Merry, Merry Chicago! with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Merry, Merry Chicago! is the CSO’s annual holiday pops week at Symphony Center, running December 18 through 23, 2026, according to the orchestra. Thomas Wilkins conducts members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Mandy Gonzalez, known for Hamilton and In the Heights on Broadway, is the featured singer.

The program mixes carols, seasonal songs and what the orchestra describes as festive surprises, with Orchestra Hall dressed for the holidays. Performances run about two hours and are marketed for families; children old enough to sit through a concert do fine. Several matinees are on the schedule alongside evening shows.

Tickets are sold through the CSO box office and website; prices depend on the performance and seat. Weekend dates sell first.

Plan your visit

Symphony Center is on Michigan Avenue at Adams, across from the Art Institute. Adams/Wabash (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple) and Jackson on the Red and Blue lines are a block or two west, and Metra Electric’s Van Buren Street station is two blocks east. Grant Park South garage under Michigan Avenue is the closest parking. Arrive 30 minutes early; the lobby bars and coat check back up before matinees. The Art Institute’s wreathed lions across the street make a quick photo before or after.