Kansas City Symphony: Christmas Festival

Kansas City Symphony: Christmas Festival at Helzberg Hall - Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Give the family a Christmas outing with a symphony, familiar carols and Santa. Kansas City Symphony's Christmas Festival brings all three to Helzberg Hall on December 19, 2026, making a Saturday afternoon something to look forward to together.

A favorite carol can carry a whole history of Decembers. If you remember holiday music from your own childhood, this is an inviting chance to make it part of the season for younger company. Come for the melodies that matter to you and the pleasure of giving them a place in your family's plans.

Daniel Wiley conducts the orchestra and Symphony Chorus, with Jim Hogan as featured vocalist and Betsy Burleigh directing the chorus. That combination gives music lovers plenty to enjoy: an individual voice, many voices blending together and the Symphony sharing the celebration. The adults get a concert to anticipate, too.

Fresh arrangements add curiosity for listeners who already love Christmas classics. A familiar tune can feel welcome and still offer something different to enjoy. Santa's appearance supplies a playful holiday touch, giving children who love the season another reason to be excited about the date.

Make a little room in December for the part of Christmas you want to remember. Find Christmas Festival tickets at the Kauffman Center in Kansas City and put a musical family afternoon on the calendar.