Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular
With Special Guest Aida Cuevas
Featuring Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles
and Mariachi Pueblo Viejo
Fri Dec 18 | 7PM
Sat Dec 19 | 1PM & 7PM
Sun Dec 20 | 1PM
Event details
Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular returns with a Soraya favorite and the Queen of Ranchera, Aida Cuevas — making The Soraya’s 11th-annual tradition perhaps the most memorable yet. Experience and enjoy the holiday traditions of Mexico’s many regions shared through the vibrant costumes and dances of Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles. Mariachi Pueblo Viejo returns for its third season, performing the musical soundscape that takes us on a journey across the regions of Mexico and their varying traditions on Christmas Eve.
Fri Dec 18 | 7PM
Sat Dec 19 | 1PM & 7PM
Sun Dec 20 | 1PM
Ticket prices
$39–$90
“Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular is breathtakingly beautiful,”
— LA Dance Chronicle
Media
About the artist
Nochebuena
The Soraya continues its ongoing commitment to being a leader in producing and presenting programs that shine the spotlight on Mexican cultural celebrations and traditions for audiences across Los Angeles and beyond.
A holiday favorite, Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular provides captivating entertainment that celebrates Mexico’s many vibrant regions and family traditions. Over the past decade, the event has featured many prominent artists, a practice that will continue in 2026 with acclaimed Mexican singer and multiple GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Award winner Aida Cuevas. Previous Nochebuena celebrations have included performances by Ximena Sariñana, José Pepe Martínez Jr., Susana Guzmán, Camila Fernández, and Aida Cuevas among others.
The Soraya’s vast lobby will be transformed for the holidays, complete with traditional Christmas decorations and trees, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, gift merchandise, and specially curated holiday refreshments. All performances of Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular include a special concessions menu featuring tamales, conchas (Mexican sweet bread), holiday cookies, and Abuelita hot chocolate available for purchase.
Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles
Founded in 2011 by Kareli Montoya, Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles has graced venues including the Anaheim Convention Center, Orpheum Theater, Nokia Theater, Greek Theater, John Anson Ford Amphitheater, Santa Barbara Bowl, Valley Performing Arts Center, Staples Center, Tempe Center for the Arts, and Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. BFLA has worked with musicians Lila Downs, Pepe Aguilar, Mariachi Divas, Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán, Mariachi Vargas, and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar.
BFLA assisted Disney Studios with the 2017 release of Coco, performing Pixar’s Coco Live at the Hollywood Bowl and on Disney+. They also performed at the 90th Academy Awards with a rendition of Coco’s Academy Award winning song, “Remember Me.”
Kareli Montoya’s professional career began at age fifteen, when she became the youngest dancer to perform at the legendary La Fonda de Los Camperos. She continued her professional dancing career while attending Cal State LA, where she received a bachelor’s degree in social work in 2011. Having become a first-generation college graduate, Kareli traveled to Mexico to study with Ballet Folklórico de la Universidad de Colima.
During her time in Colima, Kareli continued to acquire new techniques and a stronger passion for Folklórico which then led her to a return to Los Angeles with the goal of establishing her own professional dance company. From this drive, the Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and BFLA Performing Arts Academy, currently known as Thee Academy, were born. She has choreographed for Disney Studios and for the off-Broadway musical Americano.
Mariachi Pueblo Viejo
Mariachi Pueblo Viejo was founded in May 2021 by Manuel Ponce with a vision to honor and preserve the authentic musical traditions of Jalisco, Mexico—the birthplace of mariachi. Rooted in a deep respect for the genre’s history and artistry, the ensemble was created to bring the timeless sound, elegance, and passion of traditional mariachi to audiences across the Southwest and beyond.
In a remarkably short time, Mariachi Pueblo Viejo has established itself as one of the region’s most respected ensembles, earning recognition for its powerful performances, refined musicianship, and unwavering commitment to authenticity. The group has appeared in sold-out performances at The Soraya in Northridge, California, and the historic Tropicana in Las Vegas, captivating audiences with dynamic interpretations of classic mariachi repertoire.
Mariachi Pueblo Viejo has also had the honor of sharing the stage with some of the most celebrated names in mariachi, including Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán and the Grammy Award–winning Mariachi Los Camperos de Jesús “Chuy” Guzmán. In addition, the ensemble has served as the backing mariachi for internationally recognized artists Camila Fernández and Ximena Sariñana, demonstrating its versatility and ability to collaborate at the highest professional level.
Aida Cuevas
With a career spanning more than 50 years, Aída Cuevas is one of the most celebrated voices in traditional Mexican music. Known as “The Queen of Ranchera Music,” she has released 35 albums and earned multiple GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® nominations and awards, becoming the first woman in mariachi music to win both honors.
Cuevas began performing professionally at a young age and rose to international fame through collaborations with legendary artists including Juan Gabriel and Armando Manzanero. Revered for her powerful voice, authenticity, and dedication to preserving Mexico’s musical traditions, she remains one of the genre’s most iconic and influential artists.
“[Aida] Cuevas is to Mexico what Aretha Franklin is to the United States: a powerful voice that encapsulates the essence of her nation’s spirit.”
– Kansas City Star
Upcoming Performances
Featuring Pacific Jazz Orchestra
Chris Walden, conductor
Sutton Foster
Featuring Pacific Jazz Orchestra
Chris Walden, conductor
Sat Sep 19 | 8PM
Somni
with Special Guest
CSUN Jazz “A” Band
