Thousands Gather for Tabernacle Choir 2024 Christmas Concert

Tony Award-winning actress and singer Ruthie Ann Miles and actor Dennis Haysbert are the featured artists for The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s 2024 Christmas concert. Performances are underway at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Haysbert narrates this year’s program.

The first public performance was on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Additional shows are on Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21.

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“This performance is the Christmas spirit on a monumental scale,” said Choir President Michael O. Leavitt.

“I have listened to the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra for a very long time. I could never have imagined that one day I might be on the stage and performing with them," said Miles.

“As vast as this place is, it is so intimate. It kind of hugs you,” said Haysbert.

Under the direction of Mack Wilberg, music director, and Ryan Murphy, associate music director, Miles and Haysbert are ringing in the Christmas spirit with a live audience during this annual event to celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. The Conference Center will be filled to its capacity of 21,000 people each night.

“As vast as this place is, it is so intimate. It kind of hugs you,” said Haysbert.

The Orchestra and the Bells at Temple Square also join the Choir.

Guest Artists Meet Journalists

Choir leaders and guest artists met with the media at the Conference Center on Friday morning, December 20.

The concert opens with two French carols, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Twas Midnight in the Stable." Miles joins the Choir to sing traditional carols, including “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

She also entertains the audience with “Spirit of the Season” and “Believe” from the movie “The Polar Express.”

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Organist Richard Elliott performs an arrangement of “When You Hear the Pipe and Drum,” a traditional French carol.

Haysbert tells the true story of Dr. Charles Mulli of Kenya, who has helped thousands of children in need.

“It is really hard to get to this story, but I love the feeling that comes over me when I do tell it,” Haysbert said.

He also narrates the Christmas story found in Luke 2 in the New Testament. 

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The concluding song is “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” a Choir favorite arranged by Mack Wilberg.

“It’s truly a gift to the community and then a gift to the world when it’s then broadcast throughout the world,” he said.

How to Attend

Tickets for the free performances have already been distributed, but a standby line will form in the Tabernacle on Temple Square 90 minutes before concert time at 8 p.m.

Tickets are not required for the 30-minute “Music and the Spoken Word” broadcast on Sunday, December 22, at 9:30 a.m. Miles will perform on the broadcast.

About the Artists

Ruthie Ann Miles is a Tony Award-winning actress and singer known for her work on Broadway and television. She is on Broadway in “McNeal,” now playing at the Lincoln Center Theater. Her notable roles include Margaret Johnson in “The Light in the Piazza” and as the beggar woman in “Sweeney Todd,” for which she received a Tony nomination in 2023.

Dennis Haysbert is an American actor best known for his commanding presence and deep, distinctive voice. He rose to prominence through his work in television and film. Haysbert’s career breakthrough came with his role as President David Palmer on the hit television series “24,” which earned him Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations.

A Grammy Award-winning, multiple Emmy Award-winning, all-volunteer choral ensemble, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square comprises 360 men and women who join their talents to create their trademark, instantly recognizable sound. The Choir, Orchestra and Bells at Temple Square provide inspiring music to help people feel closer to the divine and celebrate God’s love for all His children.

For more information, visit the Tabernacle Choir’s website.