Holiday music can put even the Grinchiest of us into the mood for celebrating. And there's no better way to hear it than live, in concert.
The Dallas area always gets its fair share of musical merriment, and this year is no different.
Here are 10 concerts in D-FW that you don't want to miss.
Pentatonix
There's no need to wonder what you'll get at this holiday show. It's all right there in the name: "The Christmas is Here! Tour," named for holiday album No. 4. The group that got its start in Arlington is making their first stop a friendly one. Get ready for it by finding clips of their past NBC Christmas specials online. Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie. $49.50-$149.50. AXS.com.
Darci Lynne
The youngest winner ever of America's Got Talent and all her furry puppets will be up close and personal at Rocking Around the Christmas Tree With Darci Lynne and Friends Live. The Oklahoma City native's ventriloquist act is a step above; those puppets can sing the lights out. Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. at the Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie. $29.75- $99.75. AXS.com.
UNT One O'Clock Lab Band
The seven-time Grammy-nominated UNT One O'Clock Lab Band has a tradition of jazz excellence and has catapulted past members to musical greatness. Here some of it for yourself during their holiday show. Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at McDavid Studio, 301 E. 5th St., Fort Worth. Sold out. basshall.com.
The Brian Setzer Orchestra
I'm a sucker for an anniversary tour, and since the holidays make most people sentimental, I'm betting you might be, too. It's the 15th Anniversary Christmas Rocks! tour for Brian Setzer and his band. With him at the helm, this will be one swinging holiday jam. With Lara Hope & the Ark-Tones on Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. at the Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie. $39.75-$99.75. AXS.com.
Sandi Patty
Oklahoma City native Sandi Patty has been blessed with a voice that can bring glad tidings to any event; in fact, this tour is called Christmas Blessings, and it will be a blessing for you when you hear her version of "O Holy Night." (Really. Try not to be moved.) They don't call the five-time Grammy winner and member of the Gospel Hall of Fame "The Voice" for nothing. Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Casa Manana, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth. $39-$69. Ticketmaster.com.
The Christmas Gathering
As the old spiritual says, "What a time, what a time, what a time." Powerhouse performers and vocalists make up this gospel extravaganza, including Deitrick Haddon, Darrell and LaTonja Blair, and Marquinn Middleton & the Miracle Chorale. Get ready to dance, and probably even shout. Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at Pearly Gate Baptist Church, 6021 Houston School Road, Dallas. $15 and $20 in advance; $25 at the door. glcmanagement.yolasite.com.
Brian Wilson
Slow down during the rush of the holiday season with some exquisite harmonies. In Brian Wilson Presents: The Christmas Album Live, Wilson and his band will perform every song on the Beach Boys' Christmas album, along with some songs from Wilson's own holiday effort, What I Really Want for Christmas. Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St., Dallas. $59.75-$119.75. AXS.com.
The Polyphonic Spree
Just go home for a shower after the Brian Wilson show and come right back to the Majestic for the 16th Annual Holiday Extravaganza from local group Polyphonic Spree. Dec. 16 at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St., Dallas.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
If it's presented by Hallmark Channel, which feels like it started its Christmas programming last January, then you know it's tied up in a bow and then sprinkled with holiday sprinkled. TSO's music can sometimes seem otherworldly and it sure seems as if that's what they're going for with this show called The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, The Best of TSO and More. On Dec. 22 at 3 and 8 p.m. at American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave., Dallas. $49-$79.50. Ticketmaster.com.
Mannheim Steamroller
Check out the majesty and sometimes curious arrangements of well-worn songs during Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. No holiday music collection isn't complete without the experimental classical-rock-New Age music from these musicians. Dec. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth. $50. basshall.com.
