the mommy avenger

A few years ago I heard Trans-Siberian Orchestra the same way most people do. Christmas music floating through stores in December or sneaking onto the radio between errands. I thought I knew what they were all about. So when they first came to my city, I was excited to see what I assumed would be a cozy, mellow holiday concert. You know. Sit back. Feel festive.

I found my seat and took a look around. Everyone seemed fired up. The couple next to me asked if I had been to one of their shows before. I told them I had not but I was looking forward to it. They grinned and told me I was about to see the rock concert to end all rock concerts. They said they were lifelong fans. I kind of laughed, sure they were exaggerating. I truly had no idea what they meant.

Then the lights dropped.
And the show started.
And my mind exploded.

This was not your grandma’s gentle Christmas concert. This was a full force, heart pounding, melt your mascara rock show. Guitars. Drums. Electric Violins. Lasers. Fire. Voices that shook the walls. I was not prepared. I was also instantly hooked.

Since that night, I have made it a point to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra whenever they come through Utah. It has become my way of flipping the switch into Christmas mode. I tell friends and family about it every year and more of them join me each time because there is no way to explain this show in words. You have to sit in that seat and feel it for yourself.

This year TSO brought their 2025 Winter Tour, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. I was lucky enough to be there. They delivered everything fans love plus new twists that made the show feel fresh and even more intense. There were drones flying in stunning formations. Colored flames that rippled across the stage. Pyrotechnics that timed perfectly with every beat. And woven through all of it was a touching Christmas story, carried by a narrator whose voice wrapped the music in meaning.

And yes, there is Christmas music. Beautiful arrangements of the classics mixed with high energy originals. But what makes TSO special is how they blend soaring instrumentals with a heartfelt message about hope, light, and finding your way through the season. It is powerful. It is emotional. And it hits you right in the chest.

How TSO Began

Trans-Siberian Orchestra was created in the mid 90s by producer and composer Paul O’Neill. He had a vision to fuse rock, classical, Broadway, storytelling, and massive staging into one experience. Something bold and cinematic. Something that would feel like a gift. His partnership with musicians like Jon Oliva and Al Pitrelli (who I have been lucky enough to see each show) helped mold that vision into what we see today. Over the years TSO has grown into a holiday tradition for millions because they do not just play music. They build an entire world with light, sound, and story.

Fans love them because they care deeply about their craft and about the people sitting in those seats. No shortcuts. No phoning it in. Every note feels intentional. Every year they raise the bar. You feel that effort the second the lights come up.

Want to Experience It Yourself

If you are thinking about going, go. Do not wait. The Ghosts of Christmas Eve tour is traveling the country all season and tickets sell fast every year. Visit the Trans Siberian Orchestra official website to find tour dates, cities, and seats. Bring your kids. Bring your friends. Bring someone who needs a spark.

There is nothing else like a TSO concert. Nothing as loud, warm, joyful, or wild. It is the perfect kickoff to Christmas and a tradition I plan to keep for as long as they keep touring. I have turned into a life-long fan!

If you go, message me and tell me what you think. I love hearing first time reactions. They always sound just like mine did. Wide eyed. Breathless. And totally in awe.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}