Los Angeles’ Local Christmas Eve Tradition the 66th Annual L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Returns to PBS SoCal’s December Holiday Programming Lineup
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Select programming will also be available to stream on PBS.org and the free PBS App. Members of PBS SoCal get extended access through PBS Passport.
Los Angeles, Calif. – Dec. 3, 2025 – PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS organization, announced today a festive lineup of 18 local and national performances, specials and productions for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season. Headlining this year’s programming slate is the return of the Emmy® Award-winning L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION celebrating its 66th year as a local holiday tradition. A Los Angeles seasonal staple since 1959, the Holiday Celebration features a diverse lineup including 21 locally-based music ensembles, choirs and dance companies who will perform in Southern California’s largest holiday show. This year’s live performances showcase the county’s multicultural spirit from soul, banda, jazz and percussion ensembles to choral music, mariachi, klezmer, Afro-Latin, West African, Korean, Mexican and Indonesian traditions, honoring many of the diverse communities that shape Los Angeles. This year’s celebration brings back esteemed artists including soul & funk duo Andre Cruz & Chris Lujan, Mexican Folk dance company Ballet Folklórico de Esperanza, the longest continuously running puppet theater in the United States Bob Baker Marionette Theater and more. New acts to the lineup are 65-voice choir Angeles Chorale, youth vocal ensemble Bonita High School Chamber Singers, multicultural children’s dance company Carousel Dance Company, among others.
The free event will take place on Christmas Eve at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012) in Downtown Los Angeles. Audiences can also enjoy the three-hour live broadcast at home on PBS SoCal as well as live stream the program on pbssocal.org and the free PBS App, which will remain available to stream following the broadcast. The 66th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration will air LIVE on Wed., Dec. 24 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. on PBS SoCal with encore presentations on Christmas Eve from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. and on Christmas Day, Thurs., Dec. 25 from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus. Guests are encouraged to reserve up to four advance tickets to guarantee early seating. Tickets will be released daily from December 16–20. For more information, including a full list of performers and details to attend the in-person, ticketed event, visit HolidayCelebration.org.
A regional highlight of PBS SoCal’s holiday lineup has been Concordia University Irvine’s annual celebration featuring festive carols and Christmas favorites. To celebrate its sixth year, encore presentations from the past four years of specials will begin on Thurs., Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. leading up to this year’s premiere, EMMANUEL: A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS on Fri., Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal. The special features performances of contemporary, classic and original works by Concordia alumni and students to celebrate the Christmas season. Held at Orange County’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, this locally-produced concert showcases over 200 performers from Concordia’s critically-acclaimed choirs, handbells, orchestra, music programs as well as eight vocal and instrumental ensembles performing under the masterful direction of Dr. Michael Busch, Dr. Jeff Held, Dr. Daniel Wessler and Eric Der.
The beloved “Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir” special also returns hosted by Tony Award®-winner Ruthie Ann Miles and iconic actor Dennis Haysbert. This year’s program, HOPE OF THE SEASON: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR, features the iconic Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in a holiday special that combines classic Christmas carols with a contemporary story of how giving back and uplifting communities is the true meaning of the season. The 90-minute theatrical performance airs on Mon., Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal.
Another holiday highlight includes two different interpretations of Tchaikovsky's beloved classical ballet “The Nutcracker” premiering on both PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus in December. On Tues., Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal, GREAT PERFORMANCES: “Nutcracker from English National Ballet” brings the holiday classic to life with more than 100 dancers in a fantastical production set in Edwardian-era London with choreography from Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith. Then on Christmas Day Wed., Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus, experience a bold new retelling from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in THE NUTCRACKER AT THE JACOBS SCHOOL OF MUSIC. Performed live at the university’s Musical Arts Center, this contemporary version features a full orchestral performance conducted by Judith Yan with choreography by Sasha Janes.
The program to round out the lineup celebrates the traditions of Hanukkah with A CELEBRATION OF HANUKKAH. Host Geoffrey Baer takes viewers on an exploration of the time-honored traditions of this Jewish holiday, exploring how Hanukkah came to be, the significance of the season’s cherished dishes and the ways families continue to celebrate together across generations. Premiering on Tues., Dec 16 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Thurs., Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus.
The full lineup of holiday programs on PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus will be telecast as follows (subject to change):
RICK STEVES EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS – Tues., Dec. 2 at 8:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus and Mon., Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal
A colorful, musical celebration of Christmas across Europe where viewers will learn about customs from "the old countries," hear local choirs and discover holiday family traditions in England, France, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.
HOPE OF THE SEASON: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR – Mon., Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Dec. 17 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
Tony Award®-winner Ruthie Ann Miles and iconic actor Dennis Haysbert inspire in this holiday special that combines classic Christmas carols with a contemporary story of how giving back and uplifting communities is the true meaning of the season.
