Hope of the Season: Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir

This December, Tony Award®-winner Ruthie Ann Miles and iconic actor Dennis Haysbert inspire in this holiday special that combines classic Christmas carols with a contemporary story of how giving back and uplifting communities is the true meaning of the season.

Step behind the scenes with renowned actor Dennis Haysbert in 'Finding Christmas Joy'. In this moving clip, he reflects on music, faith, and the power of storytelling with the Tabernacle Choir. He shares how narrating the story of Dr. Charles Mulli led to a profound connection—“a brother I didn’t know I had.” One of the most meaningful performances of his life—watch and feel the joy.

Go behind the scenes with Tony Award–winner Ruthie Ann Miles in 'Sharing the Language of the Soul'. Ruthie shares a heartfelt journey from childhood Christmases with her mom to the joyful rehearsals and the deep connection she feels singing with the Tabernacle Choir. For her, this concert is more than a performance — it’s a celebration of love, memory, and the true spirit of the season.

In this clip, 'Changing the World Through Joy, go behind the scenes with Dr. Charles Mulli, founder of Mulli Children's Family, the world's largest family. From rescuing three children in 1989 to transforming thousands of lives through education, love, and faith, this inspiring story reveals how humility and service can truly change the world—one step at a time.

Enjoy a joyful performance of “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” arranged by Michael Davis for Ruthie Ann Miles and The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. Famed German composer Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847) originally wrote the melody for an 1840 cantata commemorating Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press and declared that the “soldier-like” tune would never be suited to a sacred text.

Tony Award–winning actress Ruthie Ann Miles joins The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for a tender performance of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Written in 1865 after a Christmas Eve in Bethlehem, the lyrics by Phillips Brooks were set to music by Lewis Redner in 1868. Though never expected to last, this gentle carol became a beloved Christmas classic.

In their Christmas special 'Hope of the Season, The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform R. Murray Schafer’s “Gamelan,” a striking vocal work inspired by Balinese musical traditions. Using bell-like syllables and layered textures, this piece evokes global celebration and showcases Schafer’s fascination with sound, space, and cultural connection.

Isaac Watts’s 1719 paraphrase of Psalm 98 became “Joy to the World” when Lowell Mason set it to music, inspired by Handel. Though Mason credited Handel, the jubilant fanfare was his own. Watch Ryan Murphy’s orchestral fantasia reimagine this classic as The Tabernacle Choir performs it in their Christmas special 'Hope of the Season.'

Experience Bach’s timeless “Air” from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in a stunning choral adaptation by Mack Wilberg. This tender, flowing arrangement enriches Bach’s elegant dance form with lush harmonies and countermelodies, creating a sacred, serene moment. Watch The Tabernacle Choir bring this beloved classic to life in 'Hope of the Season.'

Celebrate the power of praise with Ginastera’s dramatic setting of Psalm 150. Beginning with gentle “Alleluia” phrases and building into a thrilling, multi-layered celebration of sound, Mack Wilberg and The Tabernacle Choir deliver a dynamic performance that honors the psalm’s call for every voice and instrument to work together. Don’t miss this electrifying moment in 'Hope of the Season'.

Experience the grandeur of Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus from Messiah in a spectacular performance by The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra. Augmented by the Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble and the full power of the Conference Center organ, this iconic masterpiece bursts with jubilant fanfares and soaring harmonies, as part of the Christmas special 'Hope of the Season.'

Enjoy a showstopping twist on the French carol “Patapan” as Principal Organist Richard Elliott transforms the classic tune into an upbeat jazz number. Complete with drum set, bass, and saxophone, this lively arrangement brings energy and surprise to 'Hope of the Season: Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir.'