Ho-Ho-Ho, light the menorah, devour a Kwanzaa feast, and ring in the new year with a month full of holiday events in St. Louis. We've compiled some must-do events around the city, one for each day. Check back every week for a new list of things to do. Have a happy holiday season!
Wed., Dec. 8: Clarion Brass: Deck the Halls
This wintertime showcase of talented brass players offers renditions of classics such as The Nutcracker Suite and “Greensleeves.” $12–$15. Time: 10 a.m. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington, 314-533-9900, sheldonconcerthall.org.
Thurs., Dec. 9: A Christmas Carol
Opening night of Charles Dickens’ holiday fable at the Fox carries themes of the Industrial Revolution and reminds audiences of the necessity of brotherhood and selflessness. The Charles Jones adaptation of the tale is the most widely produced version and blends traditional carols with the narrative. $18–$36. Times: 7:30 p.m. Thu & Fri, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sat, 1 & 6 p.m. Sun. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand, 314-534-1111, fabulousfox.com.
Fri., Dec. 10: Rough Shop Holiday Show
Rough Shop (otherwise known as John Wendland, Anne Tkach, Andy Ploof, Sean Anglin, and Jon Parsons) might warm you back up to holiday music, even if you believe you have schmaltz poisoning from prior exposure to Christmas music. This annual concert—it’s now in its seventh year—has become a holiday tradition among local music fans. Due to popular demand, the band added a second show for 2010, with guest appearances from Kate Eddens (ex-Julia Sets), Steve Carosello (The Love Experts), Toby Weiss (The Remodels), Sean Anglin (ex-Rough Shop), Chris Grabau (Magnolia Summer), John Horton (Bottle Rockets, Karate Bikini), Joe Thebeau (Finn’s Motel), plus fiddler Colin Blair and pedal-steel guitar player Michael Ludwig. Call for prices. Time: 8 p.m. The Focal Point,2720 Sutton, 314-781-4200, thefocalpoint.org.
Sat., Dec. 11: American Chamber Chorale: Bounteous Heavenly Light
This Christmas concert showcases modern and traditional works for the season, accompanied by the St. Louis Chamber Orchestra. Featured pieces include the Vespers portion of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil. $18, $15 in advance. Time: 8 p.m. Salem in Ladue United Methodist Church, 1200 S. Lindbergh, 314-638-0793, americanchamberchorale.com.
Sun., Dec. 12: The Ambassadors of Harmony
Annual holiday show features the 2009 Barbershop Harmony Society Chamber Chorus performing the sounds of the season with both secular and religious favorites. $25-$33. Time: 8 p.m. Blanch M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Dr., University of Missouri–St. Louis, 314-516-4949, touhill.org.
Mon., Dec. 13: The Sheldon Chorale: Yuletide Reflections
Program features music from around the world, including arrangements by Robert Shaw and Alice Parker, Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols,” and compositions by local composers. $15, $10 students and seniors. Time: 8 p.m. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington, 314-533-9900, sheldonconcerthall.org.
Tues., Dec. 14: Tilles Park Winter Wonderland
Tilles Park is draped in lights for the holidays, with horsedrawn carriage rides available all season; rides are 20 minutes long. Call for carriage-ride reservations. Car tours $9–$75, depending on size of vehicle. Times: 5:30–9:30 p.m. Tilles County Park, Litzsinger & McKnight, 314-615-7275 for reservations, stlouisco.com/parks.
