Cincinnati is the birthplace of Saengerfest in America, a German singing festival that took place in a temporary exhibition structure built on the current Music Hall property in the latter half of the 1800s. By 1870, the popular music festival consisted of almost 2,000 singers and more than 60 area choirs.
Seven years ago, American Legacy Tours realized that there hadn’t been a Saengerfest in Cincy since 1952, and with the popularity of the World Choir Games, the company decided to bring it back.
Twenty-one choirs and vocal groups are taking over Over-the-Rhine this holiday season, giving you an excuse to tour historic churches, breweries and Memorial Hall. The seventh-annual Christmas Saengerfest features seven venues, each hosting performances from 21 different vocal groups. The Friday and Saturday (Nov. 30-Dec.1) concerts begin at 7 p.m. and run hourly through 10 p.m.
The choirs performing this year include groups ranging from the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and the May Festival Community Chorus Ensemble to the Delta Kings and Cincinnati Sound Chorus.
The event is open to all ages, so you can bring everyone down to get into the holiday spirit.
For details on American Legacy Tours' special Christmas Saengerfest offerings ($30 for luxury shuttles between venues; children 12 and under ride for free with an adult) and a full schedule of performances, click here.
