INDIANAPOLIS — Tickets are on sale now for Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday tradition! The 40th anniversary of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration returns to the Hilbert Circle Theatre December 4–23, 2026, featuring powerhouse vocalist Curtis Bannister as host, Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, and the talented musicians of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. With spectacular music, dazzling choreography, breathtaking visuals, and treasured holiday traditions, the milestone production promises unforgettable memories for audiences of all ages.
Following his acclaimed debut as featured soloist in the 2024 production and his memorable turn as co-host alongside Ashley Brown in 2025, Bannister returns to lead the celebration in its landmark 40th season. Known for his commanding stage presence and remarkable versatility across Broadway, opera, and concert performance, Bannister has quickly become a Yuletide audience favorite.
“From making my Yuletide debut in 2024 as the featured soloist beside the singular Sandi Patty, to last year’s incredible celebration co-hosting with the incredible (and my new friend) Ashley Brown, I’m earnestly honored and eager to take the reins on my own as the 2026 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration host,” said Bannister. “This Indianapolis and midwest tradition has become a highlight of my performance schedule and holiday season. I’m thankful to Jack Everly, the fantastic musicians of the ISO, the production and tech team of the Hilbert Circle Theatre, and the people of Indianapolis for their warm enthusiasm and welcoming generosity. I’m excited to make this year’s Yuletide celebration an unforgettable experience.”
Under the direction of Maestro Everly, the 2026 production will once again feature a full orchestra, outstanding vocalists, cirque artists, dazzling choreography, and stunning costumes, along with beloved traditions audiences return for year after year. Experience the heartwarming story of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, cheer for the crowd-favorite tap-dancing Santas, and discover new surprises that make every Yuletide Celebration unique.
The holiday magic begins before the performance in the historic Hilbert Circle Theatre lobby, where guests can enjoy festive décor, seasonal treats, photo opportunities with holiday characters, and music from the historic Wurlitzer organ that sets the stage for an unforgettable evening.
As the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra celebrates 40 years of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, audiences are invited to continue a cherished holiday tradition while creating new memories with family and friends.
How to buy tickets
Tickets may be purchased online at IndianapolisSymphony.org or by calling the ISO Box Office at 317-639-4300. IndianapolisSymphony.org is the only official website for purchasing tickets to ISO concerts, including AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, at Hilbert Circle Theatre. Buy your tickets early for the best seating choice!
New this season: Brunch with Santa
Make the holidays even more memorable with an exclusive Brunch with Santa experience. Families will enjoy early access to the lobby for photos with the magnificent Christmas tree, a delicious buffet featuring hot dishes and pastries, and a visit with Santa in the Wood Room overlooking festive Monument Circle.
Brunch with Santa will be offered Sunday, December 13, and Sunday, December 20, from 12–2 p.m. Reservations are $65 for adults and $30 for children 12 and younger. RSVPs are required by December 7 for the December 13 brunch and by December 13 for the December 20 brunch.
Brunch reservations are available only with the purchase of tickets to the 2 p.m. performance on December 13 or 20. Brunch tickets can be reserved after selecting performance seats.
About Curtis Bannister
ISO patrons first heard Curtis Bannister’s incredible voice during the 2024 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, when he quickly became an audience favorite. As the winner of the 2021 Actors Equity Foundation Roger Sturtevant Award: Outstanding Performance in Musical Theater, a Drama League Award nominee: Best Concert Performance, and a 2023 Joseph Jefferson Award nominee: Outstanding Performance by a Principal Actor in a Musical, actor and tenor Curtis Bannister has been praised by the LA Times as “a quiet revelation” and Broadway World as “a commanding performer.”
Since making his unexpected but lauded operatic debut in the title role of Verdi’s Otello with the Utah Festival, Curtis has been lauded as one of the most talented multi-genre performing artists of his generation for his achievements in theater, classical music, and film. In 2025, Curtis made his stage debut at the Goodman Theater in The Color Purple following his debut with the company beside Heather Headley for the theater’s 2021 gala, “Together: Center Stage,” and made his operatic debut in Washington, D.C., as Robert Johnson in Damien Geter’s Delta King’s Blues. He and Broadway Star Ashley Brown served as cohosts of the 2025 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration.
Curtis debuted at The Kennedy Center as Soloist 1/Celebrant (cover) in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass for the Center’s 50th Anniversary celebration with the National Symphony and has performed, in concert, with the Cincinnati Symphony/Cincinnati Pops Orchestra’s Celebration Concert, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and his The Philadelphia Orchestra in Bernstein’s Candide alongside Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan. Bannister has performed with Lyric Opera of Chicago, St. Petersburg Opera, Atlanta Opera, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Heartbeat Opera, Chicago Opera Theatre and Utah Festival Opera. Previous theatrical role highlights include Enjolras/Les Misérables, Coalhouse Walker Jr/Ragtime, Sid Sorokin/The Pajama Game, Ragotski & Cacambo/Candide, Celebrant/Bernstein’s Mass, Sweeney Todd/Sweeney Todd, John/Miss Saigon, Jim/Big River, Man 1/Songs for a New World, Jim Conley/Parade, Jamie/The Last Five Years, and Andre/Ain’t Misbehavin’. Future projects include debuts and return performances in Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., and a supporting role in the upcoming film A Talented Man.
About Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly
Maestro Jack Everly has served as the ISO’s Principal Pops Conductor for more than 20 years and as the Music Director of the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, now celebrating its 40th year. Each year, he composes original music for the Yuletide performances, along with conducting familiar favorites. Throughout the season, whether he’s leading the ISO through memorable Broadway melodies for the Printing Partners Pops Series or a Star Wars score for the popular Film Series presented by Bank of America, Maestro Everly is beloved by fans for his musical expertise and charismatic personality. He has led the ISO in its first Pops recording, Yuletide Celebration, Volume One, which included three of his own orchestrations.
