Holiday events are back this year! From the ballet to the symphony to musicals and more, consider these festive performances in Raleigh and Durham.
by Addie Ladner
NC Master Chorale’s Joy of the Season
Hear the North Carolina Master Chorale in a showcase of seasonal choral music featuring a range of genres, from a jazzy rendition of “Sleigh Ride” to the rousing “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and its annual, classic show-ender, “Joy to the World.” Accompanied by the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra with selections from the chamber choir, the program will take place in Meymandi Hall.
Dec. 7 | 7:30 p.m.; from $35; 2 E. South Street; ncmasterchorale.org
Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol
Theatre in the Park presents Ira David Wood III’s A Christmas Carol, a comedic, Raleigh-centric twist on the Charles Dickens book that includes new twists every year to delight the audience. Performed since 1974, A Christmas Carol has been named one of the “Top 20 Events In The Southeast” and will be on view at DPAC and Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.
Dec. 9 – 12 & 15 – 19; from $36.50; 2 E. South Street and 123 Vivian Street, Durham; theatreinthepark.com
Raleigh Boychoir’s Carols of Christmas
Join the Raleigh Boychoir for their 54th Carols of Christmas Concert featuring their performing choir, Resident Choir, Training Choir, Resident Choir, Training Choir, Young Men’s Ensemble, and Alumni Choir performing a variety of your yuletide favorites guaranteed to brighten your holiday spirit.
Dec 10. | 7p.m.; Edenton Street United Methodist 228 W Edenton Street; from $10; raleighboychoir.org
North Carolina Symphony’s Holiday Pops
Get into the holiday spirit with vocalist Yolanda Rabun and the North Carolina Symphony performing all your favorite holiday tunes at the Meymandi Concert Hall. Featuring show tunes, popular music, and the classics, this beloved local tradition is an inspiring Yuletide event for all ages.
Dec. 10 – 11; from $26; 2 E. South Street; ncsymphony.org
The Justice Theater Project’s The Black Nativity in Concert
Artistic leaders Dr. Asabi (Stephanie Howard) and Ray Watkins of the Justice Theater Project bring soaring gospel music, modern and African dance, vibrant costumes, and a poignant narrative to bring the Nativity story to life. This year the show will features nine singers in a unique concert version outside the North Carolina Museum of Art’s amphitheater. What’s more is this is FREE and open to the public. Reservations are required, don’t forget a blanket and chair!
Dec. 11 & 12; 2110 Blue Ridge Rd; Free; registration required; thejusticetheaterproject.org
Raleigh Ringers Holiday Concert
Rock out at Meymandi Concert Hall with The Raleigh Ringers to a selection of seasonal hits spanning multiple genres and arranged specially for handbells. This performance will include secular and sacred music alike, along with some rock n roll hits fine-tuned for the holidays, and lasts a little over two hours.
Dec. 12 | 4 p.m.; $20; 2 E. South Street; rr.org
A Christmas Story, The Musical at DPAC
The stage version of one of America’s favorite holiday romps, A Christmas Story, The Musical, will hit DPAC just in time for the post-Christmas lull. Set in Indiana in the 40s, the musical version of the popular movie includes the infamous leg lamp, the bunny suit, visiting Santa, and of course, the ice-cold lamp pole — this time in live-action, and with a soundtrack.
Dec. 28 – 31; from $25; 123 Vivian Street, Durham; dpac.com
Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Join Carolina Ballet for the holiday tradition The Nutcracker, where the choreography will be accompanied by a live symphony orchestra at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. ”We are so excited to bring our community back together in person with this holiday favorite for the young and young at heart,” says Emily McGheen of the Carolina Ballet. ”We are grateful to have had the opportunity to broadcast The Nutcracker last year — but there’s nothing like seeing it for yourself on stage!”
Dec. 17-24; From $27.15; 2 E South Street; carolinaballet.com
Hip Hop Nutcracker at DPAC
Enjoy a playful, modern-day spin on Tchailkovsyk’s classic tale, The Nutcracker through this hip-hop performance at DPAC. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, the production is performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of Hip Hop’s founding fathers.
Dec. 26 | 2p.m; 123 Vivian Street, Durham; from $35; www.dpacnc.com
Chatham County Line Holiday Electric Tour
Raleigh’s hometown band Chatham County Line returns to North Carolina for their annual Holiday Electric Tour at the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw. Expect recognizable favorites like Wildwood and Porcelain Doll plus covers and guest appearances from friends. Why not make the trek over early to grab one of the Saxapahaw General Store’s famous burgers?
Dec. 18 | 8p.m.; 1711 Saxapahaw Bethlehem Rd. Saxapahaw; from $20; details here
