3 must-see holiday concerts in Birmingham: Christmas classics, Santa + more

From modern Christmas classics like “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to centuries-old seasonal programs like “Messiah,” music is folded into holiday traditions worldwide. For families in Birmingham, one organization is bringing the full range of Christmas music to local stages in December 2026 and inviting you to hear it all.

These three holiday concerts with Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) are perfect for Christmas music lovers and families looking for ways to make long winter nights feel warm and bright. Bonus: Santa will be around for photos at one of the concerts.

3 concerts for Christmas music lovers in Birmingham

Whether attending live concerts is a long-held family holiday tradition or you’re looking to create new memories with your loved ones, ASO is your one-stop shop for magical Christmas music moments.

Here are the details for ASO’s upcoming holiday concerts:

“Sleigh Bells + Symphony: A Holiday Classic”

If you can’t choose a favorite Christmas soundtrack, this is the concert for you. This family-friendly, one hour-long program will include a range of songs you know and love including “March” from “The Nutcracker,” “Joy to the World,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and more. Make sure to show up early for a chance to meet and take photos with the man in red himself, Santa Claus.

• When: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026 | 7PM–8PM
  • Doors open at 6PM for Santa photos
• Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center—Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
• Cost: General admission: $25
  • Students: $15
• Find tickets for “Sleigh Bells + Symphony”

Act of Congress with ASO

Guitar, mandolin, fiddle and upright bass will add to the full orchestral arrangement of holiday favorites as Birmingham-native band Act of Congress shares the stage with ASO. This powerful pairing is a treat for the senses, with Alabama Theatre’s visible historic charm adding to the joyful atmosphere of Christmas music. Songs on this very special program include “Carol of the Bells,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.”

• When: Friday, Dec. 4, 2026 | 7:30PM
• Where: Alabama Theatre, 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 
• Cost: $26.50–$85.50
• Get your tickets to see Act of Congress with ASO now

Handel’s “Messiah”

More than 130 talented performers with ASO will take to the stage for this centuries-old score, featuring one of the most recognizable moments in music. Composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741, “Messiah” remains immensely popular among holiday musical traditions with the chorus of “Hallelujah” resonating with audiences worldwide. Jemison Concert Hall was built to amplify orchestral sound, making it the perfect setting for hearing this masterful program.

• When: Friday, Dec. 18 + Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026
  • Friday: 7PM
  • Saturday: 2:30PM
• Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center—Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
• Cost: $36–$90
• Secure your tickets for Handel’s “Messiah”

The variety of concerts offered by ASO this holiday season means there is something in store for everyone, from the seasoned Christmas music fanatic to first-time listeners.

Celebrate Christmas with Alabama’s only full-time pro orchestra

Whether you’re the kind of person who plays Christmas music in July or just a lover of live music, you won’t want to miss ASO’s December 2026 lineup. If you can’t fit any of these concerts into your schedule, you can always explore their full calendar of upcoming events.

Purchasing tickets to events like these supports ASO’s future programming, including concerts, educational programs and community outreach, because everyone deserves the chance to experience the joy of music.

Get into the spirit of the season with Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s holiday music performances—tickets are available now.

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