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.
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Fun for All Ages
Christmas in Nauvoo
When: November 27, December 4 and December 11
Time: 7–9 p.m.
Location: Education in Zion Theater in the JFSB
Details: Guests have the opportunity to learn about what Christmastime was like for the early Saints. This program helps spread the Christmas spirit through caroling by the Christmas tree, traditional folk dancing, historical storytelling, festive crafts, and holiday treats. Participate in activity stations at your leisure. The Utah Valley Handbell Ensemble will preform at 7:30p on Nov. 27. The Christmas in Nauvoo program is a wonderful activity for college students, local families, and single adults. More info.
Price: free
BYU Planetarium: Star of Bethlehem
When: Friday, December 8
Time: 7 and 8 p.m.
Location: Eyring Science Center, 4th Floor
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 8+ (it's a somewhat technical demonstration). More info.
Price: $3 cash or check, tickets only available at the door (pro-tip: arrive early)
Sacred Sounds: A Compassionate Listening Guide to Musical Worship
When: Through Wednesday, January 31
Time: 7 a.m. – midnight
Location: BYU Library, 1st Floor
Details: Sacred Sounds is an interfaith exhibition experience that explores the ways in which the Judaism, Christianity and Islam use sound in worship. The purpose of this exhibit is to inspire empathy and understanding between members of the three primary Abrahamic religions through the lens of devotional sounds. More info.
Price: Free
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Date Idea
Christmas Around the World Date Night
When: Friday, December 1
Time:
Location: Museum of Peoples and Culture
Details: Refreshments and festive activities. More info.
Price: $10-15 per couple
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Concerts + Music
BYU Jazz Ensemble Concert
When: Tuesday, November 28
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: de Jong Concert Hall, HFAC
Details: The main attraction of the evening will be Duke Ellington’s arrangement of “The Nutcracker Suite.” The nine movements feature jazzy twists on the familiar Tchaikovsky score. Other selections will include holiday favorites like “The Christmas Song,” “Let It Snow!” and others. More info.
Price: $7
Christmas Concert and Gallery Talk
When: Friday, December 1
Time: 7–8 p.m.
Location: Museum of Art
Details: The Wassail choral ensemble will perform a selection of Christmas music. Following their performance, artist Brian Kershisnik will give a gallery talk beginning at 8 p.m. in front of his piece Nativity. Join us for this festive Christmas event! More info.
Price: free
Christmas Around the World
When: Friday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m.
and Saturday, December 2 at 2 + 7:30 p.m.
School Matinee on Friday, December 1 at 10 a.m.
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.
Price: $11–$22
Celebration of Christmas
When: Friday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m.
and Saturday, December 2 at 3 + 7:30 p.m.
Location: de Jong Concert Hall in the HFAC
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 BYU Philharmonic. This performance will be streamed live online here. More info.
Price: $12–$17
Tuba Christmas
When: Saturday, December 2
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Madsen Recital Hall, HFAC
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.
Price: free
Christmas Concert at the MOA
When: Friday, December 8
Time: 7–10 p.m.
Location: Museum of Art
Details: Join us for free refreshments and live music by four BYU ensembles: Beyond Measure, BYU Jazz Combo, Jazz Voices, and BYU Commercial Music Faculty Ensemble. All of the galleries will be open for you to explore! More info.
Price: free
Christmas Hymn Sing
When: Wednesday, December 13
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: HBLL 4420
Details: Come sing hymns together.
Price: free
Christmas Carols at the Library
When: Monday, December 18
Time: 12-12:15 p.m.
Location: HBLL atrium
Details: When you're on campus, stop by and hear students caroling.
Price: Free
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TV Shows, Broadcast Concerts, Movies
BYUtv Holiday Special: Instrument of War
When: Watch on demand
Watch: On demand here
Details: When U.S. B-24 bomber pilot Clair Cline is shot down and captured in northern Germany, one war ends and another begins – to keep hope alive. Now behind Nazi barbed wire and oppression, Cline and his fellow POW's must find a way to bond together to not just survive but transcend their captivity. Inspired by true events.
Christmas Under the Stars with Gladys Knight and Friends
When: Sunday, December 3, at 7:30 p.m.
and Sunday, December 24, at 8 p.m.
Watch: BYUtv here
Details: Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Patti LaBelle, and Yolanda Adams hit the stage in this special performance of Christmas Under the Stars. Performed and filmed at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C., this concert features these incredibly talented stars as they bring the Christmas spirit to the stage. More info.
Five for Fighting: Christmas Under the Stars
When: Sunday, December 10 at 7 p.m.
and Friday, December 15 at 6 p.m.
and Friday, December 22 at 4 p.m.
Watch: BYUtv here
Details: Since the Grammy-nominated hit “Superman (It’s Not Easy)”, Five for Fighting has been a radio hit. Don’t miss this live-taping concert this Christmas season. More info.
Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir featuring Rolando Villazon
When: Sunday, December 17 at 7 p.m.
and Friday, December 22 at 6 p.m.
and Monday, December 25 at 5 p.m.
Watch: BYUtv here
Details: In 2016, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was joined by opera sensation Rolando Villazon. One of the most renowned opera singers in the world, Villazon has performed with opera houses and orchestras from around the world. More info.
A Holiday Movie: "Christmas Angel"
When: Monday, November 27
Time: 12 p.m.
Watch: BYUtv here
Details: Two friends discover the true meaning of Christmas.
