THREE TALES OF CHRISTMAS

The Nutcracker, The Polar Express, and The Velveteen Rabbit

DECEMBER 12 – 22, 2025

This concert series is made possible through the generous support of Wendy Dayton.

Cantus weaves together three holiday stories with time-honored carols and new classics. Blending narration and song, the program features Margery Williams’ The Velveteen Rabbit and The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg alongside an abridged romp through Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. 

Three Tales of Christmas offers an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and joy of the holiday season. Join Cantus for its beloved holiday program that the Star Tribune deemed “as joyful a celebration of the season’s spirit as any caroling party you’re likely to attend this year.”

Repertoire Highlights:

Excerpts from The Nutcracker — Pyotr Tchaikovsky
“Christmas Time Is Here” from A Charlie Brown Christmas — Vince Guaraldi, Lee Mendelson
“Still, Still, Still” — arr. Yumiko Matsuoka  (world premiere)
“Believe” from The Polar Express — Alan Silvestri
“The Bells of Christmas” — Loreena McKennitt

Approximate Runtime:

1 hour and 50 minutes including a 15 minute intermission

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