5 Can’t-Miss Holiday Shows This Season
five sure-fire local shows to get you into the holiday spirit!
It is nearly impossible not to feel the holiday spirit in our snowy slice of Wisconsin, but if you're in need of an extra oomph or just want to celebrate with a fantastic show, here are five to consider! There’s truly a show for everyone around the Chippewa Valley this time of year, from orchestral music and dancers, to big band and rock 'n roll.
1. Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience -- Holly Jolly Holiday Tour
Tuesday, Nov. 28 | 7:30pm | Pablo Center, Eau Claire | $15-$25+
Johnson is an Emmy-Award-winning singer and lead singer of popular a capella group, Tonic Sol-fa, bringing a unique flare to traditional pop music through the addition of big-band-driven melodies. The Emmy-winner promises a memorable holiday show, performing reworks of classic Christmas fare with delightful charm. His performances routinely sell out, so snag your tickets ASAP!
2. UWEC 49th Annual Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec. 3 | 2pm and 5:30pm | Pablo Center, Eau Claire | $20+
Voted as last year’s “Best Holiday Performance” in Volume One's Best of the Chippewa Valley poll, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire returns with its Holiday Concert, continuing to showcase its students’ extraordinary musical talents and spreading holiday joy. Tickets are available online, sales support UWEC scholarships.
3. CVSO Presents: Nutcracker Dreams
Saturday, Dec. 9 | 2pm | Pablo Center, Eau Claire | $25-$45+ for adults, $10+ for youth
The Diamond School of Dance will be welcomed to the stage by the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra, the two iconic local organizations bringing the beloved story of Clara and her Nutcracker to life! CVSO will perform enchanting excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” while incredible dancers soar across the stage with beautiful choreography and stunning costumes, ensuring a magical holiday experience. Tickets and concert packages are available online.
4. A Magical Cirque Christmas
Dec. 19 | 7:30pm | Pablo Center, Eau Claire | $89+
Get ready for an absolutely awe-inspiring, dazzling performance at "A Magical Cirque Christmas", an incredible variety show performed by world-class entertainers to the sounds of your favorite holiday tunes. With high-stakes performances like acrobatic trapeze and contortionist artists, aerial rope performers, and more, you won't want to miss out on a show like this! Sprinkle some seasonal magic into your holidays, fit for any and all ages. Buy your tickets online.
5. The Wizards of Winter
Friday, Dec. 15 | 7:30pm | Pablo Center, Eau Claire | $49+
For an evening that totally rocks this holiday season, look no further! Featuring former members of classic rock giants like The Blue Oyster Cult, Alice Cooper, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rainbow, and Trixter alongside Broadway and theater veterans, the 11-member performance of holiday rock opera, “The Christmas Dream,” promises to be an incredible show! The Wizards will bring the audience along a musical journey in search of the true meaning of Christmas, bringing fun stage theatrics and musical intensity to a whole new level. Expect soaring vocals, string instruments, keyboard, and percussion to perform everything from rock to pop to ballads, and even a visit from Mrs. Claus! Buy your tickets online.
Check out Volume One’s full event calendar for more events throughout the holiday season.
