Holiday Pops to return to live performances in December

BOSTON — For the first time since December 2019, the Holiday Pops will return to live performances at Symphony Hall from Dec. 2 to Dec. 24.

The Boston Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Keith Lockhart, will host 34 evening and matinee concerts, including seven family-friendly Kids Matinee performances.

“This hiatus from performing has taught us to treasure on a whole new level what we do as musicians and performers,” Lockhart said in a statement Wednesday. “We have deeply missed our wonderful audiences and the incredible energy and inspiration they bring to the live concert experience.”

The December programs also will feature the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, under the direction of James Burton, returning to concert for the first time since the onset of the pandemic.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra announced on Aug. 31 that it will require audience members to provide proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test result, either a PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance or an antigen test taken within the last 24 hours.

Options for proof of vaccination include showing a vaccination card, a photo of the card, or a digital vaccine record upon entering Symphony Hall.

Proof of a negative test will be accepted for children under age 12. BSO protocols will also require mask-wearing except when patrons are actively eating and drinking but will not include physical distancing.

Children under age two do not have to wear a mask, but proof of a negative test for this age group will be required.

At present, these protocols will also apply to the 2021 Holiday Pops season.

“As conditions evolve over the coming months, the BSO will communicate directly with its ticket buyers concerning any subsequent changes to its protocols,” the organization said in a statement.

More information can be found at bso.org/safety.

Tickets go on sale starting Thursday, Oct. 7.

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