Music Sets the Scene at the Southern Christmas Show

The 59^th annual Southern Christmas Show’s theme this year is Sounds of Christmas. That means it’s safe to say beloved holiday musical classics will be woven into many parts of the show.  

“The general public may not realize that the show’s theme is woven into nearly every aspect of the experience, including teasers in social media before they even arrive,” Show Manager Jennifer Smetana said. “We thought it would be fun this year to create a playlist that builds excitement and gets guests into the Christmas spirit before they even arrive at the show.”.

That Spotify playlist contains 76 crowd-pleasing songs and is currently available for everyone to listen to. It includes classics like Andy Williams’ “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” The Jackson 5’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock,” Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You,” Pentatonix’s “Mary, Did You Know?” and Ella Fitzgerald’s “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”      

The songs that made the list were all suggested by loyal showgoers who submitted their ideas via social media comments on the Southern Christmas Show’s official channels. Those with a keen ear may even hear the tunes being played as they stroll through Olde Towne’s wintry streets or snack on melt-in-your-mouth fudge while they shop.

Music has always been a fundamental part of the Southern Christmas Show. Smetana explained that each year its LeafFilter Entertainment Stage offers roughly 100 artistic performances during the show’s run, many of them incorporating holiday music.

Smetana likewise grew up singing in her church choir and comes from a family that loves music. She said that before she and her husband ever start hanging the first ornament on their Christmas tree, they turn on their favorite tunes.

The first year the Southern Christmas Show had a theme was in 1973. Avid fans of the show may remember Sounds of Christmas was the theme once before back in 2010, although it will be completely reinterpreted this year.

“We want to help people experience Christmas in a new way this year,” she said. “This theme feels different and fresh the way we’re doing it. Music is so integral to the season and how people experience it. We love figuring out how the theme will come to life. People put so much effort into coming to the show and bring all this spirit with them, so we try to meet their high expectations.”

This year’s Southern Christmas Show will take place at The Park Expo and Conference Center in Charlotte from November 11 – 22. Buy your discounted tickets early online. Start singing along with our Spotify playlist before you arrive to immerse yourself in even more holiday magic.

Download the playlist here: