The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is scaling back its annual "Savior of the World" production to a two-day concert on Temple Square this holiday season.

Instead of the month-long run that has sold out every year since 2000, the church will present a 70-minute concert version of Act 1 on Nov. 27 and Nov. 28 in the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle, according to the church's newsroom. The performances are free, but tickets are required and go fast.

Tickets become available online Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 10 a.m. The church's announcement lists the time zone as Mountain Daylight Time, though Utah will be on Mountain Standard Time by that date. The ticketing page lists the venue as the Salt Lake Tabernacle at 50 West North Temple St. in Salt Lake City. The event is open to individuals 8 years of age and older.

Why the change

The format shift stems from preparations for the 2027 Salt Lake Temple Celebration and the temporary closure of the Conference Center, where multiple casts have staged the full musical drama in the Conference Center Little Theater since 2000, as first reported by ABC4. Church officials indicated the full production will return next year.

What to expect

The concert will feature minimal staging, a live orchestra, stage actors and an expanded 300-member choir made up of children, youth, young adults and adults. Many cast members will perform alongside family members, according to the church's announcement. The concert focuses on the anticipation and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Evening performances on Nov. 27 and Nov. 28 begin at 7:30 p.m. A Saturday matinee is scheduled for 2 p.m. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided during the Nov. 28 evening performance.

Livestream option

Residents who cannot make the drive to Temple Square have another option. The Nov. 28 concert will be streamed live in English and ASL on the church's YouTube channel and Broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. On-demand viewing will be available afterward on those platforms and in the Gospel Library app.

Local congregations can stage their own

Local church leaders worldwide can also produce the drama for their congregations or communities using free resources at ChurchofJesusChrist.org. The online materials include full scripts, musical scores for 38 numbers and suggestions for casting, costuming, props and set design.

Upcoming community dates

  • Tuesday, Nov. 10: Free tickets for "Savior of the World" open online at 10 a.m.
  • Nov. 27–28: Concert performances at the Salt Lake Tabernacle, 7:30 p.m. (Saturday matinee at 2 p.m.)