by Jim Collar
We often think of gifts as boxes wrapped in colorful paper. Yet many of our most treasured gifts arrive in the special moments we share together. It’s why music is so vital to the holidays. Joyful songs are tied to our traditions and provide the soundtrack to our warmest memories.
This season, share the gift of a holiday performance — or even a few — with loved ones. The schedule is as packed as Santa’s sleigh. Let’s walk through the highlights in what we’ll call the Twelve Days of Christmas Concerts.
Day 1, Nov. 13: The first day arrives with an exclamation point. Trans-Siberian Orchestra opens its 2025 tour at Green Bay’s Resch Center with two shows. Meanwhile, Appleton will hit its soulful groove with “A Motown Christmas” at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.
Day 2, Nov. 15: On the second day, help combat hunger in our region. The Fox Cities P.A.C. will host Grateful Groove, a holiday benefit featuring Janet Planet and Pegasis.
Day 3, Nov. 30: Enjoy popular a capella act Straight No Chaser as they return to the Fox Cities P.A.C. on their Holiday Road tour.
Day 4, Dec. 4: Slip into your cowboy boots as Lonestar brings their Christmas & Hits Tour to the Oshkosh Arena. Or catch For Kids From 1 to 92 at the Fox Cities P.A.C., an annual Christmas concert by STEEM, led by Steve March-Torme’ and former Vic Ferrari frontman Michael Bailey. The title comes from “The Christmas Song,” a classic penned by Steve’s father, the great Mel Torme’, often a highlight of the evening.
Day 5, Dec. 6: Enjoy holiday cheer from another local favorite. Boogie and the Yo Yo’z: Christmas With You will feature both Christmas favorites and holiday originals.
Day 6, Dec. 7: Experience Hearts in Harmony, a benefit for Feeding America at the Fox Cities P.A.C. It features holiday music by the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Brass and Percussion, Appleton Boychoir, Badger State Girl Choir, MacDowell Male Chorus, and Oshkosh Chamber Singers.
Day 7, Dec. 8: Pianist, Lorie Line, delivers elegant piano arrangements at The Grand in Oshkosh.
Day 8, Dec. 9: Mannheim Steamroller redefined Christmas music and sold millions of albums with their synth-driven, new-age sound. Enjoy it live at the Fox Cities P.A.C.
Day 9, Dec. 10: Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr. returns to the Fox Cities P.A.C. to perform holiday classics, heartfelt originals, and songs from Hamilton, where he earned him a Tony for his role as Aaron Burr.
Day 10, Dec. 11: Honor the reverent side of the season as gospel music legend Bill Gaither brings the Gaither Homecoming Christmas Tour to the Resch Center.
Day 11, Dec. 16: Jazz up the holidays with Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O at The Weidner in Green Bay.
Day 12, Dec. 20: The Fox Valley’s NewVoices choir will perform their annual Christmas at the Chapel concert at Lawrence Memorial Chapel. As another option, check out Holiday Pops at The Weidner featuring the Weidner Philharmonic and the Dudley Birder Chorale.
While these 12 days have no partridges or pear trees, they offer many opportunities to make beautiful memories. Experience the joy of a great concert this holiday season!
This article was originally published in the November 2025 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
