Lea Salonga Joins Sir David Suchet in PBS' 'Season of Light' Christmas Special

Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir

Anyone who knows me knows I love Christmas music. From Top 40 pop songs like Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas" to "Go Tell It On the Mountain" sung by a gospel choir, I love it all. So it's no surprise that I enjoy the Tabernacle Choir's annual Christmas performance.

Every year, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir puts on a Christmas show. The theme is different every year as well as the songs. Last year's performance on PBS featured Broadway actress/singer Megan Hilty and actor Neil McDonough. This year's performance features actress/singer Lea Salonga and actor Sir David Suchet with a story about a man who decided to forego a ski vacation in order to help refugees during the holocaust. His effort saved almost 700 children from certain death.

Here's everything we know about the 2023 Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir.

What is Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir?

Tony Award-winning Disney and Broadway star Lea Salonga and renowned actor Sir David Suchet shine in this holiday special that weaves together inspirational music with a hope-filled story from World War II to welcome the spirit of the season.

This year's performance also celebrates the Jewish faith and Hanukkah by regaling the true story of Sir Nicholas Winton, a humble London stockbroker who opted to cancel his plans for a Christmas ski trip in 1938 in order to help refugees in Prague. He continued his efforts at home in London after his three-week "vacation" in the Czech capitol ended. His work ultimately helped to rescue 669 Jewish children from certain death during the Holocaust and World War II though his efforts would go largely unnoticed for almost 50 years. Winton lived to be 106.

What music will be performed on Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir?

Listen for traditional Christmas music like "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "Ding Dong! Merrily on High" as well a beloved Filipino Christmas Carol song in traditional Tagalog by Lea Salonga.

Meet the featured performers from Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir

Lea Salonga

Tony Award-winning Salonga has been the singing voice for not one, but two Disney princesses. She was the singing voice for Mulan as well as Jasmine in Aladdin. She originated the role of Kim in Miss Saigon in London's West End as well as reprising the role when it opened on Broadway. Salonga was the first Asian to win a Tony award for her performance.

In July 2023, Salonga returned to Broadway, and specifically to the same theatre where Miss Saigon ran, to produce and appear in Here Lies Love, a musical from David Byrne and Fatboy Slim.

Fun fact: Salonga often collaborates with her brother, Gerard Salonga, who is a composer, conductor and arranger.

Related: Lea Salonga Talks Travel, Theater and Disney Princesses

Sir David Suchet

Suchet is a British stage and screen actor best known for playing the titular role of Hercule Poirot in the British mystery series, Agatha Christie's Poirot. On stage, he's played Captain Hook in Peter Pan, Salieri in Amadeus and Professor Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes. On the big screen he's appeared in Iron Eagle, Harry and the Hendersons, and The Falcon and the Snowman. On television, he's appeared in Hidden, Great Expectations, and Doctor Who.

When does the 2023 Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir premiere?

The 2023 Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir will air on Friday, Dec. 22 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS.

How can I watch the 2023 Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir again?

The program will be free to stream on PBS.com and BYUtv.org throughout the holidays after its premiere. Additional airdates are as follows:

Sunday, Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. ET on PBS
Monday, Dec. 25 at 1:30 a.m. ET on PBS
Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 4 a.m. ET on PBS

When was the 2023 Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir filmed?

Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir featuring Lea Salonga and Sir David Suchet was filmed last year in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Who has performed at Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir?

Past performers include Hugh Bonneville, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Sutton Foster, Megan Hilty, Neal McDonough, and Kristin Chenoweth.

Does Parade have a sneak peek of Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir?

Sing it on high! We certainly do! Check out this Parade exclusive behind-the-scenes vignette with Lea Salonga.