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October 07, 2026

Great seats still remain for the 2026 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration!

Great seats still remain for the 2026 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration!

Tickets are going fast, buy now for best availability!

NEW THIS YEAR: Brunch with Santa December 13 & December 20!

PLUS: The ISO’s annual Day of Giving is Thursday, October 8, commemorating 40 years of Yuletide Celebration! Every donation up to $20,000 will be matched thanks to the generous support of the LaCrosse family. More information & donation options available here.

Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday tradition is celebrating 40 years! The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents the 2026 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration featuring powerhouse vocalist Curtis Bannister as host, Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, and the world-class musicians of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. With spectacular music, dazzling choreography, breathtaking visuals, and treasured holiday traditions, the milestone production promises unforgettable memories for audiences of all ages. 

  • Performances run December 4 through December 23, times vary.
  • Performances featuring ASL interpreters and audio descriptions take place Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

GREAT SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE! Tickets are on sale now at IndianapolisSymphony.org, by phone at 317-639-4300, by mail, or in person at the Hilbert Circle Theatre Box Office. IndianapolisSymphony.org is the only official website for purchasing tickets to ISO concerts, including AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, at Hilbert Circle Theatre. For the best ticket selection, check out these performances:

  • Sunday, December 13 | 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, December 15 | 7:30 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, December 16 | 7:30 p.m. 

NEW THIS YEAR: BRUNCH WITH SANTA
Sunday, December 13 | 12 – 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 20 | 12 – 2 p.m.
Adults: $65
Children 12 and under: $30
This exclusive event allows families early access to the lobby for photos with the magnificent Christmas tree. Create special holiday memories, enjoy a delicious buffet with scrumptious hot dishes and pastries, and visit with Santa in the Wood Room overlooking a festive Monument Circle.

Brunch with Santa is available when you choose to buy tickets for the 2 p.m. concerts on December 13 or 20. After clicking ‘purchase tickets’ for one of those dates, you will be prompted to choose your seats. Then you will see an option to add Brunch with Santa to your ticket purchase. If you have already purchased tickets for the matinee on December 13 or 20, you may purchase Brunch with Santa tickets separately. Please note that you must have tickets to the concert performance in order to attend Brunch with Santa.
Dec. 13: Brunch with Santa – purchase tickets
Dec. 20: Brunch with Santa – purchase tickets

SPECIAL EVENT: “Unwrapping Yuletide: A Discussion with the Founders of Yuletide Celebration” WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 AT 6 P.M. Wood Room, Hilbert Circle Theatre
FREE! Registration details available soon
Hear from the original architects behind the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration as they reunite and recount the show’s early years and its tremendous growth over the last four decades. Panelists will include: Jack Everly (Current Music Director and Principal Pops Conductor), Joel Levine (Founding Music Director of Yuletide Celebration), Stuart Duke (Original and Current Lighting Designer), Terri Dillon (Former ISO Director of Events and Facilities), Tom Ramsey (Former ISO General Manager & Founder of Yuletide Celebration), and Ty Johnson (Founding and Current Executive Producer).

ABOUT THE 2026 AES INDIANA YULETIDE CELEBRATION

  • Curtis Bannister is back! Following his acclaimed debut as featured soloist in the 2024 production and his memorable turn as co-host alongside Ashley Brown in 2025, Bannister returns to lead the celebration in its landmark 40th season. Known for his commanding stage presence and remarkable versatility across Broadway, opera, and concert performance, Bannister has quickly become a Yuletide audience favorite.

  • Fan-favorite elements & beloved traditions return! Audiences can expect the return of fan-favorite elements. Nick Hodge returns to dazzle on the Cyr Wheel, and joining Yuletide for the first time is the sensational Ermiyas Muluken, making his debut on the Rolla Bolla. Kevin Lin and Sherry Hong take center stage for a spectacular violin duet, filling the hall with the most gorgeous sounds of the season. Under the direction of Maestro Everly, the 2026 production will once again feature a full orchestra, outstanding vocalists, cirque artists, dazzling choreography, and stunning costumes, along with beloved traditions audiences return for year after year. Experience the heartwarming story of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, cheer for the crowd-favorite tap-dancing Santas, and discover new surprises that make every Yuletide Celebration unique.

  • Don’t miss the lobby experience! Arrive early to experience the theatre lobby, where guests can enjoy seasonal treats, festive décor, holiday costumed characters, photo opportunities, and live music on the Wurlitzer organ that sets the tone for an unforgettable evening.