1. Home for the Holidays
Australia’s singing phenoms the Ten Tenors charm audiences of all ages with festive, traditional, and contemporary holiday melodies at the McCallum Theatre on Dec. 4 and 5. www.mccallumtheatre.com
2. Rock-A-Holly Christmas
A retro-inspired Christmas party sure to delight Elvis and midcentury architecture fans alike, Rock-A-Holly Christmas takes place at the House of Tomorrow, where the King reigned supreme. Tour the famed modern gem, also dubbed “Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway,” and enjoy tribute serenades on Dec. 5. www.elvishoneymoon.com
3. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Known for reimagining old and new Yuletide carols with new age and rock sounds, this multi-award-winning group amuses the senses with a show celebrating its popular 1984 album Christmas at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Dec. 5. www.fantasyspringsresort.com
4. Winter Wonderful! ‘Christmas On Broadway’
Vicky’s of Santa Fe’s Jazz Supper Club series and Live It Up Productions present showstopping numbers at their Dec. 7 holiday event. Director and pianist Trini Garza has created an act sure to dazzle, with four credited Broadway cast members performing “Where Are You Christmas,” “Mary Did You Know,” “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” and more. www.vickysofsantafe.com
The Ten Tenors start the holiday ball rolling with concerts on Dec. 4-5.
5. Winter Solstice Celebration
Greet winter with family and friends at the Galen, Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert. This free event invites the community to participate in season-inspired art-making, festive snacks, and a special holiday performance under outdoor twinkling lights on Dec. 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. www.psmuseum.org
6. A Christmas Carol
Treat yourself to Desert Theaterworks’ vision of Charles Dickens’ timeless story of redemption and forgiveness, performed every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Dec. 11 to Dec. 20. Written by DTW Artistic Director Lance Phillips-Martinez and set to new music, this reimagined tale explores the realm of second chances on one special Christmas Eve. www.dtworks.org
7. Brassy, Classy, Sassy
Brassy trumpets, trombones, tubas, and classy organ round out this ensemble concert by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus. Prepare to be amazed by their rendition of “Gloria” by English composer John Rutter and “The Night Before Christmas,” among other holiday classics, Dec. 12 and 13 at Temple Isaiah. www.psgmc.com
The Los Angeles Ballet performs The Nutcracker, Nocv.
8. And on Earth …
Peace Artistic director and accomplished composer Tim Bruneau conducts the California Desert Chorale lifting their voices for the organization’s 22nd Annual Holiday Concert. Enjoy a beautiful musical repertoire including “The Awakening” and lighter, playful pieces such as “Sparklejollytwinklejingley,” “Mele Kalikimaka,” and more at the Indian Wells Theater Dec. 12, 13, and 20. www.californiadesertchorale.org
9. The Nutcracker Ballet
A family holiday tradition, this colorful dream springs to life via the Los Angeles Ballet on Dec. 15 at the McCallum Theatre. Accompany Clara as she travels to different lands with her treasured dolls. www.mccallumtheatre.com
10. Christmas Rocks!
Guitarist, songwriter, vocalist, and three-time Grammy winner Brian Setzer is debuting his latest album, Rockin’ Rudolph, accompanied by his 18-piece orchestra at Fantasy Springs Casino on Dec. 19. Classic and new tunes, including “Setzer-ize” and “Rockabilly Rudolph,” are sure to bring the audience to their feet. www.fantasyspringsresort.com
11. Merri-A-Chi Christmas
Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández is a tour de force, captivating audiences with a passionate and lively jubilee of song, dance, and jolly fun. This talented group of performers brings the culture and traditions of Mexico to the McCallum on Dec. 19. www.mccallumtheatre.com
12. LeAnn Rimes Christmas
Revel in the magic of the season with country superstar LeAnn Rimes as she performs her favorite jingles with special guest Ellee Duke at the McCallum on Dec. 20. www.mccallumtheatre.com