The future of Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Yuletide
If you’ve never been to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s (ISO) AES Yuletide Celebration, there’s only one thing you need to know, according to ISO’s CEO, James M. Johnson. “It’s Christmas magic. It’s glorious Christmas music presented in a fresh and incredibly compelling production for people of all ages.” And after 38 years of Yuletide at the ISO, we agree this is a must-see show for the holiday season.
The AES Yuletide Celebration is an extraordinary production unlike any other, where you’ll experience a full symphony orchestra that presents a Broadway-style show full of Christmas stories and songs that would make even the Grinch nostalgic. For nearly four decades, Yuletide has become North America's largest orchestra-produced holiday presentation. As Johnson said, “There’s really nothing like it, where you have a symphony orchestra accompanying a variety of performers over the course of two hours in a show that is family-friendly.”
If you’ve seen the show before, this year’s production has many of the familiar staples - “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” (celebrating 100 years since the original book was first published!) and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” (a dazzling number with the Yuletide Dancers & Expressenz that will have you wondering where Santa learned to dance like that). And of course, the world-renowned full symphony orchestra accompanying the spectacular performers. You can also expect the same comfortable and inclusive environment ISO strives for with each show. “We really want to make this a welcoming and accessible environment,” explains Johnson, which is music to our ears when we think about an outing with our families.
Yuletide wraps us in a warm blanket of familiarity that super fans have loved year after year and part of the joy in creating this spectacular event is creating new ways to wow its audience.
In 2023, ISO welcomed Ben Crawford back as host, after a seven-year hiatus while he starred in the Broadway production of Phantom of the Opera (no big deal).
In 2024, Yuletide caps a years-long hosting journey for the incomparable Sandi Patty, who bids farewell in her final hosting feature. Attendees will also be treated to a performance by the nationally acclaimed dance troupe Expressenz and the ISO’s own Sherry Hong violinist, as well as Cirque acrobat Nick Hodge performing his incredible talents on the Cyr wheel.
(Another new in 2024: Announcing Reindeer Rush! Patrons can get 50% off single seats for AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration at the ISO Box Office two hours before each concert, in-person only, while supplies last – your best bet for a fantastic last-minute deal.)
We weren’t kidding when we said this show has something for everyone!
Not long after the 2024 season wraps up, planning will begin again after a (very) short break in January, gearing up for Yuletide 2025. Tickets typically go on sale in September and it’s best to set a reminder - they go fast!
In the meantime, if you’re looking to get your symphony orchestra fix before next year’s holiday season, the ISO has a full calendar of upcoming events. In addition to its line-up of performances, their Teddy Bear Series is worth checking out for your pre-school-aged kids. With multiple dates, times, and locations, ISO has made this interactive musical experience accessible to everyone. And the best part? It’s FREE! We can’t think of a better way to introduce your kids to instruments than with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
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