Milwaukee’s Candlelight Concert series offers a one-of-a-kind, multi-sensory musical experience, set in the historic St. James 1868.
The concerts are performed by the talented Listeso String Quartet, with each event highlighting a unique theme under the magical glow of candlelight.
It’s an experience that’s is visually stunning and musically engaging, making it perfect for young music lovers, tweens, and teens who are ready to dive into something a bit more grown-up.
The upcoming themed concerts feature everything from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to holiday carols and pop favorites like Coldplay, Queen, and Adele.
St. James 1868 is a Gothic-revival style church originally built in 1867 and lovingly restored to retain its historic charm. With beautiful stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and lofty ceilings, this venue adds an old-world charm to each concert, making the night feel all the more magical.
Plan Your Visit:
- Arrival: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the concert to allow time for seating. The concert begins promptly, and late arrivals will not be admitted to avoid disturbing the performance.
- Food & Drinks: While no food is served, a selection of wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for separate purchase at the venue.
- Safety Note: All candles used in these events are flameless, ensuring a safe, beautiful environment for all attendees.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More
📅 Dates: Thursday, December 12 & Saturday, December 21 at 6:30 p.m.
📍 Venue: The Abbey at St. James 1868
Experience Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons in an intimate setting that brings each season to life with strings. Alongside Vivaldi’s compositions, enjoy selections by Max Richter and Astor Piazzolla, all crafted to delight classical music lovers. Perfect for a cozy winter evening out with family or friends.
Tentative Program Highlights:
- Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)
- Thaïs: Méditation by Jules Massenet
- Libertango by Astor Piazzolla
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
📅 Dates: Friday, December 13 & Saturday, December 21, with shows at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
📍 Venue: St. James 1868
Bring in the holiday spirit with beloved Christmas carols performed on strings. This concert features timeless classics like Silent Night and Joy to the World, plus a festive sing-along finale. It’s a heartwarming experience ideal for all ages, designed to bring back the wonder of the holiday season.
Tentative Program Highlights:
- 12 Days of Christmas
- Carol of the Bells
- O Holy Night
- The First Noël
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay
📅 Dates: Thursday, December 12 at 8:45 p.m.
📍 Venue: The Abbey at St. James 1868
Coldplay fans, this one’s for you! Enjoy hits like Yellow, Fix You, and A Sky Full of Stars in a candlelit setting that adds a new dimension to these modern classics. This concert brings Coldplay’s music to life with a refreshing string quartet twist, making it a must-attend for fans of all ages.
Tentative Program Highlights:
- Clocks
- Fix You
- The Scientist
- Something Just Like This
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen and More
📅 Date: Thursday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m.
📍 Venue: The Abbey at St. James 1868
Rock out to Queen’s greatest hits in a way you’ve never heard before! This candlelit concert covers classics like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Don’t Stop Me Now, creating an unforgettable tribute to one of rock’s most iconic bands.
Tentative Program Highlights:
- Bohemian Rhapsody
- We Will Rock You
- Somebody to Love
- We Are the Champions
Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele
📅 Date: Thursday, November 21 at 8:30 p.m.
📍 Venue: The Abbey at St. James 1868
Experience the soulful hits of Adele in a stunning, candlelit atmosphere. From Someone Like You to Rolling in the Deep, this concert captures the emotion and beauty of Adele’s music, making for an evening that’s both powerful and intimate.
Tentative Program Highlights:
- Hello
- Someone Like You
- Set Fire to the Rain
- Rolling in the Deep
Candlelight Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” & More
📅 Dates: Thursday, December 19 & Friday, December 20 at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
📍 Venue: St. James 1868
This holiday special combines selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker with other seasonal favorites, creating a beautiful blend of classical and festive music. From the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to Waltz of the Flowers, this concert is a lovely way to celebrate the season in style.
Tentative Program Highlights:
- Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker
- Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker
- Traditional holiday tunes
With such a variety of music themes, Candlelight Concerts offer a chance to introduce kids and teens to classical, holiday, and pop music in a fun, inspiring way
For more festive fun, don’t miss our guide to Live Holiday Shows in Milwaukee and make this season extra special with music, theater, and family magic!
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
