Traditional Christmas with the VSO 2025 – A Timeless Holiday Concert Series Across Metro Vancouver

One of Metro Vancouver’s most cherished Christmas traditions returns for the 2025 holiday season as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Traditional Christmas concert series. Spanning multiple venues across the region, this beloved program brings together sparkling orchestral arrangements, classic carols, festive storytelling, and unforgettable holiday magic.

Led by the VSO and joined by special guest vocalists, these concerts offer families, couples, and music lovers the perfect way to celebrate the warmth and wonder of Christmas. With familiar melodies, sweeping symphonic sound, and the charismatic narration of host Christopher Gaze, the Traditional Christmas series is a festive highlight you won’t want to miss.

📅 2025 Concert Dates & Venues

The VSO brings Christmas cheer to concert halls across the Lower Mainland:

South Delta Baptist Church

• Wednesday, December 10 – 7:30 PM

Kay Meek Centre (West Vancouver)

• Thursday, December 11 – 7:30 PM

Centennial Theatre (North Vancouver)

• Friday, December 12 – 4:00 PM

• Friday, December 12 – 7:30 PM

Bell Performing Arts Centre (Surrey)

• Saturday, December 13 – 4:00 PM

• Saturday, December 13 – 7:30 PM

Orpheum Theatre (Vancouver)

• Sunday, December 21 – 4:00 PM

• Sunday, December 21 – 7:30 PM

🎟 Tickets: Available through the VSO website. Early booking recommended — this series sells out every year.

🎶 Program Highlights

The 90-minute concert features a beautifully curated selection of holiday favourites, classical masterpieces, and orchestral treasures:

Classic Christmas Orchestral Works

• Leroy Anderson – A Christmas Festival

• Leroy Anderson – Sleigh Ride

Beloved Ballet & Winter Classics

• Tchaikovsky – Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

• Tchaikovsky – Waltz of the Flowers

Holiday Favourites & Carols

• Music from Frozen – Robert Lopez & Kristen Anderson-Lopez

• O Holy Night – Adam

• Five Christmas Carols – Willcocks

  • Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

  • O Come All Ye Faithful

• Carol of the Bells – Leontovich

• White Christmas – Irving Berlin

• The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) – Mel Tormé

• Silent Night – Gruber

Cinematic Magic

• John Williams – Harry’s Wondrous World
  From Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

This blend of orchestral brilliance, nostalgic carols, and popular favourites creates a concert experience that speaks to all generations.

⭐ Why This Concert Is a Vancouver Holiday Favourite

• Uplifting live music performed by the world-class VSO

• Engaging storytelling by celebrated host Christopher Gaze

• Perfect for all ages — from lifelong VSO fans to children attending their very first concert

• A multi-city series, bringing holiday magic to communities across Metro Vancouver

• A beloved annual tradition, cherished for decades

🎤 Prelude Concert – Sunday, December 21

Before the VSO evening performance at the Orpheum:

6:45 PM – Free VSO School of Music Vocal Prelude Concert
Held in Westcoast Energy Hall, featuring talented young vocalists sharing seasonal favourites.

🎄 A Festive Tradition Endowed in Celebration

The Traditional Christmas Concerts are proudly endowed by Sheahan and Gerald McGavin, CM, OBC, supporting the continuation of this meaningful holiday experience for audiences across the region.

🔗 Planning Your Holiday Season?

Discover more Christmas concerts, festive events, and holiday attractions across Metro Vancouver on Vancouver Christmas.