along with chamber orchestra and soloists. Bring your own score or buy one in the lobby, and join the chorus in this vibrant tradition. Hallelujah!

On Tuesday, December 23, ten-time GRAMMY Award-winner Arturo Sandoval will make it a jumping, jiving, jingling night at Walt Disney Concert Hall with a program of holiday favorites.

LA's largest holiday celebration, the 66th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration is taking place from 3pm to 6pm on Wednesday, December 24 at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Angelenos of all ages are invited to enjoy instrumental music, choral groups and dance performances that showcase the rich cultures and holiday traditions from across L.A. County. Admission to the show is free, no reservations or tickets are necessary. Early arrival suggested - first come, first seated. Guests are welcome to come and go throughout the Holiday Celebration.

For those who can't attend in person, the program will be broadcast live on PBS SoCal and live-streamed on pbssocal.org.

Go Metro and exit at the Civic Center / Grand Park Station along the Metro B and D Lines; or the Grand Ave Arts / Bunker Hill Station for the Metro A and E Lines.