There are holiday concerts… and then there’s A Boston Christmas at Old South Church — the city’s most fully fledged festive celebration. Each year, this beloved tradition transforms one of Boston’s most storied churches into a glittering holiday haven, where music, history, and Christmas magic mingle beneath soaring Gothic arches.
Old South Church elevates the celebration in a way no other venue can. Stained-glass windows shimmer like vibrant holiday jewels, the soaring Gothic architecture enhances every note with rich acoustics, and the entire space radiates a sense of tradition that deepens the joy of the season. Perhaps it’s simply the feeling of being surrounded by centuries of stories, winter cheer, and community spirit. Whatever the reason, A Boston Christmas wraps you in the height of the season, like a cozy scarf on a snowy night.
What is A Boston Christmas?
At the concert, the celebrated Back Bay Chorale gathers in the soaring sanctuary of Old South Church, joined by organ, brass and percussion instruments. The program often features lush choral works — this year including Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Ralph Vaughan Williams — plus holiday favorites from a wide range of composers.
In addition to the formal pieces, concertgoers get to lift their voices together: the choir leads beloved Christmas carols, and audience members are encouraged to join in. Between powerful harmonies, organ chords and seasonal staples, the result is a warm, communal celebration of music and holiday spirit — ideal for families and music lovers alike.
When is A Boston Christmas?
The concert is happening for two nights only, on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th December. So, grab your tickets and get ready for a concert that sparkles brighter, sounds sweeter, and captures everything we love about the holiday season in Boston. Let the festivities begin!
📅 19 & 20 December
📍 The Sanctuary – Old South Church in Boston, 645 Boylston Street, Boston, 02116
How to enjoy music at Old South Church out of the holiday season
If the holiday crowds make Old South Church’s festive season too busy — or if tickets for A Boston Christmas have already sold out — the music doesn’t stop there. Well into the new year, the church hosts a series of Candlelight concerts, where thousands of flickering candles illuminate the soaring arches which enhance every note. String quartets fill the sanctuary with enchanting arrangements, offering everything from classical favorites to sparkling tributes to pop icons like Bad Bunny, Coldplay, and The Beatles.