Fire. Snow. Lasers. And a violinist surfing above the crowd. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra brought it all to Erie, Pa., on a recent weekend, but nothing could outshine their jaw-dropping performances.
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As TSO-newbies, my family and I walked into the arena expecting good music and a fun show—but what we experienced was so much more. From the dazzling light displays to the snow that magically fell over the crowd, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra show was like stepping into an immersive holiday dreamland, complete with rock guitar riffs, stunning visuals, and a stage erupting in flames time and time again.
Find a Trans-Siberian Orchestra show near you, and get tickets now!
My sometimes hard-to-please teens — who I’d purposely kept in the dark about what to expect — were blown away.
“I thought it was going to be a boring orchestra,” my 13-year-old son admitted. “But … wow.”
 Kara Murphy | Macaroni KID Erie |
The author and her kids, with snow falling around them, at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra show in Erie in November 2024.
Don’t just take my word for it—two other Macaroni KID publishers also experienced the magic of TSO with their families and were equally amazed.
“There was so much energy," Shalan Brase, of Broomfield, Colo shared. "From the lights and flames to the energy of the musicians to the crowd around us … it was what I expected and more."
Aaron Seligman, of Madison, Wisconsin, agreed, describing it as “intense — a feast for the senses."
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Don’t Miss the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in a City Near You!
Fire, snow, lasers, and unforgettable holiday magic—experience it all live with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! The 2024 winter tour is taking over dozens of cities across the U.S. and Canada this holiday season, so there’s a good chance they’re performing near you.
🎟️ Find your city and grab tickets now.
Don’t wait—their shows typically sell out fast, and this is one holiday tradition your family will talk about all season long!
Standout moments
The standout moments? Oh, there were plenty. My teens couldn’t stop talking about the fire effects, and neither could Shalan's youngest son, Mathis, 4. He declared, “The fire was my favorite, like when the stairs were on fire!” Shalan's favorite moment was when two performers literally surfed above the crowd. Yes, you read that right.
 Aaron Seligman | Macaroni KID Madison |
Aaron Seligman's 5-year-old daughter wowed by the music and special effects at the TSO show. They attended in Wisconsin.
And let’s not forget the emotional side. TSO weaves in a beautiful storyline that really tugs at your heartstrings. This year's story features "The Lost Christmas Eve," on the stage for the first time since 2013.
"It was a nice mix to have a story and still do some of the greatest hits of the holidays," Aaron said. "It definitely kept the kids' attention the whole time."
3 TSO tips from our parents who attended:
- Be mindful of the sensory overload: The show is loud, flashy, and long—amazing for most families, but it could be overwhelming for little ones or kids with sensory issues. "My crew loved the lighting and visual effects, but it might be too much for people with sound or light sensitivity," Shalan said.
- Bring ear protection: Consider earplugs or headphones, especially for younger kids. It can make all the difference in their comfort during the performance, Aaron suggested.
- Plan for the timing: Evening shows can be late and leave kids extra tired afterward. If you can, consider a matinee performance—it’s a great option for families, even with teens.
A holiday experience like no other
Whether it’s the rock music, the epic light show, or the magic of snow falling indoors, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra delivers a holiday experience like no other. Don’t wait—grab tickets now and make it a season to remember!
 Kara Murphy | Macaroni KID Erie |
