A festive afternoon of holiday music, caroling, hot chocolate and special surprises is coming to The Music Center on Nov. 27.
Los Angeles is getting an early start on the holiday season with a free celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the classic Christmas song “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas.”
Taking place the day after Thanksgiving, the event will bring holiday cheer to downtown Los Angeles with live musical performances, traditional caroling and a community sing-along. The first 100 attendees will receive complimentary hot chocolate. There will also be special treats for guests named Barney, Ben, Janice or Jen, inspired by names mentioned in the song. Treats are available while supplies last.
The celebration is part of National “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas” Day, established by The Music Man Foundation after a national survey found that most Americans consider the day after Thanksgiving the unofficial start of the Christmas season.
Holiday Entertainment
The afternoon will showcase performances from several local music and arts organizations. Featured performers include:
- Choral Arts Initiative carolers
- The Eisner Intergenerational Big Band from Heart of Los Angeles
- Youth musicians representing Riverside Arts Academy, Education Through Music-Los Angeles and Music Will
The event is presented by The Music Man Foundation in recognition of songwriter Meredith Willson, best known for writing “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas” and creating the musical “The Music Man.”
Continuing Willson’s musical legacy, the Foundation directs 100% of profits from his licensing royalties to community organizations that use music to make a lasting difference.
Event Details
When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: The courtyard in front of the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Getting There: The Music Center is accessible by Metro and other public transportation.
Website: https://itsbeginningtolooklikechristmas.com/
