When the La Porte Civic Auditorium is adorned with twinkling lights and holiday décor each December, it can only mean one thing: Holiday at the Pops has arrived. For three decades, this beloved concert has signaled the official start of the holiday season in La Porte County, bringing together the community for an evening of festive music, local talent, and philanthropic spirit.
A Holiday Program for All
To celebrate this year’s holiday season, the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra has prepared a program that is sure to please. Highlights for this year’s concert include A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi, Leroy Anderson’s classic Sleigh Ride, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s arrangement of A Mad Russian’s Christmas.
The LCSO will also highlight several area musicians as soloist and guest performers. LCSO’s Principal Horn player, Jacen Smith, will be a guest soloist on Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 2. Jacen serves as one of the band directors for the Michigan City Area Schools and is active performer throughout Northwest Indiana. The concert will also feature selections for woodwind quintet, led by Joe Clark, band director at La Porte High School. The quintet will consist of members of the LCSO. The orchestra will also welcome back the vocal ensemble Illumination, led by former keyboardist for the symphony, Becky Osborn. Illumination has become a staple to the Holiday at the Pops program and will be leading the audience in a special holiday sing-a-long.
An Experience for All the Senses
Holiday at the Pops is more than just a concert, it’s a complete holiday experience. The beautifully decorated Civic Auditorium sets the stage, while guests enjoy sweet treats and refreshments from cash bars on both the balcony and main floor.
The evening traditionally concludes with what many consider the most moving moment of the night: a candlelit, a cappella sing-along of “Silent Night” with the entire audience standing together. As one attendee described it, there’s a sense of peace that blankets the room—proof that these magical holiday moments aren’t just made for television.
Reserve Your Ticket Now
Table seating is now sold out, but there is still time to purchase your ticket in the La Porte Civic’s updated balcony seating. With free parking, discounted student rates, and affordable adult tickets, there’s no reason not to celebrate the holiday season with your La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. For families looking to kick off their holiday season, couples seeking a festive night out, or anyone who appreciates the power of live orchestral music, Holiday at the Pops delivers an evening that embodies the very best of what the season represents: community, generosity, and joy.