36th edition of concert series to bring holiday cheer to children across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties
The New York Yankees and the Steinbrenner Family will host their 36th Annual Children’s Holiday Concert Series with three events this week from Wednesday, Dec. 3, through Friday, Dec. 5.
- Wednesday, Dec. 3 at David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts (10:30 a.m.)
- Thursday, Dec. 4 at Ruth Eckerd Hall (11:15 a.m.)
- Friday, Dec. 5 at Tinker Elementary School, MacDill Air Force Base (9:00 a.m.)
Originally created by George M. Steinbrenner III to spread holiday cheer to underserved and at-risk children in the Tampa Bay region, the concerts provide local elementary school students with exposure to world-class classical arts programming in a Broadway-style theater setting. This year, the free and private performances will be attended by more than 5,000 students (ranging from third to fifth grade) from Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Following each concert, the Steinbrenner family, members of the Hillsborough County and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Offices, celebrity participants and Santa Claus will present every child in attendance with a special holiday gift bag.
At Wednesday’s concert, 2025 AL MVP Aaron Judge and his wife, Samantha Judge, will recite “‘Twas the Night before Christmas,” and at Thursday’s concert, the timeless holiday poem will be read to the children by Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
The shows Wednesday at the David A. Straz Center and Thursday at Ruth Eckerd Hall will also feature performances by The Florida Orchestra and Ballet Theater International, along with a visit from Santa Claus. WTVT FOX 13 Tampa Bay anchor Mark Wilson will serve as the emcee. Friday’s event will consist of performances from music teachers and students from Hillsborough County Schools.