The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’s time to get in the merry and bright spirit! From live music to dance performances, there are many ways to experience the magic of the season in Rochester, MN. Here’s a look ahead at what’s sure to be a festive holiday season at Mayo Civic Center.
Christmas with C.S. Lewis
November 29, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
C.S. Lewis is at his home near Oxford on Christmas Eve hosting a group of Americans who are Christmassing in England. They are about to experience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections which stimulates a whole range of emotions – curiosity, laughter, gladness and even some tears. Above all, they will discover how that encounter with Tolkien forever changed his Christmas celebrations.
Rochester Dance Company presents The Nutcracker
December 6, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and December 7, 2025 | 2:00 p.m.
The Mayo Civic Center stage will be packed with over 75 local youth ballet dancers, colorful costumes and magical props that will make this a highlight of your holiday season.
Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas
December 10, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Join Jim Brickman and friends this Christmas season for an unforgettable concert experience filled with music, laughter & heartwarming stories. Audiences can expect a captivating blend of timeless holiday classics, along with Brickman's biggest hits like "The Gift," "Love of my Life," “Destiny,” “Valentine" and joyfully unexpected surprises.
Grand Ol' Christmas Show
December 12, 2025 | 8:00 p.m.
Will Hearn’s Grand Ol’ Christmas Show is a retro radio show bringing your all-time favorite Christmas classics and sketch comedy antics broadcasting live on Christmas Eve from the 1225 AM N-O-E-L Radio studios.
An original by The Grand Ol’ Production Company featuring Americana standout Blue Water Highway and a cast of the best artists and entertainers in Texas. Made for music and comedy lovers, from boomers to millennials, this tribute to American Christmas traditions cleverly and progressively blurs the lines between heartfelt nostalgia and contemporary pop-culture satire, an inspiring Holiday tradition that gets better every year.
World Ballet Company: Nutcracker
December 13, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Featuring 40 world-class dancers, over 150 sparkling hand-sewn costumes, and breathtaking hand-crafted sets, World Ballet Company’s enchanting production is the perfect way to make holiday memories together.
The Travis Anderson Trio: A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 15, 2025 | 7:00 p.m.
The Travis Anderson Trio puts their spin on Vince Guaraldi’s classic original songs from the 1970s “Peanuts” animated special. With gems like “Skating”, “Christmas Time Is Here”, “The Great Pumpkin Waltz" and of course the iconic theme song, “Linus and Lucy”, this will be a trip down memory lane.
Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas
December 16, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Rocky Mountain High Experience®, A John Denver Christmas starring Rick Schuler, America’s Top John Denver Tribute, is an intimate experience that will take you back to the ’70s when John Denver’s music permeated the radio airways.
Rick's enchanting holiday show features all your favorite Denver hits including “Rocky Mountain High”, “Sunshine On My Shoulders”, “Take Me Home Country Roads”, “Leaving On A Jet Plane”, “Annie’s Song”, and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy”, just to name a few.
Tonic Sol-Fa with Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience
December 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Due to the overwhelming demand for “One last holiday show,” Emmy-winning vocal quartet Tonic Sol-Fa will take their final Christmastime bow with the “Wrap it Up” 2025 Holiday Tour. This farewell run marks the end of a legendary chapter, bringing audiences one last chance to experience the group’s signature blend of sharp harmonies, inventive arrangements, and heartfelt humor. Beloved for their fresh takes on seasonal classics and original holiday hits, Tonic Sol-Fa’s yuletide farewell promises to be both a celebration and a send-off worthy of their storied career.
Rochester Symphony: Sounds of the Season
December 20, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Featuring the Rochester Symphony Chorale. Light up your holiday at Sounds of the Season 2025. The Rochester Symphony Chorale joins the orchestra for a merry mix of carols, classical highlights, and popular favorites. Celebrate with music the whole family will enjoy!
Turn the experience into an entire night out with the family! Find restaurants, places to stay and more at www.experiencerochestermn.com.