Live music is 24/7 in New Orleans, and the holiday season is full of special shows. From a star-studded holiday concert to New Year’s Eve celebrations, here are a few can’t-miss live music events this December.

St. Louis Cathedral holiday concerts 

Every December, a favorite tradition returns with a lineup of concerts free and open to the public. This year, the Holidays New Orleans style concerts will be held at St. Louis Cathedral. Performers include John Boutté, Yusa & Mahmoud Chouki, and others. See the lineup here and make sure to catch a holiday concert this December. 

Christmas Without Tears @ The Orpheum   

Critically acclaimed vocalist Judith Owen and her husband, actor and humorist Harry Shearer (The Simpsons, Spinal Tap) will once again spread their special brand of yuletide cheer for the 2024 Christmas Without Tears, at home in New Orleans. Festivities will take place Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater, with all proceeds benefitting Innocence Project New Orleans. Tickets start at $36, plus fees. 

Tunes For Toys Toy Drive and Concert 

The Trombone Shorty Foundation and the Gia Maione Prima Foundation are proud to present the annual "Tunes for Toys" Toy Drive and Concert, held at Tipitina’s on Thursday, Dec. 12. This tradition is a joyful way for the New Orleans community to give back each holiday season. Experience live music from Trombone Shorty, Cimafunk and his band La Tribu, and Trombone Shorty Academy. Admission is free and open to the public (18+), in exchange for a new toy. Doors open at 7 p.m., with live music kicking off with a bang at 8pm.

The NOCCA Foundation's Home for the Holidays

The NOCCA Foundation Celebrates 20th Anniversary of “Home for the Holidays” with a star-studded lineup featuring Irma Thomas, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, John Boutte, DJ Raj Smoove, Flagboy Giz, and Emcee Gralen Banks. Proceeds from the event will support the NOCCA Foundation's Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, which honors the memory of NOCCA alum Daniel Price (Visual Arts, 1993) with scholarships for NOCCA students. Catch this show at the House of Blues on Saturday, Dec. 21. Tickets start at $79.50, plus fees.

New Year’s Eve Concerts  

Ring in 2025 the NOLA way by attending a concert! There are plenty of celebrations to choose from. Head to Jackson Square for the Fleur De Lis drop. This free, open-air concert features live performances from Tank and the Bangas, Bonerama, and DJ RQ Away, and ends with fireworks. Saenger Theatre's NYE Celebration features New Orleans’ own Juvenile and Mannie Fresh along with the 400 Degreez Band. UNO Lakefront Arena hosts Billy Strings, this year with three nights of performances including NYE.  And there’s celebrations for the little ones in the daytime – "Noon Year's Eve" at the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Check out our page on New Year’s Eve celebrations here for more ways to celebrate. 

For even more music, visit the WWOZ LiveWire Music Calendar.