A CELEBRATION OF HANUKKAH – Tues., Dec 16 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Thurs., Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
Host Geoffrey Baer takes viewers on a fun exploration of the time-honored traditions of this joyous Jewish holiday, sharing how Hanukkah came to be, the significance of the season’s cherished dishes and the ways families continue to celebrate together across generations.
GREAT PERFORMANCES: “Nutcracker from English National Ballet” – Tues., Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
Enjoy Tchaikovsky's holiday classic set in Edwardian-era London. Clara embarks on a fantastical adventure with her enchanted nutcracker featuring over 100 dancers and a magical, dreamlike realm. Choreographed by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith.
NAVIDAD: A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS – Thurs., Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed Dec., 24 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
NAVIDAD: A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS features student and alumni musicians performing from the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall featuring 200 students from Concordia University’s critically-acclaimed choirs, hand bells, orchestra and commercial music program.
THE THRILL OF HOPE: A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS – Thurs., Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal
This year’s theme, “The Thrill of Hope” features student and alumni musicians performing from the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Concordia University Irvine's campus, and Nashville, TN. Features 200 students from Concordia University’s critically-acclaimed choirs, hand bells, orchestra and commercial music program.
REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY: A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS – Thurs., Dec. 18 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Concordia’s critically-acclaimed choirs, handbells and orchestra share glad tidings of great joy. This year’s theme, “Repeat the Sounding Joy!” showcases more than 200 performers from eight vocal and instrumental performing ensembles under the masterful direction of Dr. Michael Busch and Dr. Jeff Held.
COME AND SEE! A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS – Thurs., Dec. 18 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Fri., Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
Enjoy festive carols and Christmas favorites, old and new. Concordia University’s critically-acclaimed choirs, handbells and orchestra showcase more than 200 performers from eight vocal and instrumental performing ensembles under the masterful direction of Dr. Michael Busch, Dr. Jeff Held, Dr. Clarissa Shan and Alex Guebert.
EMMANUEL! A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS! – Fri., Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Thurs., Dec. 25 at 7 p.m. – New!
Experience the magic of Christmas through heavenly choirs, soul-stirring instrumentals, and heartfelt readings that invite viewers on a festive journey, promising to ignite the warmth of tradition and the joy of the season in homes across America.
THE ST. OLAF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: OUR HOPE FOR YEARS TO COME – Tues., Dec. 23 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal
St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota presents music for the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Season. Featuring familiar carols, beloved choral works and exciting new compositions, themes of the Advent and Christmas season are explored through music in this cherished tradition.
A ST. THOMAS CHRISTMAS: LOVE DIVINE – Tues., Dec. 23 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
Now in its 39th year, the St. Thomas Christmas concert features traditional carols and innovative contemporary selections, as well as a commissioned piece by composer James Stephenson.
66TH ANNUAL L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION – Wed., Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Thurs., Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
The two-time Emmy® Award-winning live event will feature 21 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from L.A. County with performances by soul & funk duo Andre Cruz & Chris Lujan, Mexican Folk dance company Ballet Folklórico de Esperanza, the longest continuously running puppet theater in the United States Bob Baker Marionette Theater and new acts like the 65-voice choir Angeles Chorale, multicultural children’s dance company Carousel Dance Company and more.
THE NUTCRACKER AT THE JACOBS SCHOOL OF MUSIC – Wed., Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
Experience 'The Nutcracker' like never before in this bold new retelling from the Indiana University (IU) Jacobs School of Music. Performed live at IU's Musical Arts Center, the contemporary take on the beloved holiday ballet features a full orchestral performance conducted by Judith Yan and stunning choreography by Sasha Janes.
CHRISTMAS CAROLE – Wed., Dec. 24 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Thurs., Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
There's a new Scrooge in town in this fresh twist on the Dickens classic starring Suranne Jones (“Doctor Fost,” “Maryland”) as Carole McKay, a wealthy entrepreneur visited by ghosts Past, Present and Future.
CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2025 – Thurs., Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
When senior members of the Nonnatus House staff head to Hong Kong on a mercy mission, the younger midwives are left to cope alone. As the Christmas action shifts between the sun-drenched Far East and a snowy East End, Sister Julienne suddenly finds herself excited about the Order's future.
CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS: KWANZAA – Fri., Dec. 26 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Explore the seven principles that form the foundation of Kwanzaa and how seven real-life stories play a role in the Black community, with cultural elements of dance, storytelling, music and spoken word.
For more details about each show and a full list of holiday programming, please go to pbssocal.org/holidays.
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