Celtic Christmas Shows in Massachusetts Through December

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Celtic music is popular in New England during the Christmas holidays, and no wonder, since the region boasts the largest Irish-American population in the United States, with nearly one in five residents claiming Irish ancestry. 

Christmas and Celtic music form a perfect harmony during the holiday season, a magical time when memories of our childhood and family traditions come to the fore, accompanied by a spiritual renewal and seasonal joy that lifts our spirits. Ireland and New England are closely aligned in how they celebrate Christmastime, with a perfect blend of holiday and Celtic flavors. 

Here are some highlights this season:

Since opening its doors in 1989, the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton has been a gathering place for Christmas celebrations that bring families and friends together. This year is no exception! 
  • The season kicks off on December 3 with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, with mulled wine and mince pies as treats. A Christmas Family Brunch takes place on December 4, and children can Visit Santa at his Cottage fireside. On December 5, An Irish Christmas starring Andy Cooney with special guest Erin Henry Verina takes the stage at 3 and 5:30 p.m. 
  • On December 11, the ICC’s Grand Annual Draw features a chance to win big money in a raffle that helps support ICC's year-round programming. Enjoy Irish music and dance throughout. Then on December 12, the ICC presents Irish Christmas in America, produced by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada and featuring guest singer Niamh Farrell at 1 and 4:30 p.m. 
  • On December 18, popular singing star Chloë Agnew, formerly of Celtic Woman, returns to the Center for a Celtic Christmas concert. And rounding out the month in fine fashion, a New Year’s Gala with Erin’s Melody and a champagne toast takes place on December 31.  

Rockport Music presents the Celtic folk band Còig in concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on Saturday, December 18. Comprised of four exceptional soloists from Nova Scotia, the band came together in 2014 to create a unique blending of musical influences. Winners of the Canadian Folk Music Award for Traditional Album of the Year, this quartet brings a captivating and exciting sound to a range of Celtic music. 

Tipperary-born harpist and singer Áine Minogue’s ethereal Solstice-inspired music is a perfect holiday treat. On December 5, Áine plays at the First Congregational Church in Randolph; on December 13 at the Wareham Library; and December 20 at the Peabody Institute Library. On December 23, Áine gives her annual performance at Club Passim in Harvard Square, Cambridge. 

The Irish Tenors perform at Plymouth Memorial Hall on Thursday, December 2, and at the Chevalier Theatre in Medford on Saturday, December 11. The trio includes Ronan Tynan, Finbar Wright and Anthony Kearns. 

Folk and pop legend Judy Collins performs at Cary Memorial Hall in Lexington on Friday, December 10, and at Plymouth Memorial Hall on Saturday, December 18. 

Virtuoso fiddler Eileen Ivers’s A Joyful Christmas features a mix of traditional songs, poetry and lively jigs and reels, along with the beautiful melodies of Christmas. The show comes to Colonial Theatre in Laconia, NH on Saturday, December 11, and to Cary Memorial Hall in Lexington on Sunday, December 12. 

The all-female ensemble, Cherish the Ladies, is back in town on Wednesday, December 15, with its popular Celtic Christmas show at the Bull Run in Shirley, Massachusetts. Led by Joanie Madden, flute and tin whistle virtuoso, the quintet offers up a perfect selection of Irish and Christmas songs and tunes. 

The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England in West Springfield presents Christmas caroling with the Tavern Carolers on Wednesdays and Fridays through December.

Last but not least, Cork-born radio host and promoter Brian O’Donovan has been entertaining audiences for decades here in New England as host of GBH’s A Celtic Sojourn. This year his popular cabaret, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn, comes to the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on Tuesday, December 14 at 8 p.m., and then the Emerson Majestic Theater in Boston from December 17-19. The show is also streaming from December 18-26.

Find more details at IrishMassachusetts.com.

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