Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2026 at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater – Dec 4 Tickets & Info
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2026 returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater for its 29th anniversary on Friday, December 4.
Chart-topping, Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz—affectionately known as “Santa Koz” during the holidays—brings the longest-running jazz-based Christmas tour back to the Tampa Bay area. The 29th edition of the Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour stops at Ruth Eckerd Hall (1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, FL 33759) on Friday, December 4, 2026. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the performance starting at 8:00 p.m.
This year’s lineup pairs Koz with longtime collaborator Jonathan Butler (guitarist/vocalist) and special guests Haley Reinhart (powerhouse vocalist), Dylan Chambers (guitarist/vocalist), and Erin Stevenson (vocalist), plus a strong supporting band. The show blends nostalgia and fresh energy: festive Christmas classics, a Chanukah medley, heartwarming stories, surprises, and selections from the artists’ catalogs.
On the official tour site, Koz describes the 29th year as mixing “the old and the new”—welcoming back Butler while introducing newer talents he hopes will become mainstays. He emphasizes holiday joy, love, connection, and an unforgettable evening that leaves audiences smiling after the final encore. Artist bios on the site highlight Koz’s smooth-jazz legacy, radio hosting, and collaborations; Butler’s soulful South African jazz/R&B roots; Reinhart’s American Idol fame and versatile jazz-pop-rock voice; Chambers’ Texas-to-L.A. pop-funk-soul style; and Stevenson’s high-energy background work with major stars and solo releases.
Ruth Eckerd Hall, a well-regarded performing-arts venue with excellent acoustics and capacity around 2,180, offers free onsite self-parking, optional valet, ADA options, and rideshare access. Pre-show dining packages are available (themed buffet and a drink starting 1.5 hours before the show; artist does not appear). Tickets are on sale now through the venue (secure.rutheckerdhall.com or rutheckerdhall.com); memberships unlock presales and other benefits. All guests need tickets; bag checks apply and re-entry is not permitted.
The Clearwater date fits into a broader 2026 holiday run that includes other Florida and national stops. Fans of smooth jazz, holiday music, and live collaboration can expect the warm, high-energy tradition that has made this tour a seasonal staple for nearly three decades. For the latest ticket availability, seating charts, dining add-ons, and venue details, visit the Ruth Eckerd Hall event page or the official Dave Koz Christmas Tour site.