Trans-Siberian Orchestra bring the Christmas magic

The over-the-top level of light and sound is captivating

2021 marks 25-years of Christmas Eve and Other Stories, the debut studio album by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The 1996 album is the first in the band’s Christmas trilogy, which includes 1998s The Christmas Attic” and 2004s The Lost Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve and Other Stories has become one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time in the United States.

The album has been certified three-times as platinum by the RIAA and has sold over three-million copies. The single “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” has been downloaded over 1.3 million times and is one of the best-selling Christmas singles of all time in the United States.

The new winter anniversary tour is titled after the band’s iconic debut album and kicked off November 17th in Green Bay, Wisconsin and concludes on December 30th in St. Louis, Missouri. Just like Santa Clause, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra travels to many places within a short time span.

The appropriate 24-track setlist (ala Christmas Eve) lasts for two and a half hours. Half of the songs performed are from the band’s debut album. The unique combination of live narration, dancing, and infusion of vocal-driven as well as instrumental-driven tracks give birth to a rock-opera element that holds the attention of the audience. Between an array of vocalists, instrumentalists, undulating orbs, numerous lasers, light show, and stellar pyrotechnics, there is never a dull moment. Every added effect is perfectly in sync with the music, making for an impressive hard rock take on holiday cheer.

The over-the-top level of light and sound captivates attention and draws attendees into a childlike state of amazement. Two standout performances include “Mozart and Memories / The Mountain” performed mid-way through and the finale reprise of “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24).” You definitely will want to have your phone ready to record these visually stimulating performances.

The holiday season is often a difficult time for many due to a variety of reasons, primarily loss, grief, financial instability, and loneliness. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra does an excellent job at igniting Christmas cheer without the commercial cheesiness, which tends to oversaturate this time of year ala Hallmark and Lifetime films. Plus, how many long-haired men playing guitar can motivate young adults through the elderly to want to rock out!?