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.

The deft, stylish, and charismatic Leslie Odom, Jr. won a Tony Award and a GRAMMY Award for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in Hamilton; and his moving performance as Sam Cooke in the 2020 film One Night in Miami earned him an Oscar nomination. Now, he returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall for a night of holiday hits - including selections from his release The Christmas Album, which Broadway World said “infuses love, joy, and merriment into the holiday season.”

Odom's performance kicks off the Deck the Hall series of holiday concerts at WDCH.

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!

Celebrating its 60th anniversary season, 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 7. 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.

Join Artistic Director Grant Gershon and 20 singers from the LA Master Chorale for Carols on the Plaza! Song booklets will be provided, you bring your holiday spirit for "Deck the Halls", "Frosty the Snowman", "Joy to the World" and more. This FREE event will take place at the Holiday Tree in Jerry Moss Plaza beginning at 6pm on Saturday, December 7. Speaking of spirits, the Mullin Wine Bar will open at 5pm, serving hot chocolate and other festive beverages.

Deck the Hall with the Holiday Sing-Along, taking place at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday, December 14. 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.

Tony and Emmy Award winner, the delightful Kristin Chenoweth brings the spirit of the holiday season to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at The Music Center! Hear a selection of glittering holiday favorites from the beloved and truly "Popular" icon of stage and screen, supported by the LA Opera Orchestra and conducted by Mary-Mitchell Campbell.

Handel-Mozart "Messiah" (December 15)
On Sunday, December 15, 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 16)
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!

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 Tuesday, December 17.

The youngest female EGOT (Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar, Tony) winner in history, Jennifer Hudson comes to Walt Disney Concert Hall to perform selections from The Gift of Love, released in October and the first-ever Christmas album from one of the greatest voices in music.

'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 21-22, 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. Two performances each day, at 2pm and 8pm.

Ten-time GRAMMY Award winner Arturo Sandoval will make it a Swinging Holiday at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Monday, December 23. Enjoy a jumping, jiving, jingling night with a program of holiday favorites decked out in Latin jazz styling.

LA's largest holiday celebration, the 65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration is taking place from 3pm to 6pm on Tuesday, December 24 at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Produced by The Music Center and PBS SoCal, the Holiday Celebration features a diverse lineup of LA-based artists - 2023 performers included Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea, the Divas and Drummers of Compton, Gay Men's Chorus of LA  and many more.

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.