Staff reports  |  Take a break from the frenzy of the holiday “to do” list by enjoying an afternoon or evening at the Charleston Gaillard Center.

Two of the biggest names in big band jazz will be at the Gaillard on Friday, Dec., 7 and Saturday, Dec.  On Friday, Harry Connick Jr. brings his big band and New Orleans influence to toast the holiday and perform a selection of holiday favorites. New Orleans native Wynton Marsalis brings back the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on Saturday for a big band holiday concert that is certain to swing in the holiday spirit. Both shows begin at 7:30 pm.

Fans of inspired holiday music can ring in the holidays with Chris Tomlin, an accomplished church singer whose worship-focused catalogue has made him TIME Magazine’s “most often sung artist anywhere.” Join Chris as he brings praise and worship to the meaning of holiday spirit. This performance is on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.