Holiday and seasonal performances have a magic all their own. Whether it’s a cozy winter recital, a spring celebration, or a summer outdoor concert, these events give singers a chance to connect with audiences in festive and meaningful ways. The right setlist doesn’t just show off your vocal ability, it creates atmosphere, emotion, and a shared sense of occasion. That’s why I spend extra time putting together my repertoire for these moments.
Over the years, I’ve performed at dozens of seasonal events, school concerts, community caroling, church services, tree-lightings, holiday fundraisers, and more. Every event is different, and so are the audiences. What stays consistent is the need for music that suits the tone of the season, fits the space and audience, and highlights the strengths of the performers. That’s where thoughtful song selection really matters.
To make things easier for anyone planning their next themed performance, I’ve put together my go-to repertoire ideas for holiday and seasonal performances. Whether you’re a soloist, part of a choir, or leading a group of young singers, there’s something here for every voice and setting.
Winter and Christmas Favorites
Winter performances are some of the most anticipated events of the year. The atmosphere is festive, emotional, and nostalgic, all great ingredients for creating unforgettable moments through song. I like to balance familiar crowd-pleasers with a few lesser-known gems to keep things fresh while still inviting sing-alongs.
For traditional songs, you can never go wrong with:
- “Silent Night” – A peaceful piece that works well a cappella or with light accompaniment. It’s also a great way to practice breath control and dynamics.
- “O Holy Night” – A showstopper that requires range and emotional expression. I like placing it toward the end of a set for maximum impact.
- “The First Noel” – Its long, flowing phrases make it a good piece for practicing legato singing.
When I want something a little more modern or playful, I often include:
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Soft, reflective, and perfect for intimate settings.
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – High-energy and fun, great for group performances or big finales.
- “Carol of the Bells” – Works beautifully with small ensembles or choirs and really showcases precision and rhythm.
These classics help build the warm and familiar atmosphere most audiences expect during the winter season. They also offer opportunities to explore different vocal styles, from operatic to pop.
Autumn-Themed Songs
Fall performances tend to have a quieter, more reflective tone. I often sing at harvest festivals, Thanksgiving events, and school assemblies during this season. I focus on themes like gratitude, change, and nature.
Some of my favorite autumn repertoire includes:
- “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas – With its natural imagery and message of connection, this piece fits beautifully into any fall performance.
- “Thankful” by Josh Groban – Emotionally rich, perfect for older students or advanced singers looking to make an impression.
- “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire – For more upbeat shows, this one brings joy and rhythm, ideal for community events or school concerts.
Autumn is a great time to encourage expressive singing. The season itself is full of mood and metaphor, which makes it easier to connect emotionally with the material.
Spring and Renewal Repertoire
Spring brings themes of growth, new beginnings, and hope. Performances around this time often celebrate life, joy, and community. I look for songs with uplifting melodies, positive messages, and lyrical beauty.
Some of my favorite springtime selections are:
- “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles – Light and optimistic, this one works well as a solo or group number.
- “Morning Has Broken” – A gentle, flowing piece with a spiritual quality that fits seasonal ceremonies and reflective concerts.
- “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban – Powerful and emotional, this song shines in larger venues or more formal events.
I also enjoy using spring as a time to showcase student growth. Many of the pieces I select during this season allow singers to demonstrate the progress they’ve made over the course of the year.
Summer Performance Picks
Summer concerts are typically outdoor, community-focused, and high-energy. I choose songs that are rhythmic, bright, and designed to get the audience tapping their feet or singing along.
Go-to summer repertoire ideas include:
- “Walking on Sunshine” – A great opener for youth groups or ensembles.
- “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess – A sultry, jazz-infused piece that allows for vocal interpretation and improvisation.
- “What a Wonderful World” – Timeless, warm, and perfect for soloists wanting to bring sincerity to the stage.
