The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) is kicking off the holidays with a little twang and a lot of heart in Holly Dolly Christmas, a festive celebration honoring the one and only Dolly Parton. Nearly 250 singers will take the stage across Chicagoland, joined by dazzling dance numbers and several Dollys in every look, era, and attitude you can imagine. Together, they will bring the country queen’s charm to life in a joyful holiday spectacular. Tickets at cgmc.org/holiday.
“Dolly Parton is so much more than a country legend,” said Artistic Director James Morehead. “She’s a storyteller, a humanitarian, and an icon for the LGBTQIA+ community. Her message of love and resilience resonates deeply with who we are as a chorus. This show captures that spirit.”
Performances of Holly Dolly Christmas will take place December 5–7, 2025, at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium, and North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. Each venue will feature hundreds of voices, a live band, and choreography that transforms Dolly’s greatest hits and holiday favorites into an unforgettable celebration of joy and connection.
“This season, we’re celebrating the divas who have shaped music and inspired our community,” said Managing Director Kevin Corbett. “Dolly reminds us what it means to be bold and authentic. CGMC continues to grow larger, more vibrant, and more diverse than ever. And I think that’s something worth singing about.”
More than a concert, Holly Dolly Christmas is a heartfelt celebration of unity, laughter, and love. As CGMC wraps up another remarkable year, audiences are invited to kick off the season with the warmth and sparkle of Dolly herself, multiplied by 250. Tickets are available now at cgmc.org/holiday.
WHEN/WHERE
- Friday, December 5, 2025 at 8pm - Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
- Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 8pm - Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium, 5500 N St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
- Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 3pm - North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077
TICKETS
Tickets range from $25 - $60 with additional per ticket fees. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit cgmc.org/holiday.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Find us online on Facebook: @ChiGMC, Twitter: @chicagogmc, and Instagram: @cgmc.
ABOUT CHICAGO GAY MEN’S CHORUS
The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) has been an integral part of Chicago’s cultural and gay communities since 1983. For more than three decades, the chorus has entertained audiences across the continent with innovative musical programming exploring everything from love to politics to the sometimes fabulous, sometimes challenging world of being gay; often all at the same time. Our always-memorable performances have included original musical revues; full-length book musicals; traditional choral concerts and intimate cabaret presentations; all punctuated with our signature joyous irreverence. Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2001. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs presented CGMC with the 2023 award for Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities in honor of LGBTQIA+ history month in October 2023. The Chicago City Council passed a resolution celebrating CGMC’s 40th Anniversary in December 2023, and the Chorus was recognized by Mayor Brandon Johnson.