Latino Alliance celebrates the season with its annual Noche navideña party

Noche navideña, presented by the CSO Latino Alliance, serves as the annual yuletide mixer for Alliance members and their guests. The event celebrates the season with camaraderie and festive music, as attendees gather for networking, a performance and refreshments.

Held in Symphony Center’s historic Grainger Ballroom on Dec. 20, Noche navideña marked the third of seven events in the 2025-26 Latino Alliance season. The room sparkled with festive red, green and white lights, which coincidentally are the colors of the Mexican flag. “Noche navideña at the CSO has become a treasured tradition because it brings the CSO Latino Alliance and friends together,” said Juan Saldana, Latino Alliance co-chair. "It helps us celebrate this season as a community.”

Attendees dressed in holiday attire, from red-velvet dresses on young girls and “ugly Christmas” sweaters on males of all ages. Young and old, many sported decorative reindeer antlers. Patrons enjoyed holiday cookies and a hot chocolate bar, complete with fixings such as marshmallows and flavorings.

Approximately 200 were ticketed for the event, but a capacity audience gathered in Grainger Ballroom. Festivities began with pre-recorded holiday music in Spanish, including favorites such as “Noche de Paz,” “Blanca navidad” and “El burrito de Belén.” The event featured a short concert by the West Side Community Center Orchestra, consisting of young musicians in holiday tunes, with several in rock/pop or jazz arrangements.

Latino Alliance member Maria Carbonell, mistress of ceremonies, greeted the crowd. "It’s wonderful to be here, celebrating the spirit of the season" and noted the Latino Alliance is marking its 12th anniversary this season. “And with events like this, we open to open the doors to classical music for all.”

After the reception, members and their guests headed into Orchestra Hall for a performance of Merry, Merry Chicago!, Symphony Center’s annual yuletide musical celebration, featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted this year by John Morris Russell.

But first, Russell, conductor of the world-renowned Cincinnati Pops Orchestra since 2011, stopped by Grainger Ballroom to offer greetings of the season. He quickly drew applause from the Latino Alliance crowd when he mentioned that his mother had grown up in Puerto Rico, where she would prepare pasteles and arroz con pollo.

A savory Puerto Rican dish similar to tamales, pasteles are especially enjoyed during Christmastime. They are made from a mash of green bananas, plantains and root vegetables, then topped with seasoned stewed pork or chicken and wrapped in banana leaves before being boiled or steamed.

"I’m honored to be here," Russell told the crowd, "with my people. I’m a complete Christmas nut. I collect all sorts of holiday music, especially in retro formats."

Then the West Side Community Center Orchestra offered a special performance of traditional songs and contemporary holiday favorites (such as “Deck the Halls,” “The 12 Days of Christmas,” “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”). 

After a hearty ovation, Latino Alliance members and guests headed to the hall for “Merry, Merry Chicago!,” featuring a special guest appearance by Santa Claus. Feliz Navidad/Próspero año y felicidad.