Forget the same old carols—it’s time to elevate your festive soundtrack! We’ve rounded up some of the must-see tours and special performances that will fill your holidays with warmth, rhythm, and impeccable sound.
🎷 Smooth Grooves: The Jazz Holiday Tradition
Few genres capture the sophistication and joy of the holidays quite like Jazz. This year, legendary artists are hitting the road to deliver their timeless interpretations of festive classics.
1. The Longest-Running Holiday Tour: Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour
Nine-time Grammy nominee and smooth jazz icon Dave Koz is back with the 28th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour. Affectionately called “Santa Koz,” this tour is a cherished tradition for fans across the country.
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Who’s On Tour: Koz is joined by his long-time musical partner, guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler, plus an exciting lineup of guests including powerhouse vocalist Haley Reinhart, multi-instrumentalist Casey Abrams, and chart-topping pianist Kayla Waters.
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The Vibe: Expect fresh, inspiring arrangements of Christmas classics, selections from Koz’s celebrated Christmas Ballads album, and even a spirited Hanukkah medley.
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Tour Highlights: The tour spans the US throughout November and December, stopping in major cities like Atlanta, Detroit, and San Jose. Check their official site for a date near you! Dave Koz Holiday Tour
2. A Classic Christmas with a Twist
Keep an eye out for local and regional shows that feature heavy hitters and rising stars of the jazz world, particularly in classic venues like the Blue Note and Jazz at Lincoln Center JALC which often feature holiday-themed sets.
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New York Highlights:
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The Soul Rebels & Friends Holiday Throwdown! (Dec. 4-7 at Blue Note) – A brass band with R&B roots bringing a lively, genre-bending holiday party. Holiday Music At NYC Blue Note
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New York Holidays with Svetlana & The New York Collective (Dec. 6 at Blue Note Brunch) – A sophisticated daytime option to ease into the weekend.
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🎤 Soulful Celebrations: The R&B Holiday Ball
The blending of rhythm and blues with holiday themes offers a chance for some of the most moving and unforgettable seasonal performances.
1. The Ultimate R&B Xmas Ball (UK)
If you’re across the pond, the RnB Xmas Ball 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable event featuring a monumental lineup of R&B legends. 
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The Headliners: This heavyweight lineup includes the greatest R&B group of all time, Boyz II Men, the iconic Toni Braxton (making her long-awaited return to the UK stage), the adored Joe, and the revered R&B boy band Dru Hill (featuring original members Sisqó, Nokio, and Jazz).
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Where and When: Catch them at The O2 arena in London and Co-op Live in Manchester in early December.
2. A Motown Christmas: Timeless Holiday Soul
For a truly classic, nostalgic R&B holiday experience, the Motown Christmas tour continues to deliver soulful renditions of holiday favorites. 
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The Sound: Think smooth harmonies, infectious rhythms, and the timeless magic of the Motown sound applied to all your favorite Christmas tunes.
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Catch Them In: The show has dates scheduled in cities like Fort Wayne, Detroit, and Atlanta throughout November and December.
3. Regional Soul and Cozy Vibes
Don’t forget to check out the local scene for more intimate R&B holiday experiences that offer cozy vibes and new takes on the season. ( Motown Christmas ) Look for events like:
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R&B Christmas events that feature live R&B, poetry, and smooth rap for a more relaxed, “cozy” vibe.
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Southern Soul/R&B concerts featuring artists like King George and others who bring a regional flavor to the holiday calendar.
💡 Backbeat R&B Pro-Tip: Planning Your Night
Book Fast: Holiday shows, especially those featuring headliners like Dave Koz and the R&B legends in the UK, sell out quickly. Don’t wait until the last minute!
Dress the Part: From the sharp suits and cocktail dresses at a classic Jazz club to the stylish velvet and satin at an R&B concert, use the holiday season as an excuse to step out in style.
Make it an Experience: Pair your concert with a pre-show dinner or a post-show drink to keep the smooth, festive atmosphere going all night long.
The holidays are a time for music, and this year’s lineup of Jazz and R&B shows promises a soundtrack filled with unparalleled soul and style. Get your tickets, put on your dancing shoes, and prepare for a truly sensational holiday season!