What's not to love about December holidays in southern Utah? Festivities abound, and the lights, sights and sounds elevate the spirit of the community. Whether you're attending a school production, a month-long celebration of events at the St. George Tabernacle, or another program at a favorite venue, you're sure to feel the magic of the season. Here are a few recommendations:
Southwest Symphony Presents Handel’s "Messiah" with Lieto Voices and Special Guest Soloists
The Southwest Symphony invites you to celebrate the spirit of the season with one of the most timeless holiday traditions—Handel’s "Messiah." Performances will be held Friday, December 5th at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 6th at 2:00 p.m. at Desert Hills High School.
Few compositions capture the essence of hope, joy, and reverence like "Messiah." Composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, this magnificent oratorio has become one of the most cherished works in classical music and a holiday tradition around the world. From the triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus” to the tender beauty of “He Was Despised,” "Messiah" continues to inspire audiences nearly three centuries after its debut.
Southwest Symphony’s performances of Handel’s "Messiah" features Lieto Voices, a premier regional choral ensemble known for their expressive artistry and dynamic sound. They will be joined by an extraordinary cast of soloists: Lisa Seegmiller is a Tony Award-winning and Grammy-nominated soprano who now resides in St. George. Aubrey Adams-McMillan is an award-winning mezzo-soprano and educator. Thomas Glenn is a Grammy Award-winning tenor, internationally celebrated. Seth Keeton is a distinguished bass-baritone performer and educator with performances spanning opera houses and concert halls across the country.
Adding to the festive experience, pre-show performances will feature the Vista Advanced Orchestra directed by Linda Ghidossi-DeLuca on December 5th, and the Zion Youth Symphony Orchestra (ZYSO) under the direction of Ed Candland on December 6th.
Sponsored by Snow, Jensen & Reese and Whittaker Travel, this inspiring event promises to uplift hearts and usher in the holiday season with grandeur, grace, and the unifying power of music.
For tickets, visit swsutah.org.
St George Chamber Singers and St George Children's Choir
The St George Chamber Singers and St George Children's Choir join together this Christmas season for their 8th annual performance of "Christmas in the Tabernacle" on Friday, December 5th at 7 p.m. This free concert will feature the 70-voice St George Children's Choir singing traditional holiday favorites including "Sleigh Ride" and "In the Bleak Midwinter," as well as Faure's beautiful "Pie Jesu." The St George Children's Choir is a classical children's choir under the direction of BJ and Rachel Cox. Last season the children's choir was invited to tour New York City and perform in Carnegie Hall with renowned conductor Andre Thomas. This season they will be hosting a children's choir festival in St George for children's choirs across the United States!
The St George Chamber Singers are southern Utah's premier vocal chamber choir. An ensemble of accomplished vocalists, they are raising the standard for choral singing and musicianship in the Desert Southwest. Under the direction of conductor Paul Wiens, The St George Chamber Singers will feature a collection of holiday classics with harp and oboe, as well as Eric Whitacre's beautiful nativity piece, "Lux Aurumque."
In addition to their traditional Christmas repertoire, the Chamber Singers and Children's Choir will also perform two newly commissioned works - local composer, Tami Creamer's gorgeous new setting of "Away in a Manger" as well as the premier of a brand new choral work, "The Arrow and the Song" written for the choirs by composer Grace Brigham.
Come join this feast of song in celebration of the Christmas season!
St. George Musical Theater
For fans of local community theater, St. George Musical Theater has provided a bedrock of consistent, quality entertainment for the past 25 years. That tradition continues with their upcoming production of “Christmas Story the Musical,” the musical adaptation of the endearing 1983 movie classic of the same name.
Set in Indiana in the 1940s, the musical features nearly all the familiar storylines of the film, including the iconic Red Ryder BB gun and the famous fishnet stocking leg lamp, plus the added music composed by award winning team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “Greatest Showman”).
Adam Mast returns as director, having directed the musical seven years ago at its southern Utah debut, also produced by St. George Musical Theater. Known locally as a film critic for over two decades, Mast adores the material and couldn’t wait to direct again.
“Not all great films translate well to the stage, but this one hits the proverbial nail on the head,” says Mast.
Bruce Bennett, who has produced over 75 productions for SGMT the past 11 years, also notes the poignant timing of this production—“This will be our last holiday-themed production in the Opera House, which has been our home for many years.” Bennett refers to SGMT’s 2026 transition to the new 400-seat theatre-in-the-round under construction on South Main Street. He says, “I daresay even those who are not huge fans of the film will love the music, and especially the heart of this production, and we promise not to shoot your eye out.”
“Christmas Story” runs November 13th through December 20th, Wed. through Sat. with Sat. matinees at the historic Opera House, 212 N. Main St., St. George. Tickets are $35 available at sgmt.org or by calling 435.628.8755. Also, donations for the new theater are welcomed.
What's not to love about December holidays in southern Utah? . . . Whether you're attending a Christmas school production, a month-long celebration of events at the St. George Tabernacle, or another program at a favorite venue, you're sure to feel the magic of the season.