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Best 2015 Holiday Concerts In Chicago

Chicago is a special place to be during the holiday season — the lights, the snow (sometimes too much snow, but that just makes for more snowmen), and the music. One of the most special ways to enjoy this special time of year is when it's celebrated with music, and fortunately in Chicago there's an abundance of it. From big band sounds, to country, to children's entertainment and more, there's something for everyone to hum and sing along with during the holiday season, and here are some of the best holiday concerts coming to Chicago this year.
Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rocks
Genesee Theatre
203 N. Genesee St.
Waukegan, IL. 60085
(847) 263-6300
www.geneseetheatre.com

From his days with the Stray Cats singing rockabilly hits like "Stray Cat Strut" and "Rock This Town," Brian Setzer has continued to rock towns all over the world. This holiday season, he'll be doing it in the Chicago area with a certain seasonal flair. On Nov. 17 at Waukegan's Genesee Theatre, come join Setzer for his 12th annual Christmas Rocks event, and be ready to jump, jive and wait the night away with the best of holiday cheer.

Handel's Messiah, Apollo Chorus Of Chicago
Harris Theater
205 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL. 60601
(312) 334-7777
harristheaterchicago.org

Although originally written for a much smaller and more intimate orchestration, over the years performances of Handel's Messiah has grown much larger and awe-inspiring, and has become a piece of music synonymous with the holiday season. The Apollo Chorus has been stunning audiences with this musical jewel each year since 1879, and they'll do so again this year as well. Scheduled for performances on Dec. 19 and 20, treat yourself and loved ones to this lovely piece of music at the Harris Theater. If Handel's Messiah isn't already a regular holiday tradition for you and yours, this year is a great time to start.

Kenny Rogers, Once Again It's Christmas 
Star Plaza Theatre
8001 Delaware Place
Merrillville, IN. 46410
(219) 769-6311
www.starplazatheatre.com

Like Bing Crosby once was, Kenny Rogers has become an integral part of holiday music. Although in the midst of his farewell tour, Kenny Rogers is coming back once again to bring holiday cheer to music lovers and his devoted fans. With a combination of much-loved holiday tunes, as well as some of the crooner's biggest hits, he'll be bringing his show to the Star Plaza Theatre in nearby Merrillville on Nov. 28. Come see the man who's won not only countless awards, but also won over the hearts of music enthusiasts near and far for decades now.

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve
Allstate Arena
6920 N. Mannheim Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
(847) 635-6601
www.rosemont.com/allstate

There's truly nothing quite like a Trans-Siberian Orchestra show. With soaring music lit up by stunning lights and lasers, this symphonic/progressive rock ensemble knows how to put on a show like few others. For those who want to experience something a little more than sleigh bells and soft melodies, then ask Santa for tickets to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Playing two shows at the Allstate Arena on Dec. 28, the band will perform their live debut of "The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve."

Merry Merry Chicago With The Von Trapps
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60604
(312) 294-3000
cso.org

For a more traditional evening of holiday music, the Chicago Symphony Center is presenting their "Merry Merry Chicago With The Von Trapps" performance. Featuring the von Trapps, the great-grandchildren of the family depicted in "The Sound of Music," alongside Voices Rising, the children's choral ensemble, audiences are guaranteed an experience filled with holiday joy. Taking place on Dec. 18, there will be a visit from Santa as well as carols, sing-alongs and general holiday cheer. Suitable for ages five and up, bring the whole family for an unforgettable holiday season event.

Related: Fall Theater Preview In Chicago

Soon after earning her BA in journalism, Melanie Falina began writing about one of the loves of her life - music. Since then, she's covered some of the biggest names in music, in addition to writing on an array of other topics as well. She has written for Black Belt magazine, KISS: The Official Authorized Quarterly Magazine, Examiner, AXS.com, Yahoo Voices, and more, and was editor for Don Lemmon's KNOW HOW Book Three, Refuse To Fail. Melanie is also a poet with five published collections of poetry available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and various establishments.
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