Christmas at Concordia
Christmas at Concordia is a collection of community events including four Christmas concerts performed by Concordia University, Nebraska students as well as a Christmas Tree Lighting and Open House.
The annual Christmas at Concordia events are sponsored by Cattle Bank & Trust.
Get Your Tickets!
Ticketing details coming Fall 2025!
Christmas at Concordia Events
Tree Lighting and Open House
Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.
Weller Hall
Bring your family and friends to celebrate the Christmas season with us! Enjoy refreshments, music and holiday fellowship, with caroling (led by Concordia's Chamber Choir) and the lighting of our trees on either side of the Weller steps.
Christmas at Concordia Concerts
Dec. 5-7
St. John Lutheran Church, Seward
Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.
Christmas at Concordia is a cherished annual tradition of hymns, scripture readings and original music from Concordia students and faculty. More than 3,000 attendees travel from all over the country to attend the concert series, which features the A Cappella Choir, Wind Symphony, Male Chorus, Handbell Choir and Cantamus Women’s Choir.
Christmas Buffet
Dec. 6 at 4:30 - 6:45 p.m.
Cattle Conference Room, Janzow Campus Center
$25.00 per person
Join us for a delightful traditional Christmas buffet while listening to the Concordia University, Nebraska String Ensemble perform holiday music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the concerts be live streamed?
At this time, we will not be livestreaming the Christmas at Concordia concert series, due to music licensing rights and cost. We are investigating options for future concerts, however!
I would like to order tickets for people who have difficulty getting tickets themselves. If I order tickets for others as well as myself, will those orders get canceled?
All ticket orders should be made in the name of those who will be attending the concert. If you are ordering tickets for another person who cannot order for him/herself, you must use their contact information when placing the order.
Who needs a ticket?
Due to sanctuary capacity limits and in adherence to fire code, a ticket is required for anyone who will occupy a seat at the concert. Only children under the age of two who will be held for the entirety of the concert do not require a ticket.
Why am I limited to four (4) total tickets per registrant?
Demand for Christmas at Concordia tickets far exceeds concert capacity. Ticket limits are set and enforced to allow as many people as possible to attend and enjoy the concerts.
What if I have a group larger than four?
If you would like to attend with more than four people, multiple people must register for tickets.
How do I cancel or change my tickets once I completed my order?
Please contact Concordia University, Nebraska to cancel or make changes to your order: Christmas@cune.edu or 402-643-7341.
What if I don't get tickets?
Concordia does not maintain a waiting list for concert tickets. However, a limited number of tickets are typically returned before each concert—these will be made available at the “will call” table, which opens one hour before each concert. These tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. All would-be concert goers are invited to attend any or all of Concordia’s other wonderful music events this fall and winter. The full calendar can be found online at cune.edu/events/music.
Where should I park?
Event parking signs will direct you to available locations at Concordia University, Nebraska, St. John Lutheran Church, and St. John Child Development Center. Side street parking is also available.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Any questions may be emailed to Christmas@cune.edu or call 402-643-7341.
Music at Concordia Nebraska
Concordia University, Nebraska's music programs empower musicians of all backgrounds to glorify God, connect through vibrant ensembles and pursue excellence. Join a Christ-centered community where your musical gifts are nurtured and your faith amplified.
Christmas at Concordia: A Short History
Since its founding, Concordia University, Nebraska has celebrated the birth of Christ through music, especially during the Advent season. In the late 1920s, Professor Karl Haase led Concordia’s male choir and the St. John’s Lutheran Church choir, while Marga Link directed the ladies choir. Together, these groups presented a Christmas song service that concluded with a mass choir performance of Handel’s Messiah.
During the 1930s, annual concerts on campus featured the band as the main ensemble, with choirs singing during intermissions. In 1939, Dr. Theodore Stelzer founded the A Cappella Choir, which helped establish a new tradition of sacred services and campus concerts. Under the direction of Professor Paul Rosel and with accompaniment from the orchestra led by Professor Charles Krutz, the A Cappella Choir continued to lead annual concerts through the 1970s.
In 1980, the event was renamed the “All-Concordia Concert,” expanding to include the brass choir, handbell choir, Concordia Singers, A Cappella Choir and band. In 1988, the event officially became “Christmas at Concordia.” Growing audiences led to multiple performances in Weller Hall, and by 1998, the concerts moved to St. John Lutheran Church. With continued growth, the event expanded to four concerts by 2012. Today, Christmas at Concordia features hundreds of student musicians and remains one of the university’s most cherished traditions: proclaiming the Gospel and glorifying God for the gift of the infant Savior.
As part of our partnership with Cattle Bank & Trust, all registration information will be shared with them.
© 2025, Christmas at Concordia is presented by Concordia University, Nebraska and Cattle Bank & Trust