By Marisa Dawson
Photos By Marisa Dawson
Pentatonix brought the holiday spirit to life last night at the CHI Center in Omaha with their Christmas in the City tour, and wow, did they deliver! The Grammy winners filled the arena with their signature a cappella magic, weaving classic Christmas hits across decades, from “Mary, Did You Know?” to “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” plus fan-favorite originals and a soaring “Hallelujah” that left chills in the air. The crowd was engaged all night, singing along to every harmony.
Mid-show, Kevin and Matt stole the spotlight with an epic cello-and-drum duet that built into pure fire- the energy had everyone roaring, ending in a well-deserved standing ovation. Then, in a heartwarming move, the group crossed the arena to a small stage at the back, bringing the music right to fans in the back. On their way back through the crowd, high-fives and smiles flowed freely, making every seat feel front-row.
The fun peaked with interactive games, like rolling giant dice to pick songs and genres on the spot. One roll landed on “Let It Snow” in country style, and Scott Hoying yodeled his way through it with pitch-perfect flair. The arena erupted in laughter and cheers, proving once again why PTX is untouchable live. And as promised in our exclusive pre-show chat, Scott shared big news: “Mark and I are becoming parents,” he announced from the stage, and the crowd’s joyful roar nearly lifted the roof.
From choral roots to innovative layers, Scott told us before the show how classical influences shape everything: “the nuances of the parts… they come so instinctually to us because they’re just part of who we are in our arrangements.” That authenticity shone through every note. Looking ahead, Hoying said he dreams of PTX in 2035 doing “something really epic like a giant orchestral tour.” If last night was any hint, the future sounds legendary.
In our interview, Hoying also opened up about the emotional weight behind the music, sharing how a posthumous collab with Frank Sinatra felt like a “time capsule”: “It was just his vocals in the booth, so you could hear him ruffling the sheet music, and we could hear the bleed of the orchestra from the other room… it was really surreal.” As a tribute to Sinatra, PTX sang several big-band hits last night.
He reflected on legacy too, hoping Pentatonix leaves an echo of “authenticity, leaning in following what you love… not putting on a front and staying honest in everything you do.” With fatherhood on the horizon, that message hit even deeper. Here’s to a group that keeps evolving, inspiring and spreading joy one perfect harmony at a time. What a night, Omaha- here’s to harmony, family and holiday joy!
