While choirs dominate the early holiday soundscape in Vancouver, December 2025 offers a rich array of classical music performances perfect for seasonal celebration. From timeless ballet to orchestral holiday favourites, the city's stages are set to deliver festive cheer.
A Tale of Two Nutcrackers
The holiday season would not be complete without Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. Although now a December staple worldwide, the tradition only began with a 1944 Christmas Eve production in San Francisco. This year, Vancouver audiences are treated to two distinct productions.
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents five performances at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from December 12 to 14. Shortly after, the Goh Ballet offers its own interpretation with five shows running from December 18 to 21, also at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets and specific showtimes are available through balletbc.com and gohnutcracker.com.
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's Festive Lineup
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) has curated a diverse schedule of holiday programming throughout the month. A popular series of films with live orchestral accompaniment kicks off at The Orpheum Theatre.
It begins with a matinee of The Snowman on December 6 at 2 p.m., followed by evening shows of Home Alone on December 17 and 18 at 7 p.m., and Elf on December 19 and 20 at 7 p.m.
The VSO also takes its music beyond downtown. A program featuring Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Corelli's Christmas Concerto, selections by Bach, and a new work by Gabriella Smith will be performed at UBC's Chan Centre on December 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.
A Traditional Christmas Tour
The orchestra's beloved A Traditional Christmas series returns, mixing seasonal concert music, readings, and carols. This multi-venue tour is a logistical feat and a perennial favourite.
It launches at South Delta Baptist Church in Tsawwassen on December 10 at 7:30 p.m.. The program then moves to the North Shore, with a performance at West Vancouver's Kay Meek Centre on December 11 at 7:30 p.m., followed by two shows at North Vancouver's Centennial Theatre on December 12 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m..
Two performances are scheduled for Surrey's Bell Performing Arts Centre on December 13 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.. The series culminates back at The Orpheum in Vancouver on December 21 with shows at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m..
With these offerings, from iconic ballet to heartwarming orchestral traditions, Vancouver's classical music scene provides the perfect soundtrack to close out the year 2025.
