Watch 20 Years of Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir

The highly anticipated annual Christmas special on BYUtv, '20 Years of Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir', brings viewers yet another year of unforgettable performances by the acclaimed Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, with beautiful carols, classic holiday tunes, and the magic of the season. This year's special features three esteemed guest artists, Richard Elliott, Audra McDonald, and Brian Stokes Mitchell, who complement the choir with their incredible vocals and stage presence.

As the title suggests, the show is a retrospective of the last two decades, with a mix of new and timeless performances that demonstrate why this event has been an audience favorite for so many years. The opening number, featuring the full choir and orchestra for O Come All Ye Faithful, sets a glorious tone for the show, which blends some of the most iconic pieces from past shows with amazing new interpretations.

Richard Elliott, a noted organist, composer and arranger, joins the choir for two numbers, both showcasing his virtuosic abilities at the organ. He plays an absolutely mesmerizing rendition of "Whence is that Goodly Fragrance Flowing?", a beautiful piece that highlights the organ's elegant tones, and is augmented by the choir's angelic voices. He also manages to make an old Christmas favorite, "Good King Wenceslas", into something truly stunning, adding his own flair via the organ.

Audra McDonald, a six-time Tony-award winning performer and celebrated soprano, graces the stage for two songs, "All Through the Night" and "Joy to the World". McDonald's powerful range and emotive delivery lend these beloved classics new depth, as she imbues each with a sense of dynamic passion and joy that is palpable in every note. The choir's harmonies only add to the already remarkable performances.

Perhaps no one, though, steals the show quite like Brian Stokes Mitchell. The Tony-award winning performer illuminates the stage during his solo number of "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep". Mitchell’s smooth baritone voice and impeccable timing is front and center, and it's clear he has a true connection to the meaning of the song. He then joins the choir for a standout performance of "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," with breathtaking vocal runs that match the Choir's rich and resonant harmonies.

The variety of ensemble sizes and arrangements featured in the show is impressive, from full choir and orchestra to small ensembles and soloists. This showcases the range of talent that makes up both the choir and the guest performers. And yet, in spite of all the variations, it's still the small, subtle moments that will truly stick with viewers, such as the unexpectedly beautiful harmonies in "Silent Night," or the tender grace of "Away in a Manger" with a beautiful lullaby-like arrangement by Mack Wilberg that features the beautiful vibrato of the women and men soloists.

Throughout the show, the beautiful architecture of The Tabernacle and incredible projections make it all feel atmospheric and enchanting, immersed in both beauty and spiritual awe. The expertise and skill of the choir and their guest performers is matched by the set design, which manages to be both ornate and understated, highlighting the richness of the music without overwhelming it.

To be sure, for many viewers, watching the show may have become an annual holiday tradition in and of itself. But even if one is brand new to '20 Years of Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir,' it would be almost impossible not to find something to love in this truly amazing production. Everyone involved, from performers to the behind-the-scenes crew, has delivered a truly remarkable experience that brims with joy, love, and of course, the holiday spirit.

In a year when gatherings have been scarce or impossible, this show offers a rare pleasure that can be enjoyed by all. Filled with holiday cheer, great music, and amazing performances, '20 Years of Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir' is a journey that viewers won't forget anytime soon.