Everyone's a Critic

Some of the most memorable moments of my life happened around Christmas. Some not so happy, others fill my heart with warmth at the thought. Throughout my life I've spent every Christmas evening at my grandparents surrounded by family, which is no easy task. There were 16 people in my immediate family growing up, crowded into a box like living room with a tree filled with presents. But it wasn't about the presents with my family, it was the time spent together and memories made. That sense of...Read More »

Since purchasing discount Yuletide tickets through Franklin College in the middle 90s, I have made it a tradition to attend Yuletide to get into the Christmas spirit. It is always such a wonderful show. Of course, as soon as my daughter was old enough, I had to share Yuletide with her. In 2007, she was four at Christmastime. It had been a particularly difficult year for our family, including my father's death. The holidays were going to be hard for us. A friend who new how much I have always...Read More »

My very first time to see the Yuletide Celebration was 5 years ago. My then boyfriend was on a 2 week leave from Iraq and we decided to do an "All Indy weekend", as he was leaving to go back the next week. One of the great adventures of our weekend was taking in the Yuletide Celebration, to get in the spirit of Christmas. In the middle of the Celebration, I noticed he was looking at me. Then I saw his eyes shift down and he was holding a diamond ring, and then he whispered "will you marry me".
We...Read More »

More than 15 years ago, my family attended our first Yuletide Celebration. The family included my mother, sister, her three young children and myself. We did not have much money, however, we bought holiday attire and were enchanted by the entire show. The children are now in their 20's and we are once again attending this year. The ISO has become a part of our family tradition and I still can see the joy on the faces of my neice and nephews that I saw that first night. They still have their...Read More »

I realize the contest is over, which is fine, I just wanted to send in my thanks to all the people who put on this fantastic show. I attended my first Yuletide tonight, and it was spectacular! The atmosphere from the moment you walk into the theatre is unlike anything I've experienced at a concert before. It just feels like Christmas and what a gorgeous tree! The "White Christmas" world premiere, and Mike Runyan on the harmonica were definitely highlights. Also seeing Sandi Patty host was great,...Read More »

I have only recently started going to Yuletide and this year I was able to go the dress rehearsal. If there were any hiccups, I certainly didn't notice. It was very entertaining and would definitely recommend anyone getting a nice kick off to the holiday season by attending Yuletide. I particularly enjoyed their rendition of Silent Night and the addition of magic to the show!

Name: Ryan Woodall
City: Indianaopolis

My wife and I share a fondness for the Yuletide Celebration, not only for the wonderful music, but for cherished memories. Back in December of 2003, we attended one of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Yuletide concerts, then briskly strolled around the lighted Monument Circle. There, I gave my wife her engagement ring and proposed to her. That special night of the Symphony concert and our engagement seem bonded together to us. If possible, we attend a Yuletide Celebration concert around the...Read More »

My family and I have attended the Yuletide Celebration quite a few times over the years, and have loved each and every performance! Our first time was when my son was 4 years old and could barely stay in his seat with excitement. By the time we attended 2 years ago, we had added our daughter and even the in-laws and various friends. Having our picture taken by the tree, and buying hot cider and beautiful (delicious!) Christmas cookies are required elements of attendance! My fondest Yuletide...Read More »

My fondest memory of the Yuletide celebration is the fact that my mom's side of the family.. 15 people.. came together every year for 7 years to attend. We would get all dressed up and drive downtown together. The Christmas Carol was always our favorite act and my cousins and I always anticipated the intermission when grandma would buy us a holiday cookie and drink in the lobby. We would always eat Santa's hat first and then joke as we made him look like a pirate after one eye went missing....Read More »

Well, I can't say that I have a fond memory of the Yuletide Celebration because December 10, 2010 will be my first time attending. I am originally from the Chicago area, and I'm used to the Chicago holiday concerts. I hop that this upcoming experience will make me attend the Yuletide Celebration every year. I am looking forward to this performance.

