8 Essential Holiday Tours to Catch This Season

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The post 8 Essential Holiday Tours to Catch This Season appeared first on Consequence.

The holiday season is somehow already approaching, signaling the arrival of plenty of merry, bright celebrations. Among them is the return of seasonally-appropriate cabarets and concerts, which were largely (and understandably) absent during the height of the pandemic last year.

As the touring industry continues to recover, though, there are some true can’t-miss shows making the rounds during the 2021 season. And if you’re looking for more live inspiration, be sure to check out this page to keep up with all of the latest touring news, and this list of essential Broadway shows to catch before we ring in 2022.

Below, we’ve rounded up eight of our picks.


Lindsey Stirling – The “Lindsey Stirling Christmas Program”

Lindsey Stirling
Lindsey Stirling

Lindsey Stirling, photo by Joe Russo

Lindsey Stirling, as a violinist, dancer, choreographer and songwriter, puts on quite a unique show. The “Lindsey Stirling Christmas Program” kicks off in Memphis, Tennessee the day after Thanksgiving and runs almost up to Christmas, wrapping December 23rd in Jackson, Mississippi. The live event promises to feature her many talents, and excitement was heightened by a recent Instagram post from the artist that showed her rehearsing in aerial silks.

Get tickets via Ticketmaster.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – “Christmas Eve and Other Stories”

Trans Siberian Orchestra
Trans Siberian Orchestra

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, photo by Kevin Nixon/Prog Magazine/Future via Getty Images/Future via Getty Images

The beloved ensemble, much like Michael Buble and Mariah Carey, hit peak popularity this time of year. The massive tour for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra includes a whopping 99 shows in 59 cities. This particular tour is even more special — it will be a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the band’s triple-platinum debut album, Christmas Eve and Other Stories.

Get tickets via Ticketmaster.

She & Him

she & him
she & him

She & Him on Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS)

Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, known together as She & Him, will only be hitting eight cities on their holiday tour, promising an intimate evening of quirky fun. The pair recently confirmed the release of A Very She & Him Christmas’ 10th Anniversary Edition, a re-issue that will include the cover of Madonna’s “Holiday.” Between Elf and She & Him — plus her recent “Merry Christmas, Happy New Year” duet with Ingrid Michaelson — Miss Deschanel is a Christmas Queen in her own right.

Get tickets via Ticketmaster.

Pentatonix – “The Evergreen Christmas Tour”

pentatonix 8 Essential Holiday Tours to Catch This Season
pentatonix 8 Essential Holiday Tours to Catch This Season

A Very Pentatonix Christmas (NBC)

Everyone’s favorite viral a capella group is bringing their brand of elite harmonies to sixteen cities this winter. Known for their challenging harmonies and playful arrangements, the Grammy-winning quintet will be sharing and celebrating their latest album, a holiday collection entitled Evergreen.

Get tickets via Ticketmaster.

Kurtis Blow’s Hip-Hop Nutcracker

kurtis blow
kurtis blow

Hip-Hop Nutcracker, photo courtesy of the artist

The Nutcracker has sort of transcended the label of “holiday staple” — 130 years of history will do that. While most productions lean towards a traditional approach, there are always a handful that put a spin on the classic story. One is hip-hop legend Kurtis Blow, who will be hitting 31 cities with a dozen dancers, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist, promising a Nutcracker experience that won’t be found anywhere else.

Get tickets via Ticketmaster.

Darren Criss – “A Very Darren Crissmas Tour”

darren criss
darren criss

Darren Criss, photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Honestly, if Darren Criss hadn’t named his holiday show “A Very Darren Crissmas,” it would’ve been a huge missed opportunity. The Emmy winner became well-known as a staple of Ryan Murphy projects, making it easy to forget that his breakthrough was in the form of Fox’s Glee. (True fans remember Criss’ viral, beloved performance as Harry Potter in the Very Potter Musical series first, though.) Regardless, Criss’ musical roots are truly impressive, vocals as warm as chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

Get tickets via Ticketmaster.

Amy Grant – “CHRISTMAS”

Amy Grant
Amy Grant

Amy Grant, photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

One Christmas stint wasn’t enough for Amy Grant, treasure of Music City. She’ll be taking up a residency at the Ryman Auditorium with her husband Vince Gill in one of Nashville’s most beloved traditions, a 12-show Christmas residency. It will be a welcome return after missing in 2020. To spread the cheer a bit further, Grant and Michael W. Smith are co-headlining seven shows of their own.

Get tickets via Ticketmaster here or here.

A Drag Queen Christmas

a drag queen christmas 8 Essential Holiday Tours to Catch This Season
a drag queen christmas 8 Essential Holiday Tours to Catch This Season

A Drag Queen Christmas, photo courtesy of the artist

For an evening filled with laughs and sickening fashion, consider this show hosted by Trinity The Tuck & Monét X Change, All Stars of Ru Paul’s Drag Race fame. This variety style show features a quirky cast of characters taking on holiday classics through song, dance, and (of course) drag. The crew is hitting 21 cities this holiday season, leaving quite a bit of sparkle in their wake.

Get tickets via Ticketmaster.

8 Essential Holiday Tours to Catch This Season
Mary Siroky

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