InTune

Holiday Pops means so much to audiences in the Greater Boston community and beyond. While the time-honored music is a central part of what makes Holiday Pops what it is, the most important thing about it is the experience. While the music and the decorations bring their reliable magic, your personal stories make the Holiday Pops experience what it is. Many of you use the event as a way to get into the holiday spirit. Others see Holiday Pops as a way to bring family and friends together to celebrate the holidays. What happens in Symphony Hall is a time-honored tradition, and we are so lucky to help you continue making these memories together.

Recently, we asked you why you choose to come back year after year to experience the Holiday Pops again and again. The response we got was overwhelming, and we are so happy to be a part of your holiday traditions. Read some of our responses below. Please note: Responses have been edited for clarity and conciseness.

Every year for the past 30 years I look forward to attending Holiday Pops in December! The beautiful holiday music with Boston Pops is magical and stunning! I also love seeing Symphony Hall decorated in fun and gorgeous holiday decorations.

-Robert

The Holiday Pops means utterly charming seasonal programming with fun twists, exquisite international artistry, festive neighborly tables of families and friends, and, most important, the sparkle of Keith Lockhart. Especially in light of the past few years of relative isolation, the Holiday Pops has become, I think, a fine example of the value of presence.

-Marlene

I grew up watching Holiday at Pops in the ‘80s & ‘90s on television. In 2019 I was able to bring my father for his first live Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall. The highlight for him was Santa acknowledging his white beard at both concerts. The music of Holiday Pops is a wonderful example of the spirit of the Season.

-Jason

Holiday Pops has been a family tradition for our family for 47 years. My husband and I brought our five children the first year, and each year after that we added spouses, eight grandchildren, and close friends!

-Ann

My memories of enjoying Holiday Pops go back to when my parents used to bring me to Symphony Hall. To this day, being in Symphony Hall brings on such a warm and wonderful feeling. The Holiday Pops concert is always so enjoyable and special from the beginning to the last note. Just watching the orchestra, along with listening, of course, is such a pleasure.

-Cynthia

This year marks the thirtieth year our large family has come to the Holiday Pops together. The cherished member of the family that initiated the tradition passed away in 2017, but with fond memories, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have continued to come year after year to celebrate the holidays with the music of the Boston Pops.

-Agnes

It began as a yearly tradition with girlfriends. We would go shopping, have dinner and go to the Holiday Pops to put us all in the holiday mood. As time passed, our children had their children and now it has become a family affair with the grandchildren. It is a day we all look forward to every year.

-Susan

My holiday tradition for the last over 30 years. I have bought tickets and invited about 35 to 50 family and friends to join me at the concert, followed by a big party at my apartment. For many of my guests, it is their first time ever in Symphony Hall. So after over 30 years it never fails, and all the guest exclaims that it was the best concert that year!!!

-Janice

Heartwarming memories live within us year-round and always. We've been attending the Holiday Pops for 39 years. We continue this tradition now with my grandchildren, and watch their expressions of wonderment as they listen to the beautiful music and anticipate the arrival of Santa. One sweet memory is of my son running into Santa's arms and as he made his grand entrance into Symphony Hall, Santa took him and threw him high up into the air.

-Maria

This Holiday Pops season is only possible because of the generosity of our donor family. Because of you, we can bring audiences together for these festive events, allowing them to continue their holiday traditions, to continue making holiday memories, and to continue sharing the music with each other and fellow audiences.

It’s not too late to add memories for this year. Invite your friends and loved ones to a Holiday Pops performance, and get ready to make holiday memories that will last a lifetime. And maybe, you will even start your own holiday tradition. We’d love to have you!

To purchase tickets, visit our website today.