Name: Phillip Shaffer
City: Indianapolis

A neighbor-friend somehow got free comp tickets to the show the first year that we lived in Indy many years ago. I went with my neighbor the first year and did not know what to expect. We had such a great time that we decided to make it an annual outting for the two of us. My friend has since moved away two years ago, but so far she has always made a trip back to Indy so that she can go to the Yuletide Celebration with me.

Name: Christine LaForte
Indianapolis

Me and my parents have been enjoying The Yuletide for many years! My fondest memory is simple! The time with my parents! Last year we did not attend do to the sudden passing of my Awesome mom! We always start out with Texas Roadhouse then along with my parents my best friend has been joining us for 5 years now! Just the memory of my Awesome Mom loving the Dancing Santas! The smile and joy it brought to her was just amazing! Thank you for letting me share this with you!

Name: Dale Veal
City: Carmel

The season of 2000 Yuletide Celebration was the first time any of my family had been to the Celebration but one we will never forget. My daughter was 8 1/2 months pregnant at the time (Sydney was born December 18th) and from the beginning to the end of the show my unborn grandchild loved the show. She moved and kicked to the beat of the music thruout the show!!! It was amazing to see and feel my daughters tummy jump and move-the baby loved the symphony and the show! She quieted between acts and...Read More »

I don't have a memory yet but would love to go and make some. I have wanted to go for as long as I can remember the show started when I was five. I am now a stay at home mom and would love to take my daughter she loves music. I have been to the symphony while I was in school and loved it every time. My daughter loves music and would like to start a new tradition . :)

Name: Amy Walters
City: Indianapolis

I am sixteen years old and have gone to every Yuletide with my aunt, mom, and sister since I was two years old, so it has sort of become a family tradition. Every year I look forward to seeing who is going to host Yuletide and what special performances they will have. There have been some pretty amazing hosts and performances over the years, from the classic tap dancing Santas and The Night Before Christmas to once in a life time experiences like the African Children’s Choir. As soon as you walk...Read More »

It's only fitting that the ISO Yuletide concert was born in the same year as our oldest daughter. It was four or five years later that we took Charnee to her first Yuletide Celebration where she was awestruck by the performance of "The Littlest Angel". Everything about the concert was magical, and since then both of our daughters look forward to "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and those impressive reindeer and trusted pupateers. But that cherubic voice of the young "angel" inspired our...Read More »

We were taking our places in the first few seats of Row N when an argument ensued. As is customary for us, I had gone in first, sitting in the seat next to “the stranger.” My teenage son Parker had halted in the aisle, making way for his brother Mason to take the seat beside me. Mason held back and waved Parker in ahead of him. Parker refused. “I’m not sitting next to her,” he said, looking at me with feigned disgust. “Oh, yes, you are,” Mason stated emphatically. “No way,” Parker asserted. “I...Read More »

My husband and I have attended the Coffee Pops Concert Series since before he retired in 1991. In 2000, Yuletide Celebration was a part of the Pops Series and I was really looking forward, as always, to the event. Unfortunately that week, our daughter-in-law's grandfather died and his funeral was the day of the concert. We offered to keep both grandsons that day while she and our son traveled to northern Indiana to be with her family. But what to do about our Yuletide tickets! After talking it...Read More »

When I think back on past Holiday seasons, the Yuletide Celebration always holds priority in my rolodex of memories. I'm 26 years old now and still remember, vividly, my visits to the Yuletide Celebration as a little girl. The giddiness covered over me as my family filed through the doors of the Hilbert Circle Theater. Out of the crisp December air and away from the streets where horse's hooves could be heard trotting around Monument Circle. Colorful hues of light radiated from the top of the...Read More »

Mike and I married in October 2004 and that year was the first time we attended the Yuletide Celebration together. It was a wonderfully warm and romantic experience that we both treasure. This year we plan to attend with our children so they also can experience the exciting, love-filled celebration. Thank you for the priceless family memories!

Name: Lisa Morgan
City: Muncie