A KC chamber ensemble brings a candlelit performance of Handel’s Messiah to the historic Folly Theater
We’ve all heard the Messiah’s Hallelujah chorus plenty of times. Films, TV shows, advertisements, holiday compilation albums—the list goes on. “It’s embedded in pop culture,” says Ben Spalding, artistic director of KC’s Spire Chamber Ensemble.
But witnessing the bombastic finale to George Frideric Handel’s iconic oratorio live and in person is truly something special.
Amid the warm glow of candlelight, Spire Chamber Ensemble is bringing the masterwork to the Folly Theater for a period performance later this month.
While many modern-day performances of Messiah utilize hundreds of musicians, this KC consort’s performance—featuring 27 members in the combined orchestra and chorus—is far more intimate. According to Spalding, a smaller ensemble was Handel’s original vision for the work.
“As Messiah became more and more popular, it became larger and larger,” Spalding says. “There are stories of thousands of people performing it in the early 20th century. We’re trying to replicate what happened hundreds of years ago—take it back to its roots.”
The ensemble also uses lesser-seen, historically accurate instruments: 17th century stringed instruments (the concertmaster plays a rare 1660 Guarneri violin), valveless trumpets and Baroque-era kettle drums with animal skin heads. “It creates an entirely different sound from what most folks are used to,” Spalding says.
While Spire Chamber Ensemble’s annual holiday concert is now in its 15th year, Spalding is particularly excited for the group’s first Messiah performance at the historic Folly Theater.
“We’re transforming the hall into what it would’ve been like in Handel’s day in Dublin—a beautiful ambiance led by candlelight,” Spalding says.
GO: Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight. December 23. 7 pm. Folly Theater. Tickets are available at follytheater.org.
What you want to do this month in KC: December 2025
3–28
Milking Christmas
Local fringe theater company The Living Room is making a comeback. A collaboration between four KC playwrights, the company’s signature work Milking Christmas quickly made a name for itself as an unconventional local classic after its 2017 premiere. Produced and directed by the company’s artistic director Rusty Sneary, the musical comedy follows Macey Maid-a-Milking as she realizes things are amiss in Christmastown with mismanufactured gifts, an increasing output of coal and brigades of soldiers on standby. December 3–28. Times vary. Music Theater Heritage.
4-6
Winter WonderBand
Mrs. Claus is taking the mic for a three-night stint at Nighthawk, and she’s got soul. Led by singer and actress Shon Ruffin (of The Freedom Affair), the KCRep production is nestled in the basement bar of the historic Hotel Kansas City. Cozy up with a cocktail in hand for an evening powerhouse vocals and seasonal sass. December 4–6. 7:30 pm. Nighthawk.
5–7
Our Favorite Things
Whether it’s raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens, Heartland Men’s Chorus pays homage to its favorite things at this holiday show—and that includes KC drag queens and singers Daisy Buckët and Tajma Stetson. The festive holiday performance also marks 40 years of harmony for the local choir. December 5–7. Times vary. Folly Theater.
6
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s rock opera returns to the stage for the first time since 2013, reimagining classic holiday melodies with a progressive metal twist. Originally a made-for-TV film released in 1999, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve follows a runaway girl taking shelter in an idle theater as she is transported by apparitions from the venue’s storied past. In typical TSO fashion, expect pyrotechnics, lasers, wailing electric guitars and synchronized video and light displays. December 6. 3 pm. T-Mobile Center.
7
Border Showdown: KU vs. MU Men’s Basketball
Long gone are the days of the Kansas Jayhawks’ and Missouri Tigers’ Big 12 face-offs. Despite the universities’ now-differing athletic conferences, the century-long border war endures with the same intensity. With bragging rights on the line, the Jayhawks and Tigers rivalry heats up once again on the court. December 7. Time TBA. T-Mobile Center.
9
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Returning for its third year, the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra’s rendition of A Charlie Brown Christmas is a holiday tradition in the making. Alongside projected visuals from the classic Peanuts TV special, the big band will perform selections from Vince Guaraldi’s iconic score, including “Christmastime Is Here,” “Skating” and “Linus and Lucy.” Joining the ensemble on the Kauffman Center stage is Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Standard Vocal Jazz Ensemble. December 9. 7 pm. Helzberg Hall.
11
Night/Shift
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art throws a great party—and for free. Every few months on a Thursday evening, Night/Shift combines the museum’s world-class collection with live music and hands-on activities. This installment revolves around Mesoamerican artwork, and the lineup of local musicians and artists includes Jon Sabillón, Jamogi and the Jammers, Andrea Cira and more. December 11. 5 pm. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
12
Book Talk: Jan Brett
Join Rainy Day Books at Unity Temple to celebrate the newest book by best-selling and nationally acclaimed children’s book author and illustrator Jan Brett, The Christmas Sweater. A few of Brett’s classic children’s books include The Mitten and Gingerbread Baby. The book talk will include a drawing demonstration and book signing. December 12. 5 pm. rainydaybooks.com.
12 & 13
Leslie Odom Jr.: The Christmas Tour
Broadway superstar Leslie Odom Jr. is best known for his critically acclaimed portrayal of Vice President Aaron Burr in the original cast of Hamilton, but his holiday albums are just as dazzling. Fresh off his highly anticipated Broadway reprisal of the role, the Kansas City Symphony brings Odom Jr.’s holiday tour to the Kauffman Center. Accompanied by the lush, sweeping orchestra, expect rich interpretations of wintertime classics, plus selections from the 11-time Tony Award-winning musical that brought him stardom. December 12 & 13. 7 pm. Helzberg Hall.
13
Country Club Plaza Holiday Market and Shopping Stroll
Kick off the holiday season at Country Club Plaza’s first annual indoor Holiday Market and Shopping Stroll Enjoy a festive day filled with local artisan vendors, special in-store deals, pop-ups, and fun activities for the whole family, such as, photos with Santa and live reindeer, seasonal bites and sips, live music, and fun for the whole family, all under the glow of the Plaza’s iconic holiday lights. Saturday, December 13, from 11 am to 5 pm. Indoors at 111 Nichols Road. CountryClubPlaza.com.
13
Epoca de Ora: Golden Age of Mexican Cinema
KC’s premier chamber music group Ensemble Iberica specializes in performing folkloric music from around the globe. A collaboration with KC’s Consulate of Mexico, the ensemble’s upcoming show takes a deep dive into the golden age of Mexican cinema. Performing specially arranged film music, the concert features Fedra Cooper Barrera, the group’s resident vocalist who hails from Veracruz, Mexico. December 13. 1 pm. Atkins Auditorium, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
23 & 24
It’s a Wonderful Life in Concert
Released in 1946, the quintessential Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life has withstood the test of time—and for good reason. Following the woefully depressed and bankrupt banker George Bailey, this (ultimately) heartwarming favorite comes to the big screen at the Kauffman Center. The Kansas City Symphony performs Dimitri Tiomkin’s score at this live, side-by-side screening. December 23, 7 pm; December 24, 11 am. Helzberg Hall.
31
Noon Years Eve
Science City’s family-friendly Noon Years Eve returns. The annual event catered to youngsters with early bedtimes will celebrate 2026 with a balloon-drop, educator-led activities, games and more all afternoon long. December 31. 12 pm. Science City.
