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San Xavier del Bac Overview

While Mission San Xavier del Bac is a worthwhile cultural excursion any time (I first went on a junior high field trip!), my favorite time to visit is the invitation-only Christmas concert hosted at the Mission each year. There are other concerts held throughout the year, but there is just something magical about Christmas at San Xavier del Bac. Traditionally there is a sampling of featured performers mixed into a series of songs by the Orpheus Men’s Choir and the Tucson Boys Choir, though the performer line up can change each year. The first time I went to the Christmas Concert at San Xavier in 2014, the well-traveled, elderly gentleman sitting next to me leaned over after the concert and shared, “That is the most amazing thing I have ever experienced!”

Logistics

First off, you will need to contact the Patron San Xavier to request your name be put on the invitation list. In a traditional format, only mailed invitations are sent; nothing is electronic! Be sure to have your name added to the invitation list by late summer in order to improve your chances of being added to the invitation list. Contact Patronato San Xavier at 520-407-6130 or by email: info <at> patronatosanxavier.org. Once you receive an invite, be sure to promptly return your request for tickets, as there is only seating for approximately 300 people for each concert. The Christmas concerts always sell out! Tickets are typically in the ballpark of $90 each, with the majority of that amount being a tax-deductible donation towards the Patronato San Xavier for continued stewardship of the building.

If traveling to the concert for the evening and you don’t live in the Tucson area, be sure to leave plenty of margin in your itinerary for traffic and other dynamics that could add to your travel journey. Alternately, plan an overnight trip or extended weekend around the concert. Plan to be there at least 15 minutes ahead of your concert time. The doors at the Mission close PROMPTLY at the concert’s commencement and ticket holders are not allowed in thereafter.

View from the East Chapel Bench

Gear and Gadgets

There is quite a bit of thermal mass in the building walls, but be sure to dress appropriately given the respective evening’s weather. There are no modern heating or air conditioning systems in the mission.

If you are not a fan of sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods, you might want to bring some sort of pad to sit on; seating is functional, but was not designed to the same standards and comfort levels as modern concert venues! 🙂

San Xavier del Bac Overview

Logistics

Gear and Gadgets

Further Reading