It’s the holiday season, and while there are plenty of Santa sightings, there are just as many Northern Michigan holiday concerts. From junior high and high school groups to professional ensembles, there’s something for most everyone—as long as you’re in the holiday spirit. And if you aren’t, these are bound to get you there. There are multiple Nutcrackers and some community singalongs as well. And what better way to get in the spirit of the season than to hike to a bonfire and listen to Christmas carols? It’s all here, and there, throughout the region.
Here are some highlights:
Winter Songs & Carols by the Manitou Winds at the Leelanau School, Glen Arbor. Joining the five members of the instrumental ensemble (who will be playing nine different instruments) are vocalists Christy Burich and Emily Curtin Culler for music by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Loreena McKennitt.
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Freewill offering to benefit Leelanau School
Community Christmas Collage Concert, Gornick Auditorium at Gaylord High School. Enjoy a night of holiday music performed by various community music groups.
Dec 10, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $7 adult, $5 student/senior. Available at Saturn Booksellers and the Gaylord Chamber of Commerce
Christmas season concerts featuring the Benzie County Community Chorus. Performing at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beulah Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10-11; Frankfort United Methodist Church Sunday, Dec. 11.
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 10, 3 p.m.
Dec. 11, 3 p.m.
Freewill offering
The Nutcracker presented by Dance Arts Academy & Company Dance Traverse at Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center.
Dec. 8-10, 7 p.m.; additional shows
Dec. 10, at 2 p.m.
Dec. 11, 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Tickets: 231.941.4234
“Home for the Holidays” presented by the Traverse Symphony Orchestra & the NMC Choirs. Lars Hockstad Auditorium, Traverse City.
Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 11, 3 p.m.
Tickets start at $23.50, MyNorthTickets.com
Mix and Mingle with a Little Holiday Jingle, Traverse City West Choirs at Kirkbride hall at the Grand Traverse Commons. Includes hors d’oeuvres, silent auction and holiday music.
Dec 10, 5:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $25, MyNorthTickets.com
Christmas Concert with the Northport Community Band and The Village Voices. Northport Community Arts Center.
Dec. 11, 3 p.m.
Tickets: $15 adults, $5 students, northportcac.org
Messiah Plus One by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra. Music includes “Oratorio de Noel” by Saint Saens; Handel’s “Messiah” with chorus. Soloists are Risa Renae Harman, soprano; Martha Hart alto; Tom Cilluffo, tenor; and Jason Coffey, bass. St. Francis Xavier Church, 513 Howard Street, Petoskey
Dec 15 – 16, 7-9:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $25. MyNorthTickets.com.
The Nutcracker, Dancers from Manistee, Mason and Benzie counties are presenting Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic “The Nutcracker Ballet” at the Historic Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee.
Dec. 16-17, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 18, 2 p.m.
Tickets are $20, MyNorthTickets.com
The Nutcracker performed by the Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet, Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center.
Dec. 17, 7 p.m.
Dec. 17-18, 3 p.m.
Tickets: $50 reserved, $20 adult, $10 student; matinee tickets $50 reserved, $15 adult, $5 student, MyNorthTickets.com
Winter Solstice concert and potluck. Music by The Ragbirds and The Turnips running the Americana gamut, and probably some holiday tunes as well. Also kids activities, libations for sale, silent auction and don’t forget the potluck! Emmet County Community Center, 1129 Charlevoix Ave. (U.S. 31), Petoskey.
Dec 17, 5 p.m.
Tickets $7-$20, blissfest.org
Winter Sounds Holiday Concert at Michigan Legacy Art Park, Crystal Mountain, featuring the Benzie Central Chamber Choir. Winter Sounds is a celebration of the season, with warm beverages, a bonfire, lamp lit winter hike and a lovely outdoor holiday performance from Benzie Central Chamber Choir. Make sure you dress appropriately and arrive early to allow for the quarter-mile hike to the amphitheater. Yes, it’s outdoors.
Dec. 17, 5 p.m.
$10 suggested donation benefits Michigan Legacy Art Park & Benzie Central choral program