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 and Ashé Powerhouse Theater 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 and Ashé Powerhouse Theater. Performers include Irma Thomas, Charlie Gabriel, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, and more. Caroling in Jackson Square is a holiday tradition returning on December 17. See the lineup here  and make sure to catch a holiday concert this December.

Christmas Without Tears @ The Orpheum  

For the 18th year in a row, 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 2023 Christmas Without Tears, at home in New Orleans. Festivities will take place Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater, with all proceeds benefitting Innocence Project New Orleans. Tickets start at $39.50 plus fees.

NOCCA's Home for the Holidays @ House of Blues 

This all-star holiday concert features Irma Thomas, The Soul Rebels, Kermit Ruffins, and more at the House of Blues on December 20. Proceeds from Home for the Holidays benefits the NOCCA Foundation's Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, which honors the memory of NOCCA alum Daniel Price with scholarships for NOCCA students. Tickets are $62.50 plus fees.

New Year’s Eve Concerts 

Ring in 2024 the NOLA way by attending a concert! There are plenty of celebrations to choose from. Head to Tipitina’s for Galactic’s New Year’s Eve with special guest Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph + J & the Causeways. At the Orpheum, enjoy Big Freedia’s New Year’s Eve Bouncé Ball with Boyfriend. Over at the Saenger, get down with legendary rapper Juvenile and the 25th Anniversary of 400 Degreez featuring Mannie Fresh & Live Band. 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.