First Sarasota presents 50th annual Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular

November 18, 2024 | Sarasota

Community members are invited to step into a dazzling holiday tradition with First Sarasota’s 50th annual Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular. This year’s celebration is more magical than ever, with five unforgettable performances — featuring a 25-foot “singing Christmas tree” adorned in more than 10,000 lights — that will captivate all ages.

The 100-member First Sarasota Choir and 20-member Orchestra will usher in the Christmas spirit with cherished Christmas classics and some fresh, new favorites. Attendees will also get to meet live animals — including real camels and sheep — that bring the Nativity scene to life.

The church is also thrilled to welcome Broadway star, J. Mark McVey, who made his Broadway debut as Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables” and was featured in thousands of performances of the beloved show, who will add his extraordinary voice to this unforgettable event.

McVey made his Broadway debut as Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables” after having won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actor while in Washington, D.C. The first American to perform Valjean in London’s West End, McVey also reprised the role with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to sold-out crowds at the Hollywood Bowl and, once again, in the 25th Anniversary Tour of “Les Misérables,” for which he won the Ovation Award and the Broadway.com Award on his way to eclipsing more than 3,200 performances in the world’s favorite musical.

McVey made his Carnegie Hall debut with Marvin Hamlisch and continues to perform with numerous symphonies around the country and the world. McVey’s television credits include “America’s Got Talent” and “Days of Our Lives.”

“This event is an amazing way to kick off the holiday season,” said First Sarasota’s Senior Pastor, Dr. John Cross. ”The story of Christmas doesn’t stop in a manger – it continues, showcasing how Jesus lived a perfect life and gave that life on a cross so that we could all experience salvation. That’s the true meaning of Christmas and that’s the story we love to tell through the Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular each year.”

Showtimes are 7 p.m. on December 5-6, 3 p.m. on December 7, and 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on December 8; runtime is 90 minutes. Tickets are $20/adults, $15/children; visit firstsarasota.org/events.

For more about First Sarasota, visit firstsarasota.org, call 941-365-2846, or email info@firstsarasota.org.