Five Voices, One Magical Night: Pentatonix Sparks Holiday Joy in Rochester, NY

Dec 7, 2025

6 min read

On December 4th, 2025, over 11,000 fans braved frigid (18° F) temperatures to fill the Blue Cross Arena to near capacity, looking to have their spirits warmed with some Christmas magic from the uber-talented a cappella group Pentatonix. The group is on their "Christmas in the City Tour," which kicked off on November 8th and will run until December 22nd, traversing the USA. The tour supports a brand new holiday album, aptly named "Christmas in the City."

But first, a little backstory on Pentatonix, also known as PTX. Formed in 2011 in Arlington, Texas, the group has since risen to international fame after winning season 3 (2011) of NBC's The Sing-Off. Group members are Scott Hoying - Baritone, Kirstin Maldonado - Mezzo-soprano, Mitch Grassi - tenor, Kevin Olusola - beat box(vocals) & cello, and Matt Sallee - bass(vocals) & drums. PTX has recorded 12 studio albums, 6 Eps, 34 singles, and 58 music videos to date. The group has amassed millions of followers across various social media platforms and listeners on music streaming platforms. The quintet has earned numerous awards, including three Grammys, and even has its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

I was familiar with PTX from hearing their music on the radio, and was looking forward to attending a PTX live show, as I had never been to one before. Fans of all ages entered the venue, anticipating the start of the concert. At about 7:35pm, the show started, and the audience cheered loudly as the group took the stage singing "Christmas In The City." From the very beginning, my impression was "WOW," and that feeling stayed with me throughout the entire show! The stars of the show were the group's voices, spreading a cappella magic throughout the venue. I was also impressed with the stage set. A two-level stage with a large video wall backdrop featuring multiple "scenes" and a dazzling array of effects played throughout the show. The group played through some Christmas favorites: "Silver Bells," "The 12 Days of Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy," and a terrific version of "White Winter Hymnal."

After performing these songs, the group brought two large inflatable dice on stage for an interactive game called Ding Dong Dice. Each number on the dice represented a song title or genre, displayed on large screens on stage.

The first round involved two rolls with one die, and the second round used both dice. After singing traditional Christmas songs in the first round, they continued to the second round. The fun started when "Feliz Navidad" was performed in the style of a sea shanty. The group clearly had some fun with that combination, explaining that it hasn't happened yet, and nailing the mashup. Fans loved it! At the close of the game, one lucky fan received an autographed die thrown into the stands! A standout song for me was the group's rendition of "Mary Did You Know?" The venue fell eerily silent as fans were mesmerized by the beautiful vocal performance. At 8:20 PM, the group announced a 15-minute intermission.

PTX took the stage for Act II of the show with an outfit change and got fans right back into the Christmas spirit with "Holly Jolly Christmas," "Snowing In Paris," and "Meet Me Next Christmas." Following these songs, Scott explained that the upcoming few songs were a tribute to Christmas misfits. A really cool version of "You're A Mean One Mr Grinch" was performed with the venue bathed in green light. Fans loved the interaction of finding Elf in the venue before "Elf" on a shelf. Rounding out the misfit songs were "Blitzen" and "Bah Humbug." The entire venue had a chance to participate with their cell phone flashlights in a TikTok video recorded of Scott dancing a jig to "God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen." Another memorable moment was an instrumental performance with Kevin playing the Cello and Matt on Drums. It was an unforgettable piece, and fans showed their appreciation with a standing ovation!

Fans at the rear of the venue got to see four songs performed on a small stage located behind the soundboard. A highlight from that stage was the song "Humankind," which inspired fans to light up the venue with their phones. As the group made their way down the aisles back to the main stage, they stopped along the way to give fans high fives, leaving them smiling from the interaction.

Once on the main stage, the show was coming to an end as the group sang "It's the Most Wonderful Time Of The Year." The show was over as the group members walked offstage, and the arena erupted in applause, with fans on their feet. PTX came back onstage after a very brief exit for an encore song performance of "Hallelujah." It was a magical ending to the show, and fans gave another standing ovation, but the group had one more surprise. The five group members gathered around a microphone and sang a mashup of "Pure Imagination/Christmas Time is Here." The entire venue fell silent again, with all ears listening to the breathtaking performance! Group members said their thank yous and goodbyes to the fans of the Rochester show, waving as they exited the stage. At about 9:30 PM, the house lights came on, and Christmas music played on the house sound system.

It seemed to me that Pentatonix really did spread some Christmas cheer, as I witnessed many fans smiling, signing, and dancing as they exited the venue. If you are fortunate to be near one of the lucky cities on the "Christmas In The City Tour", don't miss it! Happy Holidays to All!

Setlist:Act 1:

Intro

Christmas In The City

Silver Bells

12 Days of Christmas

Little Drummer Boy

White Winter Hymnal(Fleet Foxes cover)

Ding Dong Dice Roll Game: Roll 1 & 2 uses one die with the song title. Roll 3 & 4 use two dice. The first roll is the song title, and the second roll is the style of music.

First Roll: We Need A Little Christmas(Jerry Herman cover)

Second roll: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Third roll: Feliz Navida(José Feliciano cover)performed Sea Shanty Style

Fourth roll: Let It Snow(Vaughn Monroe cover) performed Country Style

Please Santa Please/ Kid on Christmas/I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (Medley)

Mary Did You Know? (Buddy Greene cover)

Santa Be Good To My Baby

INTERMISSION: 15 Minutes