'Cirque du Soleil meets Broadway meets Vegas': Singing Christmas Tree returns

Choir members perform as part of the Singing Christmas Tree at the Expo Centre in Edmonton on Dec. 12, 2024. (Galen McDougall / CTV News Edmonton)

Edmonton's Singing Christmas Tree has officially returned after five years.

"We heard over and over again that people really missed (it). People really missed the way the tree brought them together for the season and put them in the mood for the season," ensemble cast member Shannon Tyler told CTV News Edmonton at the Expo Centre on Thursday, the show's opening night.

"Organizers said let's come back, let's make it bigger, let's make it better. They put their heads together and came up with this enormous show. Think Cirque du Soleil meets Broadway meets Vegas."

Although the singing tree is a tradition dating back five decades, it has returned reimagined, Tyler said.

Accompanying the 150 choir singers on a 10-metre-tall tree this year are some 300 singers and dancers and a full orchestra, led by Emmanuel Fonte.

"It is just a feast for your eyes, a feast for your ears, and one for your soul as well," Tyler said.

There are four shows left throughout the weekend. Tickets range in price from about $40 to $90.

The Singing Christmas Tree's run ended in 2019 after 50 years.