The Florida Orchestra is bringing holiday cheer back to Tampa Bay with its annual Classical Christmas concert on Dec. 18, 2026. Conducted by Music Director Michael Francis, the program will celebrate the timeless sounds of the season at the Straz Center, with an additional performance at the Mahaffey Theater the following night. Joining the orchestra will be baritone Alex Boyd, the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, and the Lumina Youth Choir, creating a rich festive soundscape for audiences to enjoy.
The evening will feature beloved holiday works spanning centuries, from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Handel’s “Hallelujah” Chorus to Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and familiar traditional carols. The orchestra says the concert is designed to capture the spirit of Christmas, and listeners will even be invited to sing along during several portions of the performance.
Classical Christmas is part of The Florida Orchestra’s 2026-27 season, which blends classical masterworks, family events, film concerts and intimate chamber performances. Tickets for the entire season, including this holiday favorite, are now on sale through FloridaOrchestra.org, by phone, or at the orchestra’s St. Petersburg ticket center.