The holidays are arriving in Southern California with plenty of music, cheer and live entertainment to help set the festive mood.
This season in Southern California brings a full calendar of concerts and festive performances, from nostalgic rock lineups and family sing-alongs to pop showcases, cabaret nights and year-end celebrations. Whether you’re looking for a cozy night of classic tunes, a glitter-filled drag spectacular, or a high-energy arena show to close out the year, something is happening in every corner of the region.
Here are 10 holiday shows to help set the mood, spark some cheer, and make the most of the season.
Yachtley Crew
Yachtley Crew brings its signature soft-rock nostalgia to the holiday season with a Los Angeles performance that pairs smooth harmonies with festive cheer. The seven-piece band recently released “Home For Christmas,” an original track from their “Seas and Greetings” EP that leans into themes of home, connection and the coziness of winter gatherings. After returning from a sold-out run in Australia, the group is back in Southern California and ready to share a seasonal set that blends their familiar yacht rock sound with a touch of holiday warmth.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where: Peacock Theatre, 777 Chick Hearn Ct, Los Angeles
Tickets: axs.com.
(Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
A Drag Queen Christmas
A Drag Queen Christmas brings its glittery holiday revue back to Southern California, celebrating its 11th year on tour with a rotating cast of performers from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “All Stars,” and other fan-favorite stages. The 2025 edition is hosted by Nina West and features queens from across multiple seasons, including Jewels Sparkles, Lexi, Suzie Toot, Lydia B. Kollins, Bosco, and appearances from Shea Couleé, Crystal Methyd, and Brooke Lynn Hytes. The show blends camp, comedy, lip-sync performances and festive pageantry into a two-hour holiday production.
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: Dolby Theatre, 1810 Highland Ave, Los Angeles
Tickets: Ticketmaster.com.
(Photo courtesy of Drag Queen Christmas)
Pasquale Esposito: An Italian Christmas
Tenor Pasquale Esposito returns to Southern California for a holiday performance that blends classical tradition with modern warmth. The concert reunites Esposito with Maestro Carlo Ponti for an evening of seasonal music sung in both English and Italian, following the release of Esposito’s new album “My Christmas by the Bay.” Expect orchestral arrangements, familiar holiday standards and selections that highlight the duo’s musical chemistry.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica
Tickets: eventgroove.com.
(Photo courtesy of Pasquale Esposito)
New Year’s Eve with The Roots
The Roots return to downtown Los Angeles to headline New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney Concert Hall, bringing their live-band musicianship and genre-blending hip-hop to a celebratory holiday night. The Grammy-winning group, also known as the house band for “The Tonight Show,” will perform as part of the Deck the Hall concert series and lead audiences into 2026 with a set that showcases their catalog and improvisational style.
When: 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles
Tickets: laphil.com.
(Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET)
KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas
KROQ’s long-running holiday concert returns to the Kia Forum for its 34th year, bringing together a lineup that spans ’90s rock radio favorites and newer alt acts. This year’s bill includes Evanescence, Papa Roach, Social Distortion, Rise Against, The All-American Rejects, Third Eye Blind, Yellowcard, Wet Leg and The Paradox. The event also continues its tradition of supporting local youth organizations, with proceeds benefiting Para Los Niños and the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: 3900 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood
Tickets: Ticketmaster.com.
(Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Orange County Register)
Jane Lynch: A Swingin’ Little Christmas
Actor and comedian Jane Lynch brings her holiday cabaret show to Cerritos, offering a playful mix of swing-influenced arrangements, classic seasonal tunes and storytelling. Joined by a live band and vocal collaborators, Lynch blends retro charm with a touch of comedy, creating an intimate concert that leans into vintage holiday style.
When: Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Dr, Cerritos
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
KIIS-FM Jingle Ball
The annual KIIS-FM Jingle Ball returns with a pop-focused holiday lineup at the Intuit Dome, highlighted this year by the first-ever live performance from Huntr/x, the singing trio introduced through the animated Netflix film “KPop Demon Hunters.” Vocalists EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami will join a bill that also features Conan Gray, Zara Larsson, The Kid Laroi, Jackson Wang and additional chart-topping acts. A portion of each ticket supports the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which funds programming for pediatric patients.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Where: Intuit Dome, 3930 W Century Blvd, Inglewood
Tickets: Ticketmaster.com.
(Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
Ben Platt: Live at the Ahmanson
Ben Platt returns to Los Angeles for a limited holiday residency at the Ahmanson Theatre, offering 10 performances that blend his own catalog with classic Broadway selections. The concerts follow his recent New York run and will feature rotating special guests, adding an element of surprise to each night. The residency marks a homecoming for Platt, who began his early theatre career on the same stage, and provides a seasonal option for fans of musical theater.
When: Dec. 12–21
Where: Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles
Tickets: centertheatregroup.com.
(Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
voices/LA: Holiday Sing-Along
Walt Disney Concert Hall’s annual Holiday Sing-Along invites families and music lovers to join voices for a morning of festive favorites. Hosted by Melissa Peterman with John Sutton conducting and voices/LA providing choral support, the event features a jazz combo, pipe organ and a program built for audience participation.
When: 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles
Information: laphil.com
(Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Ben Folds
Singer-songwriter and pianist Ben Folds brings a holiday-themed performance to the newly opened Blue Note jazz club in Los Angeles. The show follows the release of his Christmas album “Sleigher,” which blends his sharp songwriting style with seasonal arrangements, and is expected to draw from both the record and his wider catalog. The intimate venue offers a more low-key setting than Folds’ recent high-profile appearances, making it a fitting choice for fans looking for a cozy winter concert experience.
When: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
Where: Blue Note, 6372 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
(Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)