Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch in

“A Swinging Birdland Christmas”

Returning to Birdland for the SIXTEENTH Consecutive Year

Sunday and Monday, December 20 and 21, 2026

Now in its sixteenth sparkling season, A Swinging Birdland Christmas has become a cherished holiday tradition at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club. Inspired by the great television variety specials of yesteryear, the show brings together Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso, and Billy Stritch for an evening of swinging seasonal cheer. With dazzling arrangements of classics like “The Christmas Waltz,” Kay Thompson’s “Holiday Season,” “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” “Snow,” and “It Happened in Sun Valley,” the trio infuses timeless favorites with wit, warmth, and plenty of swing. Backed by Steve Doyle on bass and Eric Halvorson on drums, this yuletide spectacular is equal parts music, merriment, and Birdland magic. 

This year, “A Swinging Birdland Christmas,” will play a limited engagement of four performances, Sunday and Monday, December 21 and 22.  Show times are listed below.

The trio has released a Deluxe Edition of their popular cd, “Christmas at Birdland,” produced by Wayne Haun on the Club44 Records label.
 

“A Swinging Birdland Christmas”

Sunday and Monday, December 20 and 21, 2026 5:30pm, 8:30pm, and 10:30pm 

Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC

$50