Winspear Centre spreading holiday cheer with December concerts

The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's Anime in Concert show. (Edmonton Symphony Orchestra)

The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is striking up the sound of the holidays at the Winspear Centre with several concerts throughout December.

• Download our app to get Edmonton alerts on your device

Whether you like to listen to classic carols or cinematic holiday favourites, there’s something for everyone.

“There’s nothing quite like sharing the joy of the season through music with our community. I can’t wait for everyone to join us for all the festive magic at the Winspear Centre this year,” said ESO music director Jean-Marie Zeitouni in a news release.

These are the concerts people can listen to from ESO:

• Dec. 12 and 13: Handel’s Messiah – featuring Chorus Inspira;
• Dec.14 to 16: Christmas with Johnny Reid;
• Dec. 19 to 23: A Very Merry Pops;
• Dec. 29 and 30: Hollywood for the Holidays

ESO will be collecting donations at the concerts for Edmonton’s Food Bank. During a Very Merry Pops, cash and card donations will be accepted during the intermission.

Throughout the month people can bring non-perishable food items at the Winspear Concierge desk all month.

There are also other concerts happening at the Winspear this season:

• Nov. 25: The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas;
• Dec. 1: U of A Interfaith Chaplains – Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols;
• Dec. 2: Live Nation presents Serena Ryder – Merry Myths Tour;
• Dec. 6: The Salvation Army’s Festival of Carols;
• Dec. 7: Cantilon Choirs Presents Be We Merry;
• Dec. 8 and 9: Royal Canadian Artillery Band Presents One Cozy Night;
• Dec. 12: Christmas Bureau of Edmonton – 2025 Christmas Carol Concert;
• Dec. 28: Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert, Strauss Symphony of Canada

Tickets for the Christmas concerts start at $31. People can buy online or at the Winspear box office at 780-428-1414.