An Irish Christmas 2025 California Tour Preview
- Kerry Irish Productions
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 28
An Irish Christmas 2025: A Holiday Celebration Across California
The holiday season in California will sparkle this December when An Irish Christmas returns with a brand-new tour. Produced by Kerry Irish Productions, this award-winning show blends the traditions of Ireland with the magic of Christmas, offering audiences a heartwarming evening of music, dance, and storytelling. With tour stops from Visalia to San Diego, An Irish Christmas 2025 invites families and friends to celebrate the season together in an unforgettable way.
What is An Irish Christmas?
An Irish Christmas is more than a holiday concert. It is a living celebration of Ireland’s heritage, where cultural traditions are brought to life on stage. The show combines:
Irish dance: intricate footwork, hard-shoe rhythms, and breathtaking choreography performed by champion dancers.
Live music: traditional instruments including fiddle, uilleann pipes, flute, and accordion, performed by world-class musicians.
Storytelling: timeless tales of Irish holiday customs like butter churning, the Straw Boys, and the Day of the Wren.
Song: hauntingly beautiful harmonies that capture the joy and spirit of the season.
Critics have described the production as “genuinely astonishing… electric!” and “an overwhelming success filled with glorious music, dance, and plenty of Irish soul.” Families who attend often make it part of their annual holiday tradition, returning year after year.
Why See An Irish Christmas in 2025?
1. A Cultural Experience for All Ages
This production brings Ireland to California stages, making it an enriching family event. Parents, children, and grandparents can all share the experience. Audience reviews highlight its multi-generational appeal, calling it “a great family show that leaves everyone breathless.”
2. Perfect for Holiday Traditions
Attending a live show during December is one of the best ways to create lasting holiday memories. An Irish Christmas offers the warmth of community, the joy of music, and the excitement of world-class dance all in one evening.
3. A Critically Acclaimed Show
The show has been featured on PBS and has sold out performing arts centers across the United States. Theater directors consistently describe it as one of the most beloved events of their seasons.
An Irish Christmas 2025 California Tour Dates
This year’s tour brings the show to six California cities, each with its own historic and unique venue.
Visalia – Fox Theatre
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025 – 2:00 PM
Venue: Fox Theatre, 308 W Main St, Visalia, CA 93291
Tickets: foxvisalia.org
The Fox Theatre, a restored 1930s movie palace, provides the perfect setting for the opening show. With its vintage charm and central location in downtown Visalia, this performance is expected to draw families from across the Central Valley.
Folsom – Harris Center for the Arts
Date: Monday, December 15, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Venue: Harris Center, 10 College Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630
Tickets: harriscenter.net
The Harris Center has become a cultural hub for the Sacramento region, offering audiences an intimate yet professional theater experience. This performance makes for a perfect holiday night out in Folsom.
San Jose – Hammer Theatre
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Venue: Hammer Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA
Tickets: hammertheatre.com
In the heart of Silicon Valley, the Hammer Theatre offers state-of-the-art production quality. For Bay Area residents, this is the only chance to see An Irish Christmas without leaving the region.
Vacaville – Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre (VPAT)
Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Venue: 1010 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville, CA 95687
Tickets: vpat.net
The VPAT is beloved for its community feel and intimate space. Solano County residents will enjoy a world-class performance without having to travel far.
Arroyo Grande – Clark Center for the Performing Arts
Dates:
Friday, December 19, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 20, 2025 – 2:00 PM
Venue: 487 Fair Oaks Ave, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Tickets: clarkcenter.org
The Central Coast welcomes An Irish Christmas with two performances at the Clark Center. This venue is known for its excellent acoustics and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect stop for holiday celebrations.
San Diego – Balboa Theatre
Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025 – 2:30 PM
Venue: Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Tickets: sandiegotheatres.org
The Balboa Theatre, located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, is a stunning landmark that adds grandeur to this final tour performance. San Diego audiences have praised past productions as “the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.”
Santa Barbara – Lobero Theatre
Date: Monday, December 22, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Venue: Lobero Theatre, 33 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Tickets: lobero.org
The Lobero Theatre, one of California’s oldest and most historic venues, provides a stunning backdrop for the final stop of the 2025 California tour. Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, the Lobero is celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics. This performance offers audiences along the Central Coast one last chance to experience the joy and magic of An Irish Christmas before the holiday season closes.
What Traditions Will You See on Stage?
Audiences in 2025 will enjoy live depictions of unique Irish customs, including:
Butter Making (Ag Déanamh Ime): Families once took turns at the churn, accompanied by music and dance.
The Straw Boys (Buachaillí Tuí): Disguised performers arriving at celebrations with mischief and song.
Dancing on the Half Door: Playful dance competitions showcasing agility and rhythm.
The Day of the Wren (Lá an Dreoilín): Festivities on St. Stephen’s Day, with music and merriment.
These traditions are woven into the performance with dance, music, and storytelling, making them accessible and engaging for modern audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
Approximately 2 hours including intermission.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, An Irish Christmas is designed for all ages. Children, parents, and grandparents will all find something to enjoy.
What should I wear?
Dress is typically smart casual, but holiday attire is always welcome.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available directly through each venue’s website. Links are provided above.
Why An Irish Christmas Belongs on Your Calendar
Attending An Irish Christmas 2025 is more than seeing a show. It is about:
Celebrating Irish heritage.
Creating memories with loved ones.
Supporting live performance and the arts.
Experiencing the joy of Christmas through music and dance.
Make this holiday season unforgettable. Whether you live in Visalia, Folsom, San Jose, Vacaville, Arroyo Grande, or San Diego, there is a performance of An Irish Christmas near you. Tickets are already available through each venue.
Don’t wait—choose your city and secure your seats today.
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