11 great holiday music shows to check out in Michigan
The can't miss shows, from Handel's Messiah to a symphony playing songs from The Muppet Christmas Carol

We all know it’s too early to listen to Christmas music. That is not up for debate.
Too early to write about, though? No, that’s completely fair game for a couple of reasons:
I don’t have an editor telling me not to.
As an adult I am often told people need to plan ahead.
With all of that in mind, it never hurts to be more intentional with your listening habits and practice moderation — especially this time of year. That can include spending time with some of your favorite albums of 2024 or only allowing yourself one All I Want For Christmas is You a day.
Although it’s impossible to ignore that the month of December is largely devoted to replaying 20 really old songs reimagined by a billion different artists, it is possible to find good holiday music in this state.
So, while it isn’t time to flip the radio dial over to the easy listening station for The Christmas Shoes quite yet, here’s a look at 11 holiday concerts coming to Michigan next month that are sure to breathe exciting new life into this seasonal music genre’s well-worn classics:
Dec. 5
Christmas with Chris Tomlin (NorthRidge Church, Plymouth): Chris Tomlin’s voice is synonymous with contemporary takes on holiday classics like Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy). He’ll perform a bunch of them during a special holiday concert on Dec. 5 at NorthRidge Church in Plymouth, which is located at 49555 N. Territorial Road, Plymouth. Tickets are available for $47 each before fees.
Dec. 6
Cyrus Chestnut performs A Charlie Brown Christmas (Fisher Music Center, Detroit): There is nothing like Vince Guaraldi’s serene holiday score from A Charlie Brown Christmas to get you in the mood during the holidays. It is the Music For Airports of Christmas music — endlessly listenable and not objectionable to have on in the background. Pianist Cyrus Chestnut will infuse the classic holiday special’s songs like Christmas time is Here, O Tannenbaum and Linus and Lucy with a hint of soul. Tickets start at $24.95 each before fees.
Ellington and The Nutcracker (Fisher Music Center, Detroit): Enjoy two swinging takes on Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet inspired by famed jazz composer Duke Ellington during Ellington and the Nutcracker. Grammy-nominated composer Carlos Simon and soloist Ray Chen will help bring the Nutcracker suite to life during the performance at Fisher Music Center in Detroit. Tickets for performances on Dec. 6 through 8 can be purchased here.
Dec. 7
Handel’s Messiah (Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor): An Ann Arbor holiday tradition, the classical composer’s masterpiece featuring the Hallelujah chorus will be performed by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and the United Musical Society’s Choral Union. Music director Scott Hanoian conducts the annual holiday tradition. Shows take place on Dec. 7 and 8. Tickets start at $14 each before fees.
Dec. 8
Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids): Trans-Siberian Orchestra wil bring their The Lost Christmas Eve tour to Van Andel Arena with two shows at 3 and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8. Tickets start at $69.99. TSO also will perform a couple of shows on Dec. 28 at Little Ceasar’s Arena, but that feels a little after the fact.
Dec. 12
EBird and Friends Holiday Show (The Ark, Ann Arbor): Talented musicians from Michigan and the Midwest will convene to resurrect and put their own unique twist on holiday hits during the 17th Ebird and Friends Holiday Show. Four performances of the festive revue, which is put together by Erin Zindle of The Ragbirds, take place from Dec. 12-14. Tickets start at $25.
Dec. 13
Mannheim Steamroller (Fox Theatre, Detroit): Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller, will celebrate more than 35 Years of his annual Christmas concert tour with a visit to the Fox Theatre. Tickets start at $25 each before fees.
Dec. 19
Fairytale of New York (Grewal Hall, Lansing): An evening of Irish-inspired holiday music will be performed at Grewal Hall in Lansing during the Pogues-inspired event entitled, Fairytale of New York. Very little information about this concert was provided, but it’s hard to imagine an event called Fairytale of New York not being great. Tickets start at $39.50 before fees.
Dec. 20
Ho Ho Hot Mulligan (The Intersection, Grand Rapids): This holiday show tradition from Detroit punk rockers Hot Mulligan also features support from an all-star emo cast, including members of Tigers Jaw, Fireworks, You Blew It!, One Step Closer, Riley!, Harrison Gordon, If Kansas Had Trees, Stars Hollow, Bad Luck, Tiny Voices, Potionseller and Church Bus. Tickets are $49.99 in advance before fees.
The Muppet Christmas Carol feat. Detroit Symphony Orchestra (Fisher Music Center, Detroit): Enjoy the greatest Christmas movie of all time, The Muppet Christmas Carol, with an assist from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, who will perform the score from the film at the Fisher Music Center. Shows take place on Dec. 20 and 21. Tickets are available for a bunch of different prices here.
Dec. 21
Cranbrook Christmas Jazz concert featuring Lakecia Benjamin (Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills): Three-time Grammy-nominated alto saxophonist and contemporary jazz phenom Lakecia Benjamin will bring her soulful style to holiday favorites during the annual Cranbrook Christmas Jazz concert. Tickets start at $45.
Thanks for this! There are a couple that sound like I would like to go to if time allows. I went the the T.S.O. concert and few years ago with my friend and it was outstanding!