SPRINGFIELD — Madison Curbelo will take the stage at MGM Springfield’s outdoor plaza the Friday after Thanksgiving to help ring in the Christmas season.
“I know some people think it might be too early, but I think we’re going to kick things off in a really good way,” she said in an interview with The Republican.
Curbelo, who is best known for her semifinalist finish on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2024, is performing as part of MGM Springfield’s annual tree lighting ceremony and the opening of the city’s seasonal outdoor ice-skating rink.
Festivities kick off at 5:15 p.m. with special appearances by the New England Patriots cheerleaders, Pat the Patriot, Red Sox mascot Wally, Springfield Thunderbirds’ mascot Boomer, and Santa.
When Curbelo takes the stage at 5:30 p.m., she will play a mix of holiday classics, “songs that I just grew up listening to, and every year those songs get me in the mood for Christmas,” she said.
Curbelo has had a busy year performing shows across the country with her band and she’ll be looking to add more tour dates in the new year.
But for now, she’s happy to be home for the holidays.
Getting in the holiday spirit ahead of her concert, Curbelo talked about her favorite Christmas tradition — staying up all night with her family on Christmas Eve.
“My cousins, my aunts, my uncles, friends of the family, everyone will come, and we’ll all stay up until midnight so we can celebrate the beginning of Christmas all together,” she said. “We play music, we dance, we eat really good Puerto Rican food — which is my favorite part.”
The festivities at MGM Springfield will continue at 6 p.m. with brief remarks by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno followed by the tree lighting ceremony, which marks the official opening of the ice-skating rink.
The tree lighting ceremony, including Curbelo’s concert, is free and open to all in the community. Tickets are required for the ice-skating rink and can be purchased in person.
“This festive tradition is one we look forward to all year. We’re especially thrilled to welcome Westfield native and ‘The Voice’ semifinalist Madison Curbelo to the stage to perform holiday favorites,” said Amanda Croteau, MGM Springfield’s Director of Entertainment, in a statement. “We hope you’ll join us for an evening filled with music, joy, and the magic of the season.”
The ice-skating rink will remain open through Jan. 4, including on holidays. Normal hours are Wednesday and Thursday, from 4-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 1-10 p.m.; and Sunday, from noon to 10 p.m. Holiday hours, which include Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, are noon-10 p.m.
For more information on the ice-skating rink, go online to mgmspringfield.com/icerink.
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