The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra takes the stage for hometown holiday pops

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops performances have been a staple of the holidays in Milwaukee for years — but with each season comes fresh perspective, new ways of celebrating, and more than a few festive surprises. Now expanded to include two weekends for a total of seven performances, there are more opportunities than ever to revel in this beloved musical tradition in Allen- Bradley Hall.

This year’s all-star lineup features the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble, a nationally renowned 13-member troupe making musical merriment with more than 70 bells and chimes, alongside the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus under the direction of Cheryl Frazes Hill. These performances will be led by Ryan Tani, who raises the baton on his first Hometown Holiday Pops performances since assuming his post as Assistant Conductor in the 2023-24 season. Audiences will delight in classic carols and timeless tunes, with a program featuring everything from The Nutcracker to Sleigh Ride and culminating in a spectacular singalong that invites concertgoers to join in the joviality. Award-winning Broadway star Alli Mauzey lends her voice to thrilling arrangements of Christmas classics, narrating each performance.

The Bradley Symphony Center, decked in holiday splendor all month long, will be open before each performance for families to indulge in new and exciting festivities. A scavenger hunt for concertgoers of all ages highlights the historic character of the venue, while Brunch with Santa, starting at 12:30 p.m., prior to each weekend matinee, gives the entire family the chance to snap a photo with Santa while enjoying cozy brunch cuisine, a hot chocolate bar, assorted holiday treats, and more. Evening ticketholders can enjoy first-rate fine dining from Resonance Food Co., with Sound Bites dinners in the Ellen & Joe Checota Atrium, available at 6:00 p.m., before each evening performance. Reservations for Brunch with Santa and Sound Bites can be made when checking out online at mso.org or by calling the MSO box office at 414- 291-7605.

Hometown Holiday Pops Performance Dates:

• Saturday, December 14 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 15 at 2:30 p.m.
• Friday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, December 21 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets: Secure your seats for Milwaukee’s favorite musical holiday tradition today at mso.org or by contacting the MSO Box Office at 414- 291-7605 or tickets@mso. org. Regular office hours are Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 pm, Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 pm, and 90 minutes before all MSO performances.