AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration at the ISO
Tickets go on sale to the public August 18 at 11 a.m.!
Powerhouse talent Curtis Bannister to host 2026 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration
Iconic ISO holiday tradition celebrates 40th anniversary!
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announces that multi-genre performer Curtis Bannister will host the 2026 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, continuing one of Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday traditions, now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, the ISO returns to Hilbert Circle Theatre December 4–23 for a festive production filled with spectacular music, dazzling visuals, and unforgettable moments for audiences of all ages.
Bannister, who co-hosted the 2025 production and quickly became a standout favorite, returns to the Yuletide stage in a leading role. Known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, he brings a unique blend of Broadway, opera, and concert performance experience to the production. Media kit available here.
Under Maestro Everly’s direction, the 2026 Yuletide Celebration will once again feature a full orchestra, outstanding vocalists, cirque artists, and high-energy choreography, along with beloved traditions audiences return for year after year. From the heartwarming story of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas to the crowd-favorite tap-dancing Santas, the production blends cherished moments with many new surprises each season.
In addition to Bannister and the orchestra, audiences can expect the return of fan-favorite elements, including stunning dance performances, extravagant costumes, and the magical atmosphere that transforms Hilbert Circle Theatre into a holiday destination.
The experience begins in 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.
Tickets for the 2026 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration go on sale August 18. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra website or contact the Hilbert Circle Theatre Box Office at 317-639-4300. Buy tickets early for the best seating choices!
Featured this year:
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
The famous tap-dancing Santas
Delicious treats
and more!
The real holiday magic of Yuletide is two, not very well-kept secrets: the musicians of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the community's love for this Holiday tradition. Neither could exist without the other. I am honored to be one of the representatives of something so special in the hearts, ears and traditions of Indiana.
Maestro Jack Everly
ISO Principal Pops Conductor and Music Director of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration
History of Indiana's Favorite Tradition
A New Tradition
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s December calendar resembled many other orchestras in the nation, performing Handel’s Messiah, the Nutcracker, or even Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. From 1975 to 1985, the Orchestra accompanied the Butler Ballet holiday performances. However, in early fall of 1986 Butler engaged another group and left a large hole in the Symphony’s December performance calendar.
Fortunately, the ISO and Exxon Arts Endowment Conductor Steven Stein had already begun experimenting with new holiday performance with the help of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir in 1984 and 1985, called “Yuletide Pops” and “Yuletide Joy!” respectively. When the gap in the 1986 calendar appeared, ISO management used these holiday experiments as a basis for a new community-driven event. The Orchestra continued its collaboration with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and invited the Indiana Repertory Theatre and Dance Kaleidoscope on the Hilbert Circle Theatre stage. Each organization co-produced a fourth of the show, with the grand finale performance of A Christmas Carol, featuring larger-than-life puppets.
A Yuletide Celebration ran for eight performances under the baton of guest conductor Joel Levine, and immediately became a new tradition for many.
A Change to the Celebration
Over the next four years, the number of performances rose from eight to a staggering twenty-one in December 1990. As the success for Yuletide grew and collaborating organizations started their own shows, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra shifted its vision for A Yuletide Celebration. Instead of four separate acts, the artistic team wanted a seamless production like a Broadway show. The new vision required a new view of casting to focus on a cast equally skilled at singinging, dancing, and acting.
After 1990, Joel Levine was unable to return because of his duties as the Oklahoma City Music Director. Levine was followed by James Caraher of the Indianapolis Opera in 1991 and Keith Lockhart, Music Director of the Utah Symphony in 1992 and 1993. Jack Everly conducted Yuletide in 1994 and conducted Yuletide each year since, becoming its official Music Director.
40 Years of Yuletide
The new format also required a central figure to act as host. A glittering array of stars have fulfilled that role since, including Frank Raiter, Judy Kaye, and Ted Keegan. Other recent hosts include Josh Kaufman, Angela Brown, Frankie Moreno, Ben Crawford, and Sandi Patty, who marked her tenth and final year as Yuletide host with a record-breaking run of sold-out performances in 2024. Broadway star Ashley Brown and multi-genre powerhouse Curtis Bannister cohosted in 2025. Yuletide Celebration continues to be an integral part of Hoosier holiday traditions. In a testament to the success of Yuletide Celebration, over 400 families have attended Yuletide at least 10 years in a row—and thousands more continue to make Yuletide an integral part of their holiday traditions.
Accessibility
The ISO offers two performances of Yuletide featuring an American Sign Language Interpreter and audio descriptions. Details will be announced in August. Learn more about accessibility at Hilbert Circle Theatre here.
