Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
Start a new holiday tradition with this must-hear annual Christmas carol service—Dec. 3 & 5
Reading time: 3 minutes
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Nothing says happy holidays like Christmas carols, and if you want to start off your December in a jolly mood you have to check out Birmingham-Southern Choir’s Annual Lessons and Carols service. Find out why you should start a new tradition and go see the show, happening December 3rd and 5th.
Need to know details
Kick off your Christmas season by joining the Birmingham-Southern Choir as they sing some holiday favorites. Open to the community, the Lessons and Carols service has been a staple event in Birmingham for the last 91 years. Packed full of modern and classic carols, this event is sure to become a favorite holiday tradition in no time.
Out of caution, all choir members will be wearing masks for this year’s performances. Guests are encouraged to do the same. Feel uncomfortable meeting in a public space but still want to experience the music? You can still view the pre-recorded virtual service from 2020.
- Location: Canterbury United Methodist Church 350 Overbrook Road, Mountain Brook, Alabama
- Times: Friday, Dec. 3 at 7:30PM I Sunday, Dec. 5 at 4:30PM
- Cost: Free
The history behind the show
The tradition of the BSC Annual Lessons and Carols service dates all the way back to 1930, with a show happening nearly every year since on the weekend following Thanksgiving. These services have been and continue to be more than just a college choir performance—they are a musical fixture in our community.
“When the local newspapers had music critics, the BSC services were reviewed regularly. People got to the church for each service early, often an hour in advance or more, to get a seat, and came from all over the state, regardless of any BSC connection, to hear the choirs.”
Lester Seigel, Choir Director, BSC
2020 marks the only year there was no live performance in the past century, making this year’s services all the more special.
“For generations, it has been said by many that the BSC service “starts the holiday season” for them.”
Lester Seigel, Choir Director, BSC
The best way to start off the holidays
Part of the magic of Christmas is most certainly captured in the classic songs we all know so well. Want to start off your December with something better than hearing your favorite holiday tunes across the radio? You can with the Birmingham-Southern Choir’s Annual Lessons and Carols service.
Whether you love the old classics like White Christmas and Holy Night or more modern styles, this service’s hallmark mixture of traditional and new carol settings will bring something for everyone.
Nothing gets me in the holiday spirit more than listening to Christmas carols, and what better way to listen to your favorite songs than hearing them live in a beautifully decorated church from the talented Birmingham-Southern Choir. Join the dedicated BSC undergraduate students and alumni for a truly magical night of live music.
Will you be catching the amazing carols in the Birmingham-Southern Choir’s Annual Lessons and Carols service? Let us know by tagging us @bhamnow.
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