24 days of concerts in Chicago: An advent music calendar for December
The countdown is on!
Make the holidays truly special by opening "the door” for each date in December to reveal a concert treat.
From Jennifer Hudson and Teddy Swims to a Kate Galvin and Robert Glasper to anti-holiday spectaculars, there’s undoubtedly something for you and everyone on your music-lovers list to check out in the weeks ahead.
Dec. 1: ‘The Wizard of Oz’ In Concert
After you see “Wicked,” you should check out the original story of what happens years later in Oz in the classic 1939 film starring Judy Garland as Dorothy. This screening will be accompanied by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra playing Herbert Stothart’s award-winning score live. (Also Nov. 29-30.) Symphony Center, 3 p.m. 220 S. Michigan Ave. $55+. cso.org
Dec. 2: Robert Glasper
The Grammy-winning jazz and R&B artist has been a go-to collaborator for Kendrick Lamar and Common, and his music has been featured in films like Ava DuVernay’s “13th.” But it’s Glasper’s work in his “Black Radio” series that stands out live. (Also Dec. 3-6.) City Winery, 6 and 9:30 p.m. 1200 W. Randolph St. $55+. citywinery.com/chicago
Dec. 3: Erin McKeown
If you’ve heard enough Mariah Carey for the season, here’s another option: Folk rebel Erin McKeown’s F- - - That Anti-Holiday Spectacular, stuffed with 2024 themes sung alongside a choir of Cranky Carolers. SPACE, 7:30 p.m. 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. $15+. evanstonspacemusic.com
Dec. 4: Ana Gasteyer
From Schweddy Balls to “Sugar & Booze,” the “Saturday Night Live” alum keeps the holiday spirit alive. This night, hear classic holiday tunes and jazzy originals from her festive album — and probably some comedic bits too. (Also Dec. 5.) SPACE, 8 p.m. 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. $28. evanstonspacemusic.com
Dec. 5: Cyndi Lauper
Girls just wanna say farewell. The pop icon is marking the end of a colorful 40-plus-year era with one final tour, the last chance to hear hits like “Time After Time” live. United Center, 8 p.m. 1901 W. Madison St. $44.50+. ticketmaster.com
Dec. 6: Mavis Staples
Everyone is invited to a special 85th birthday party for the Chicago icon and national treasure. Joined by guests Jackson Browne and Margo Price, it’ll be a night of song and celebration. Auditorium Theatre, 7:30 p.m. 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. $55+. auditoriumtheatre.org
Dec. 7: Andrew Bird Trio
Taking a pause from his 14th annual Gezelligheid concert series, Andrew Bird heads to Ravinia as part of a special Winter Weekend, offering tunes from new album “Sunday Morning Put-On.” Before the show, enjoy holiday activities across the park. Ravinia, 7:30 p.m. 201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. $65. ravinia.org
Dec. 8: Brett Eldredge
It’s now tradition that the country-pop star brings his festive GLOW tour to Chicago every December. This year, he wraps in new album “Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family)” with other classics. (Also Dec. 6-7.) Chicago Theatre, 8 p.m. 175 N. State St., $43.50+ ticketmaster.com
Dec. 9: 103.5 KISS FM’s Jingle Ball
Hear the best acts of the year at this mini, one-night festival sponsored by iHeart Radio. Among the performers are Teddy Swims, Benson Boone, Madison Beer and Jack Harlow. Allstate Arena, 7 p.m. 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont, $60+. ticketmaster.com
Dec. 10: Cage The Elephant
Chicago rock station Q101 kicks off its annual Twisted Xmas extravaganza with the Kentucky garage rockers. Other nights this week feature All-American Rejects, Smashing Pumpkins and Bush. Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, 7 p.m. 1106 W. Lawrence Ave., Sold out. livenation.com
Dec. 11: Andrea Bocelli
The legendary Italian tenor marks 30 years of staging his winter shows around the world. In addition to incredible renditions of holiday songs, the night will offer incredible arias and love songs in his perfect pitch. Allstate Arena, 8 p.m. 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont, $163+. ticketmaster.com
Dec. 12: Pentatonix
