Grammy and Tony nominated artists to headline Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Holiday Festival

Maggie Rose, The Frontmen, Michael Cavanaugh and Emmaline headline Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Holiday Festival this season

The Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center will once again transform Dr. Phillips Center’s three-acre frontyard into a holiday destination with live performances, twinkling light displays, nightly snowfall, holiday gift shopping, fire pits, family-friendly games, food and drinks. 

The free festival which runs from Nov. 27 through Dec. 31 has just announced an impressive lineup of entertainment for this year's event, with two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Maggie Rose, country trio The Frontmen, Broadway’s Michael Cavanaugh and jazz vocalist and violinist Emmaline all set to perform on the Grand Stage.

Headliners:

Friday, Nov. 27 -  Swingin’ Holiday Big Band - 7 and 9 p.m.

The big band opens the festival on Thanksgiving Day. Step back into the golden age of holiday TV specials, with 16 musicians with full brass and saxes and and a vocalist. 

Friday, Dec. 4 - BK Jackson’s Jingle Jazz Tour - 7 and 9 p.m.

Tampa native saxophonist BK Jackson, who toured four years with Prince in the NPG Hornz and a decade with Trombone Shorty’s Orleans Avenue, is joined by gospel vocalist Bobbi Storm, who scored a No. 1 Billboard Hot Gospel Songs hit and Billboard-charting jazz artist Gino Rosaria.

Thursday, Dec. 10 - The Frontmen (Country Night) - 7 and 9 p.m.

Three legends: Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar), Larry Stewart (of Restless Heart) and Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas) will perform hits including “Amazed,” “God Blessed Texas” and “The Bluest Eyes in Texas.”

Friday, Dec. 11 - Maggie Rose - 8 p.m.

The Nashville-based artist earned back-to-back Grammy nominations for her 2024 album “No One Gets Out Alive” and 2025 single “Poison in My Well.” Her latest album, “Half Moon,” was released in August.

Saturday, Dec. 12 - Michael Cavanaugh - 8 p.m.

Hailed as “a new piano man” by Broadway World, the Tony- and Grammy-nominated performer brings “A Merry Rockin’ Christmas,” pairing modern favorites such as “Last Christmas” and “Wonderful Christmastime” with classics such as “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Winter Wonderland,” plus pop and rock hits by Billy Joel, Elton John and others.

Friday, Dec. 18 - CeCe Teneal - 7 and 9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 19 - Emmaline - 8 p.m.

“Have Yourself a Jazzy Little Christmas” features viral hits from her new Christmas album alongside holiday classics.

Saturday, Dec. 26 | Gary Lovini | 8 p.m.

Theme Night Thursdays: 

Dec. 3 — Latin Night with Los Wizzards and Los Bombys

Dec. 10 — Country Night with The Frontmen – Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar), Larry Stewart (of Restless Heart), and Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas)

Dec. 17 — Yacht Rock Night with New Kids on the Yacht

Central Florida performers include Opera Orlando, the Orlando Gay Chorus, the Bach Festival Choir, the Brass Band of Central Florida, O-Town Brass and Ericka Dunlap, along with area high school choirs and Dr. Phillips Center student ensembles.

Additional performances take place daily on The Alpine Chalet stage. More performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Admission is free. For the current schedule, hours and festival updates, visit drphillipscenter.org.

Sunday Movie Nights – sponsored by OUC – The Reliable One

Guests are invited to enjoy free holiday movie screenings in the Frontyard at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. each Sunday, with a lineup of holiday classics and sing-along favorites for the whole family.

• Nov. 29 – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & The Muppet Christmas Carol

• Dec. 6 – The Year Without a Santa Claus & Elf

• Dec. 13 – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & Home Alone

• Dec. 20 – The Year Without a Santa Claus & The Preacher’s Wife

• Dec. 27 – The Greatest Showman: Sing-Along Version - showing both times

Santa’s Story Nook

Families can stop by Santa’s Story Nook for sing-alongs and storytelling with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their Elves, with sessions throughout each festival day.

Live Music at The Alpine Chalet

The Alpine Chalet welcomes Central Florida artists throughout the season, including Viridian Jazz, Belles & Beaux, Thomas Milovac Quartet, Carol & Billy, Ella & The Bossa Beat, Jensey! and Gilly & the Girl.

Along with Fraser & Fir Tavern, the Alpine Chalet offers a full-service bar and is available to rent for private and semi-private holiday parties by contacting events@drphillipscenter.org.

Cast in Bronze: The Carillon Returns

North America’s only transportable carillon returns to the Frontyard. Featuring nearly four tons of bronze bells, this one-of-a-kind instrument rings in the season as the festival opens and closes each night.

Every Day at the Festival

• All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting, illuminating The Tree of Light sponsored by The Main Law Firm

• Let It Snow, Let It Snow nightly snowfall sponsored by FAIRWINDS Credit Union

• Wintertide Game Lawn sponsored by Massey Services, Inc.

• Gift Giving sponsored by the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board

• Little Elves’ Workshop with holiday crafts and letters to Santa

• AdventHealth Photo Booth

• Fireside s’mores, hot cocoa, cider, specialty cocktails, mulled wine and seasonal bites

The festival is open 27 days, Nov. 27 through Dec. 31: Wednesday through Sunday until Dec. 13, then every day starting Dec. 16.

Dates, times and programming are subject to change and additional entertainment will be added as it is confirmed. Guests can find the full schedule, including food and beverage offerings and seasonal activities at drphillipscenter.org.

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