The challenge with summer performances is often projecting clearly in open-air venues. That’s why I choose songs with strong melodies and clear emotional lines that carry well, even without perfect acoustics.
Multi-Season Songs
Some songs work beautifully across multiple seasons, especially those that focus on universal emotions like love, hope, family, and community. These are useful when you’re not tied to a specific holiday but still want a cohesive seasonal theme.
Examples include:
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Dreamy and versatile, this can be used in spring, summer, or winter performances.
- “Imagine” by John Lennon – Reflective and hopeful, ideal for year-end concerts or interfaith gatherings.
- “Seasons of Love” from Rent – A group favorite that fits almost any time of year and brings audiences together.
These kinds of songs allow flexibility in planning and are especially helpful when designing a program that spans more than one holiday or time of year.
Sacred and Spiritual Options
If your performance is in a church or spiritual setting, it’s important to have songs that honor the space and the traditions of the audience. I’ve found that these performances often carry a sense of reverence, so I carefully consider lyrical themes and delivery.
My go-to spiritual songs for holiday or seasonal events include:
- “Ave Maria” – Stunning in a formal setting, with room for technical excellence and deep emotional impact.
- “Go Tell It on the Mountain” – Upbeat and celebratory, great for gospel-style singing.
- “Amazing Grace” – Familiar, moving, and adaptable to many styles and arrangements.
Even in secular performances, a spiritual song can provide a moment of quiet reflection and connect with listeners on a deeper level.
Group and Ensemble Ideas
When preparing repertoire for group performances, I prioritize songs with easy-to-learn harmonies, memorable melodies, and opportunities for interaction. Group numbers should be exciting to rehearse and rewarding to perform together.
Some strong group selections include:
- “Let It Snow” – Fun and cheerful, perfect for building ensemble energy.
- “Lean on Me” – Encourages teamwork and connection, with call-and-response possibilities.
- “Jingle Bell Rock” – High-energy and crowd-pleasing, works especially well for mixed-age groups.
I also like medleys that combine several songs around a seasonal theme. These allow for variety and keep the audience engaged while showcasing different voices.
Repertoire for Young Singers
When I’m working with younger students, I focus on simple melodies, cheerful lyrics, and pieces that invite movement or visuals. Songs for children should stay within a comfortable vocal range and avoid complex rhythms.
Some of my favorite seasonal options for young singers are:
- “Frosty the Snowman” – Great for winter, with room for gestures and props.
- “This Little Light of Mine” – Works in both sacred and secular settings, encourages confidence.
- “The Garden Song” (Inch by Inch) – A gentle piece for spring that introduces imagery and nature themes.
These songs are excellent for building performance confidence and encouraging musical play.
Tips for Building a Strong Seasonal Setlist
Every time I sit down to plan a seasonal performance, I follow a few personal guidelines to ensure the program flows well and suits the audience:
- Start strong: Pick an opener that sets the tone and grabs attention.
- Vary tempo and tone: Balance upbeat songs with quieter, emotional pieces to maintain interest.
- Feature variety: Include solos, duets, and group pieces if possible.
- Match venue and audience: Think about acoustics, setting, and demographics.
- Save a gem for the end: Choose a closer that leaves a lasting impression.
By organizing your setlist this way, you can take the audience on a journey, giving them moments of joy, reflection, and excitement.
Final Thoughts
Putting together repertoire ideas for holiday and seasonal performances is about more than filling time on a program, it’s about curating an experience. The right songs can transform a chilly winter night into a warm memory, or turn a spring celebration into something truly uplifting.
I always think about who will be listening, where we’ll be performing, and what emotion I want to leave people with when the last note fades. That’s the power of seasonal music: it connects us, comforts us, and celebrates the passage of time with beauty and intention.
So whether you’re preparing a winter concert, a spring recital, or a summer community show, take the time to explore fresh repertoire ideas for holiday and seasonal performances. They’ll keep your singing relevant, your audience engaged, and your voice growing all year long.
