Have Yourself a Very Merry Criss-mas Today

​​Darren Criss loves Christmas.

And not just because his name makes for a good “Crissmas” album. Though it does.

Darren Criss loves Christmas because that’s when some of his best memories were made.

Darren Criss also loves music. 

He’s a self-proclaimed music nerd who admitted that the only people he follows on social media are musicians.

Those are just some of the tidbits Darren shared at his “A Very Darren Crissmas” Live at the Beacon concert.

And that’s what I love about Darren Criss.

It’s easy to get caught up in his classic good looks, perfect curls or admittedly devastating smile, but it’s those little moments Darren shares with the world between songs that really make him shine.

To me, that’s the best part about any and all Darren Criss concerts.

Those little pieces he chooses to share with the world.

Darren laughs easily, curses up a storm and loves performing. His stories show his charm and sense of humor, how much he cares and how much he lives.

What’s not to love about that?

Other things we love about Darren: How much he loves his beautiful and amazing wife, Mia. How his nails are always rocking polish. How he rocks out on guitar on stage or on a live zoom. How he almost always messes up lyrics, even to his own songs. His lovely voice. His inappropriate reindeer onesie pajamas that he wore on stage. How he supports young musicians who are putting themselves out there. That time he spent 15 minutes opening for A.J. Holmes one-man show by telling Shaggy Dog (or feghoot) stories. His love of Disney. Etc.

Basically everything. To say that I’m a Darren fan is correct.

That’s why I was so excited for his Cristmas concert, even though I don’t celebrate Christmas or enjoy most Christmas ballads.

And he did not disappoint. I’m biased (see above) but my favourite song he sang was a Darren original, “Christmas Dance,” and he threw in some bonuses for us, including the ever hilarious “Granger Danger” and his single “For A Night Like This.” He had incredible guests (Lena Hall, Gracie Lawrence, Lainey Wilson, Bruno Major and Norbert Leo Butz), including this drummer (Greyson Nekrutman) who rocked out, a trumpet player (Kellin Hanas) and a saxophone player (Angie Bellows). They were all fantastic, and it was such a treat.

And as a bonus, the concert was at the Beacon Theatre. The only other time I was there was to see The Lightning Thief when it was on tour before Broadway so it’s kind of a magical place for me.

Now I just need Chris McCarrell (who played Percy Jackson to perfection) to drop an album of his Chris MzCarrell(s) (see his Instagram lol).

So Merry Christmas and happy holidays to Darren and Mia (and gestating baby Criss) and everyone who was there in the theatre with me (masked and vaccinated) and everyone who tuned in on the livestream.

What a way to get into the “Crissmas” spirit.

Love, Roxi

(And if you want more spirits, check out “Drunk on Christmas” and other hits on Darren’s “Crissmas” album, available to stream wherever you stream music).

((And Santa, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. Just saying)).