The famed a capella group brings their latest festive showcase to town. Hallelujah It's A Christmas Tour! will feature selects from across their six holiday albums, performed in perfect harmony. Allstate Arena, 7 p.m. 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont, $85+. ticketmaster.com
Dec. 13: Jennifer Hudson
Chicago’s finest takes a break from talk show host duties and returns home to deliver the goods from her first-ever holiday album, “The Gift Of Love.” Among the songs she’ll belt out: “O Holy Night,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Jingle Bells.” Chicago Theatre, 8 p.m. 175 N. State St., $50.50+ ticketmaster.com
Dec. 14: Los Lobos
The beloved Tex-Mex-style folk blues rock band is staging a “concert for justice” with all proceeds benefiting the James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy Center. Cahn Auditorium, 8 p.m. 600 Emerson St., Evanston. $59.50+ evanstonspacemusic.com
Dec. 15: A Mariachi Christmas
Christmas around the world takes on so many different sights and sounds — enjoy Mexico’s beloved traditions courtesy of the renowned Mariachi Herencia de México ensemble in this one-of-a-kind holiday show. Thalia Hall, 3 p.m. 1807 S. Allport St. $40. thaliahallchicago.com
Dec. 16: A Charlie Brown Christmas with Chris White Trio & Choir
What would the holidays be without Vince Guaraldi’s 1965 soundtrack? Hear the entire album in all its glory as performed by the Chris White Jazz Trio alongside a three-person choir. (Also Dec. 15.) SPACE, 7 & 9:30 p.m. 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. $15+. evanstonspacemusic.com
Dec.17: Daughtry
Led by one of the best-selling “American Idol” alums, Chris Daughtry, the accomplished alt rock outfit, heads back to town to unveil tracks from a new EP, “Shock to the System (Part 1).” Radius, 6:30 p.m. 640 W. Cermak Rd.. $32. radius-chicago.com
Dec. 18: Katie Gavin
MUNA’s leading lady (and once Chicagoan) is taking her shot at a solo spin-off with her debut “What A Relief,” which takes inspiration form Alanis Morissette and Fiona Apple. Though this date is sold out, it’ll be worth the hunt to try to find a way in. Thalia Hall, 8 p.m. 1807 S. Allport St. Sold out. thaliahallchicago.com
Dec. 19: Zeds Dead
If you feel the urge to dance out the anxiety before family time takes over the week, the Canadian EDM act Zeds Dead will be at Salt Shed for three nights. You’ll be in good company sweating it out to a mix of trap, drum ‘n’ bass and dubstep. (Also Dec. 20-21.) The Salt Shed, 8 p.m. 1357 N. Elston Ave. $56.99+. saltshedchicago.com
Dec. 20: The Effigies
The formative elders of Chicago’s punk community return with “Burned,” their first album in 17 years. The night will also be a proper memorial to frontman John Kezdy (brother of Naked Raygun’s Pierre Kezdy) who was killed during a biking accident while making the album. Metro, 8 p.m. 3730 N. Clark St. $20 in advance. metrochicago.com
Dec. 21: Squirrel Nut Zippers Christmas Caravan
Jump, jive and jingle to the tunes of Squirrel Nut Zippers at their special holiday-themed show as the jazz/swing/klezmer ensemble puts their spirited spin on originals and a number of songbook standards. Park West, 7:30 p.m. 322 W. Armitage Ave. $55+. jamusa.com
Dec. 22: Michael McDermott
The holidays come but once a year and so does the annual Mischief & Mistletoe residency from the singer-songwriter troubadour. A mix of originals, covers, Christmas classics and requests, the night is totally decked out. (Also Dec 21, 23.) City Winery, 7:30 p.m. 1200 W. Randolph St. $32+. citywinery.com/chicago
Dec. 23: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
With lights, lasers and an electrified symphonic take on Christmas orchestral classics, Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s show is filled with all the magic and wonder of the season. This year’s event is themed “The Lost Christmas Eve Tour” and offers an all-new arrangement. Allstate Arena, 2:30 & 8 p.m. 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont, $59.99+. ticketmaster.com
Dec. 24: Matzo Bash
If you’re looking for Christmas Eve plans or a pre-party before Hanukkah kicks off, head to Joy District for this multi-level bash, which offers DJs, free vodka cocktails for the first 90 minutes and an early comedy show. Joy District, starting at 9 p.m. 112 W. Hubbard St., $10+. eventbrite.com