Straight No Chaser
Tour

The Straight No Chaser Story and the Modern Touring Life

Straight No Chaser is one of the most unusual success stories in modern live music. A group of Indiana University undergrads founded the original lineup in 1996, recorded their now-famous take on The 12 Days of Christmas in 1998, then went their separate ways after graduation. Almost a decade later, when one of the original members posted the old recording to YouTube, the video went viral overnight and Atlantic Records signed the group on the strength of that single clip. The original lineup has been touring almost continuously since the late 2000s.

Today SNC averages somewhere between 50 and 100 dates per year split across two distinct touring properties. The longest-running is the Making Spirits Bright holiday tour, which runs every November and December and has become a multi-generational holiday tradition for families across the country. The summer property has rotated over the years -- The Speakeasy Tour, Top Shelf, Open Bar -- and in 2026 it lives as Beach Bash, leaning into the warm-weather arrangements and a beachy mash-up format.

The 2026 schedule includes nearly 50 dates across both legs, beginning June 16 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ and wrapping December 28 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, FL. In between the tour hits performing arts centers, historic theaters, and casino ballrooms in markets like Boston, MA; Portsmouth, NH; North Bethesda, MD; Lancaster, PA; Westhampton Beach, NY; Stamford, CT; Morristown, NJ, and dozens of other cities along the way.

The SNC live experience is what fans come back for year after year. The catalog is built around tight a cappella arrangements of Carol of the Bells, Christmas Can-Can, the legendary 12 Days of Christmas mash-up with Toto Africa, plus modern pop arrangements and original songs. The shows are also famously funny -- between songs the members ride the audience, ride each other, and turn each stop into something that feels half concert, half sketch comedy.

For new fans wondering where to start, the Making Spirits Bright tour is the iconic SNC experience -- the holiday spectacular that built the brand. The Beach Bash run is a chance to see the group in summer mode, with a setlist designed to feel like a warm-weather party.

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How to Buy Straight No Chaser Tickets

1. Browse the schedule above for the date and city closest to you.
2. Pick your seats based on the venue map and your budget -- SNC plays mostly small to mid-sized rooms, so most seats are good seats.
3. Check out on BigStub with no hidden fees and a buyer guarantee on every order.
4. Get your tickets delivered to your phone in time for the show.

Are tickets available through other channels?

Yes. Tickets may also be available through venue box offices, the official SNC website, and authorized primary sellers like Ticketmaster. BigStub offers verified resale options when those run low or sell out.

What is the difference between Beach Bash and Making Spirits Bright?

Beach Bash is the summer leg, focused on warm-weather pop, beachy mash-ups, and new arrangements. Making Spirits Bright is the long-running winter holiday tour, focused on Christmas classics, the famous 12 Days mash-up, and family-friendly holiday material. Different setlists, same group, same comedic chemistry.

What kind of venues does SNC play?

The group plays performing arts centers, historic theaters, and casino ballrooms with capacities typically between 800 and 2,500 seats. The 2026 tour includes stops at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, The Cabot, the Music Hall in Portsmouth, the Music Center at Strathmore, the American Music Theatre, the Mayo Performing Arts Center, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, among many others.

Are resale tickets on BigStub legitimate?

Yes. BigStub has been a trusted ticket resale marketplace for over 20 years, holds the highest Trustpilot rating in the industry, and backs every order with a buyer guarantee. There are no hidden fees at checkout.

Can I resell SNC tickets if I cant attend?

Yes. BigStub allows ticket resale through the marketplace if your plans change. Visit the seller dashboard for instructions on listing and pricing your tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Straight No Chaser tour?

SNC tours nearly continuously, averaging 50 to 100 dates per year split between a summer leg and the Making Spirits Bright holiday tour in November and December. There is almost always an upcoming Straight No Chaser show somewhere in the country.

What is the Making Spirits Bright tour?

Making Spirits Bright is Straight No Chasers annual holiday tour, the franchise that put the group on the map. The setlist features Christmas classics, the iconic 12 Days of Christmas mash-up with Toto Africa, Christmas Can-Can, Carol of the Bells, and family-friendly comedy bits between songs. The tour runs every November and December.

What is the Beach Bash tour?

Beach Bash is Straight No Chasers summer 2026 tour, swapping the holiday catalog for warm-weather pop, beach-themed mash-ups, and new arrangements designed for the warmer months. The tour runs through theaters across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Where is Straight No Chaser from?

Straight No Chaser was founded at Indiana University in Bloomington in 1996. The current touring lineup includes original members and members who joined after the group went pro following their 2007 YouTube breakthrough.

Are Straight No Chaser shows family-friendly?

Yes. SNC concerts are widely considered family entertainment, particularly the Making Spirits Bright holiday tour. Younger fans may need their own ticket depending on venue policy -- check with the specific venue before purchasing.

How long is a Straight No Chaser concert?

Most SNC shows run about two hours including a brief intermission. The setlist mixes a cappella arrangements, comedy bits, audience interaction, and a sentimental closer.

What is the most famous Straight No Chaser arrangement?

The original 12 Days of Christmas mash-up that incorporates Toto Africa is the arrangement that went viral on YouTube in 2007 and launched the group recording career. It remains a setlist staple of the Making Spirits Bright tour.

Do they use any instruments live?

No. SNC is 100% a cappella -- ten voices, no instruments, no backing tracks. The arrangements use vocal percussion and harmonies to fill out everything from bass lines to drums.

Where can I find SNC merch?

Merchandise is sold at venue booths on tour, and the official sncmusic.com website has an online store with vinyl, CDs, apparel, and signed memorabilia from the current touring cycle.

What venues is SNC playing in 2026?

The 2026 tour visits performing arts centers and historic theaters including the Count Basie Center for the Arts, The Cabot, the Music Hall in Portsmouth, the Music Center at Strathmore, the American Music Theatre, the Mayo Performing Arts Center, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and many more across the country.

How much do Straight No Chaser tickets cost?

Ticket prices vary by venue, seat location, and tour leg. Holiday Making Spirits Bright dates tend to be the priciest given the tradition demand; Beach Bash summer dates can be more affordable. Check the listings above for current pricing.

Are resale tickets on BigStub legitimate?

Yes. BigStub has operated as a trusted ticket resale marketplace for over 20 years, holds the highest Trustpilot rating in the industry, and backs every order with a buyer guarantee. There are no hidden fees at checkout.

What if a show is cancelled or rescheduled?

BigStub processes refunds for cancelled shows per the buyer guarantee. Rescheduled shows typically honor the original ticket. Contact BigStub customer service for any specifics on your order.