Festivity, fun and inspiration are everywhere this holiday season, especially at BYU.
Whether you're seeking a family-friendly activity or an enthralling musical experience, there's an event at BYU that's just right for you, and many of them are free of cost.
Fun for All Ages:
Christmas in Nauvoo, free
Date: Monday, Dec. 2 & Dec. 9
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Joseph F. Smith Building
Details: Visit various activity stations in the Education in Zion Gallery to learn how Christmas was celebrated in the nineteenth century. Enjoy caroling, a craft activity and refreshments. The event is free, but reservations are helpful. Call 801-422-6519 for reservations. More info.
BYU Planetarium: Star of Bethlehem
Date: Friday, Dec. 6
Time: 7 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Location: Eyring Science Center
Details: Come to BYU's Royden G. Derrick Planetarium and join the BYU Astronomical Society to learn about the astronomical events consistent with the Christmas star. Best for ages 10+ (it's a somewhat technical demonstration).
Tickets: $3 Adults, $2 Children 12 and under; cash or check only, tickets only available at the door (pro-tip: arrive early)
BYU Planetarium: The Christmas Star
Date: Monday, Dec. 9
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Eyring Science Center
Details: Experience the Christmas spirit in this family-friendly film as you learn about the history and current theories behind the mysterious Christmas star.
Tickets: $4 Adults, $2 Children 12 and under; cash or check only, tickets only available at the door (pro-tip: arrive early)
Christmas at the MOA: Brian Kershisnik Nativity, free
Date: Monday, Dec. 9
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Museum of Art
Details: Celebrate the Christmas season with artist Brian Kershisnik as he gives a short gallery talk in front of his piece "Nativity," which hangs in the BYU Museum of Art. After his remarks, Kershisnik will take questions from the audience. Refreshments will be served.
Concerts + Music:
Christmas Around the World
Date: Friday, Dec. 6 & Saturday, Dec. 7
Time: 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. Saturday matinee
Location: Marriott Center
Details: This holiday tradition showcases the rich ethnic diversity of the world through music and dance and features more than 200 dancers, singers and musicians, colorful costumes and captivating choreography. Featuring the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble. More info.
Tickets: $9–$22; purchase here
Celebration of Christmas, free online streaming
Date: Friday, Dec. 6 & Saturday, Dec. 7
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: de Jong Concert Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center
Details: The BYU combined choirs and Philharmonic present this annual concert celebrating the sounds of the holiday season. Featuring performances by BYU Singers, Concert Choir, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorus and Philharmonic. This concert is sold out but the evening performances will be streamed live online.
Tuba Christmas, free
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Madsen Recital Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center
Details: Musicians that are usually relegated to the back row of the band or orchestra will have their opportunity to shine. The unusual sound of a choir of tubas, baritone horns and euphoniums will delight audiences with a rich, warm and all-engulfing sound. More info.
Adventsingen, free
Date: Sunday, Dec. 8
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Location: de Jong Concert Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center
Details: Adventsingen is a program of traditional German, Austrian and Swiss Christmas music, paired with German-language scripture readings about the birth of Christ. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the popular event that immerses the audience in beautiful seasonal music and the rich cultural traditions of German-speaking countries.
Christmas Hymn Sing, free
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 11
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Room 4420, Harold B. Lee Library
Details: Gather together as a community to sing Christmas hymns.
BYU Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band
Date: Thursday, Dec. 12
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: de Jong Concert Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center
Details: Enjoy holiday and concert band classics, including the bands’ annual combined performance of Alfred Reed’s “Russian Christmas Music.” This performance will also be streamed live online.
Tickets: $6-$11, available at byuarts.com
Holiday TV Specials on BYUtv
BYUtv is excited to bring you music, television and movies that will surely bring everyone “Together for Christmas” this holiday season. So light the fire, sip your hot chocolate and get cozy with your loved ones – this special holiday programming will make your December a magical one. Catch these shows live or stream later on demand.
Watch the BYUtv original holiday movie adaption of Christmas Jars, the story of an aspiring reporter who uncovers the remarkable secret behind a secret holiday tradition (Dec. 1, 6 p.m.).
If music is more your jam, tune in for BYUtv’s Christmas Under the Stars concert featuring Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award-winning singer and songwriter John Legend (Dec. 1, 5 p.m.). And of course, you don’t want to miss the Tabernacle at Temple Square concert featuring Kristin Chenoweth (Dec. 19, 5 p.m.).
There will also be an exclusive presentation of Ballet West’s “The Nutcracker” commemorating the 75th anniversary of the first full-length production of the ballet in America. (Dec. 8, 4 p.m.)
Throughout the month of December, BYUtv will also broadcast Christmas episodes of its original shows like Show Offs, Studio C, Making Good, Battle of the Ages and Random Acts. See the full schedule of holiday shows here.
