An hour of carols sung by the boy choristers of Saint Thomas, in the stone nave of a Fifth Avenue church a block from the holiday window crowds, with Jeremiah Stephenson on organ and hymns you are meant to sing along to. Richard Tanner conducts a mix of traditional carols and contemporary winter favorites, with no intermission to lose a child's attention to. If you want the Christmas-in-New-York feeling in sixty minutes, this is it.
What to expect
You get about an hour, no intermission, in the nave of Saint Thomas Church. The Boys of the Saint Thomas Choir sing traditional carols and contemporary winter pieces with organ accompaniment, and there are sing-along hymns where the audience joins in. Two performances are offered, one in the late afternoon and one at midday.
Good to know
- Saint Thomas Church is at Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street; the E or M to Fifth Av–53 St is closest.
- It runs about an hour with no intermission, which suits younger children far better than a full oratorio.
- There are sing-along hymns, so expect to use your voice.
- A livestream ticket is sold for anyone who cannot get there in person.
- The Fifth Avenue store windows are a short walk away — easy to fold into one outing.
- Column sightlines vary in a church nave; arrive early if you want a clear view of the choir.
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Common questions
Is this good for kids?
Yes — Saint Thomas bills it as a family-friendly concert, about an hour long with no intermission.
Who performs?
The Boys of the Saint Thomas Choir with Jeremiah Stephenson on organ, conducted by Richard Tanner.
Do I have to sing?
Sing-along hymns are part of the program, but nobody is checking whether you join in.
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