Chicago has become a Christmas destination, not only for its shopping, bars and specialty events, but also for its concerts. Whether you are interested in classical piano, grunge, vocal jazz, R&B or country, there’s something to enjoy in the city. And this year is no exception. Big-name acts like Jennifer Hudson and Bush will make appearances during December to celebrate the season. And if you’re looking for something a little more intimate, smaller venues like the beloved Hideout will offer multi-night events that channel the coziness that makes this time of year so special.
Candlelight: Christmas Piano with Alexis Ffrench
It’s easy to be skeptical of the “Candlelight Concerts” that frequently clog up one’s Instagram and TikTok feeds. But these intimate shows, lit only by candlelight, are popular for a reason. Having attended a show two years ago, I was pleasantly surprised by the respectful audience, talented artists and music selection. And this December, they’ll host a number of events throughout the city. While any of the shows are sure to be a delight, I’m most excited by Alexis Ffrench, a British “classical soul” pianist, composer, musician and producer. Ffrench has made a name for himself (and garnered famous fans like John Mayer) with his genre-breaking approach to classical music, which threads the line between traditional and contemporary music genres.
6:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dec. 11 at Stan Mansion, 2408 N. Kedzie Blvd.; tickets $53-$85, all ages (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). More information at feverup.com/m/257559
‘Twisted 2024’
Q101’s Twisted (formerly Twisted XMAS) may not be as explicitly holiday-focused as other events on this list, but it’s become a seasonal staple. And with the unfortunate loss of local music festivals and events in recent years, Twisted’s 30th anniversary is no small feat. This year features four nights of jam-packed lineups across the rock genre, including throwback faves like Smashing Pumpkins and Bush along with contemporary fan favorites such as AWOLNATION, Dexter and the Moonrocks, Bishop Briggs and Cage the Elephant. I’m especially excited for Franz Ferdinand, making a rare Stateside appearance before the release of “The Human Fear,” their first album in seven years.
7 p.m. Dec. 10-13 at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave.; tickets $77.50, 17+. More information at q101.com/amp-events/twisted-2024
Andrew Sa’s ‘Lonesome Holiday’
Country musician Andrew Sa’s annual Lonesome Holiday show has grown from a one-off event of country, folk and other genre-bending performers to a four-night extravaganza at the Hideout. And with two different casts of local and national acts spread across the four nights, audiences can return to the venue for double the delight. Musicians Alex Grelle, Lawrence Peters and Mary Williamson will perform during all four nights. Guest performers on Dec. 10-11 will include local favorites Aunt Kelly, Nathan Graham and Kelly Hogan while opener Brittany Ann Tranbaugh hails from Philadelphia. The following weekend, local guest performers include Sima Cunningham, Lexi Goddard and Hawk Nebula, while Durham, North Carolina musicians H.C. McEntire and Rosali will open the shows.
7:30 p.m. Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 19-20 at Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave.; tickets $25-$30, 21+. More information at hideoutchicago.com
Samara Joy’s ‘A Joyful Holiday’
At just 21 years old, Samara Joy broke out in the international jazz music scene with her self-titled debut album. Best known for her witty lyrics and Sarah Vaughan-like vocals, Joy was introduced to new audiences when she won two Grammys in 2023, including Best New Artist. The accomplishment was a rare feat for a jazz musician, but unsurprising for an artist as accomplished and distinct as Joy. Last year, like most rising young stars, Joy released a holiday-themed EP, “A Joyful Holiday,” featuring a bevy of Christmas classics and originals (“Warm in December” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me”) that blend Joy’s vocal jazz roots with other strong influences of gospel and classical. It is a perfect addition to the Christmas music canon. See her perform selections from the EP, along with new tracks from her latest album, “Portrait,” which came out in October.
8 p.m. Dec. 20 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets $45.50-$169, all ages. More information at: ticketmaster.com
Jennifer Hudson’s ‘The Gift of Love: An Intimate Live Experience’
Talk show host and hometown hero Jennifer Hudson returns to her musical roots with the announcement of her first holiday album, “The Gift of Love.” In celebration of its release, Hudson has embarked on a four-city U.S. tour called “The Gift of Love: An Intimate Live Experience.” Thankfully, Chicago is among the stops. Fans will get a chance to hear Hudson’s soulful renditions of Christmas classics, including “O Holy Night,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Jingle Bells.” Hudson rarely releases music (her last album, “JHUD,” came out a decade ago) and tours even less frequently, making this unlikely show a special treat for fans who’ve always craved more music from the artist.
8 p.m. Dec. 13 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets $50.50-$210.50, all ages. More information at ticketmaster.com
Britt Julious is a freelance critic.
