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Best 2015 Holiday Concerts In Orange County

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(Credit: © 2014 E. Y. Yanagi )

The holidays are the best time to spend with family and friends, creating memories and embracing traditions. Enjoy the change in the season and the holiday activities like ice skating and tree lighting ceremonies across the southland. As the holidays quickly approach, this is the best time to take part in some holiday events and enjoy the best holiday concerts in Orange County.

christmas-carol-south-coast-repertory
(credit: South Coast Repertory

"A Christmas Carol"
South Coast Repertory
655 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-5500
www.scr.org
Dates: November 27, 2015 - December 27, 2015

Take a step back to nineteenth-century London with Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The timeless classic is coming to Orange County with all of your favorite characters including Hal Landon Jr who will be playing the curmudgeon character Ebenezer Scrooge. Starting November 27th, 2015, the performance runs until Dec. 27th, and is recommended for ages six and up. The play is adapted by Jerry Patch and directed by John-David Keller with honorary producers Julianne and George Argyros on board.

Mark O'Connor & Friends An Appalachian Christmas
(credit: Deanna Rose)

Mark O'Connor & Friends An Appalachian Christmas
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org
Date: December 15, 2015

Genre-bridging musical sensation Mark O'Connor brings his celebrated Appalachian Christmas Tour to Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Tuesday, December 15 in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. O'Connor's An Appalachian Christmas album (2011) reached the #1 ranking on Billboard's Bluegrass Album charts and has been in the top five each year since. Hailed by critics as a top 10 album of the holiday season, it has become a perennial classic Christmas recording and it's definitely worth a visit!

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(Credit: Pacific Symphony)

"A Cirque Christmas"
Orange County Performing Arts Center
Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.pacificsymphony.org
Date: December 18, 2015 & December 19, 2015 at 8pm

This show by conductor Richard Kaufman is a great mix of acrobats, aerial performances and holiday music that will delight all in the audience. The contortionists, dancers, jugglers and performers put together a wonderful show that is great for the entire family to enjoy. It is definitely the best time of the year to enjoy this delightful Christmas performance with holiday music.

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(credit: Jason Alexander)

"Peter And The Wolf"
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
philharmonicsociety.org
Date: December 12, 2015 at 3pm

The story of young Peter and his adventures in the forest are brought to life with the Philharmonic Society with Tchaikovsky's music, which brings an enchanted land with the music from "The Nutcracker." On Dec. 12 at 3pm, Daniel Alfred Wachs and Christopher Russell will join forces to conduct the Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra and will feature music from Shostakovich, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky. The Performing Arts Center is home to diverse and eclectic programs that range from internationally acclaimed dance series to all forms of theater. The holiday season is a great time to indulge in classic tales like "Peter and the Wolf" and is a great opportunity to bring the whole family.

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(credit: Bo Huang)

The Holidays With Canadian Brass
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 854-4607
www.thebarclay.org
Date: December 21, 2015 at 8pm

The award-winning and internationally renowned Canadian Brass is back this holiday season performing holiday favorites and classics. For more than 40 years, the brass quintet has captivated its audience with their light-hearted performances, creativity and humor. The ensemble will performance sponsored by Macy's will explore the works of J.S. Bach, Henderson, Albert Hague, Glenn Miller and much more.

Related: Best 2014 Holiday Events In OC

house of blues  anaheim
(credit: Jason G./Yelp)

The Vandals 20th Annual Christmas Formal
House of Blues Anaheim
1530 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 778-2583
livenation.com
Date: December 19, 2015 at 7pm

First formed in the 80s in Huntington Beach, this local Orange County punk band has toured the world extensively and has even been part of The famed Vans Warped Tour. Gaining recognition throughout the years throughout the world, they have been a staple of punk rock music for many years now. This year, Kung Fu Records presents the 20th Annual Christmas Formal with a lineup including Tsunami Bomb, Danger Friends with the headline band being The Vandals.

Related: Neighborhoods With The Best Holiday Lights In OC

Elle Toussi is a freelance journalist covering all things Southern California.
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