Holiday Pops in the Heartland

Get ready to deck the halls with music and merriment! The Illinois Symphony Orchestra invites you to experience Holiday Pops in the Heartland, the region’s most joyful holiday tradition. This festive celebration fills the halls with sparkling melodies, heartwarming classics, and plenty of holiday cheer—a perfect way to make your season bright.

Adding brilliance to the evening, internationally acclaimed soprano Mikaela Bennett will captivate audiences with her luminous voice, performing beloved holiday favorites and stepping into the role of storyteller as she narrates the charming and whimsical tale Another Night Before Christmas. Her artistry promises to make this an unforgettable centerpiece of the celebration.

This year’s program celebrates community spirit! In Bloomington, the Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony joins forces with the ISO for an exhilarating side-by-side performance, blending youthful energy with orchestral brilliance. Adding a dash of fun, the winner of the Celebrity Conductor Challenge will take the podium to lead Leroy Anderson’s iconic Sleigh Ride—a beloved holiday classic guaranteed to bring smiles and cheers. And for our Springfield audiences, the magic continues in the historic Illinois State Library, offering an intimate and distinctive setting that makes this holiday tradition come alive.

Holiday Pops in the Heartland is more than a concert—it’s a sparkling celebration for all ages. Come for the music—stay for the magic. Bring the kids, invite the grandparents, and share in a tradition that will warm your heart and lift your spirits. Make this the highlight of your holiday season!

Taichi Fukumura, Music Director | Mikaela Bennett, Soprano
Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony - Bloomington-Normal Performance Only

Listen LIVE! Engage Your Mind.

Tickets:  $70 / $50 / $30
Students:  $10

Important Ticket Buying Information: 

• Bloomington-Normal:  Tickets may be purchased online, by phone, or in person through the ISU Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Office. We encourage you to buy early to not miss out on this holiday favorite!
• Springfield:  Tickets may be purchased online, by phone, or in person through the UIS Ticket Office. Tickets will be available ONLINE the day of the concert but NOT available in person at the Illinois State Library because it is a state office.