Free Holiday Concerts To Check Out Around Union County

UNION COUNTY, NJ — The holiday season has arrived, and there are tons of concerts and musical events to get Union County residents in the festive spirit.

Union County residents and visitors can celebrate the season with a variety of cultural events made possible in part by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

"We are very proud to support our local performing artists, who bring the enriching experience of live music and theatre to audiences of all ages during the holiday season, and throughout the year," said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Here are some upcoming concerts and events around Union County:

"Elf, The Musical" in Cranford

The award-winning Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre will present "Elf, the Musical" from Dec. 9 to 11 and Dec. 16 to 18 (weekends) in Cranford.

Based on the beloved holiday film, the comedic play follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan ("Annie," "The Producers," "Hairspray") and Bob Martin.

Tickets are $25 online; $30 at the door. Performance times are: Fridays Dec. 9 and 16 at 8 pm; Saturdays Dec. 10 and 17 at 1 pm and 8 pm; and Sundays Dec. 11 and 18 at 2 pm.

The CDC Theatre is located at 78 Winans Ave., Cranford (908-276-7611) www.cdctheatre.org

Concord Singers Holiday Concert in Summit

On Dec. 11, Concord Singers will perform their Holiday Concert, “What Can I Give,” at 3 p.m. in Summit.

With Matthew Zabiegala conducting, choral selections will center around the message of “giving joyfully,” both physically and spiritually. The program will feature an arrangement of Gustav Holst's ‘In the Bleak Midwinter” by award-winning composer Jen Wagner.

Tickets are $20. The concert will be held at Calvary Episcopal Church, 31 Woodland Ave., Summit. www.concordsingers.org

Westfield Community Concert Band

The Westfield Community Concert Band will perform their free Holiday Concert at 7:30 pm on Dec. 16.

The Band’s 32nd annual holiday concert will feature both traditional and contemporary holiday selections, including "Rhapsody for Hanukkah," "Variants on a Moravian Hymn," "Sleigh Ride," and popular carols — with special guests, the Edison Intermediate School Broadway Singers.

The concert will be performed at Edison Intermediate School Auditorium, 800 Rahway Ave., Westfield (908-337-9073). www.westfieldcommunityband.com

Celebration Singers Holiday Concert in Cranford

On Dec. 16 and 17, the Celebration Singers will perform their annual Holiday Concert at 7:30 pm in Cranford.

Led by Music Director Louise Chernosky, the concert will include the return of the youth choir. The multi-generational Celebration Singers are known for singing selections from varied genres and cultures.

Tickets at the door are $20 for adults, and $15 for students and seniors. Located at St. Michael’s Church. 40 Alden St., Cranford www.celebration-singers.org

Choral Art Society Holiday Concert & Toy Drive in Westfield

On Dec. 18, the Choral Art Society of New Jersey presents their Holiday Concert & Toy Drive at 3 p.m/ in Westfield.

Conducted by Martin Sedek and joined by professional soloists, the chorus will perform the Saint-Saens Christmas Oratorio and other holiday choral gems by Kirby Shaw, Samuel Adler, Donald Fraser and more.

Those attending are asked to consider bringing a wrapped new toy for a child in need, ages 2 to 12.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door; for students and seniors, $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Children under 12 are FREE of charge. The concert will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 414 East Broad St., Westfield (908-209-5435) www.casofnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about grant programs, events and activities of the Office visit ucnj.org/cultural, e-mail culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550(NJ relay users dial 711).

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