Ingrid Michaelson, who has been to Lincoln Theatre many times in the past, arrived for a recent stop on her 2025 Holiday Hop Tour, which also helps to support her latest album, For the Dreamers, released in late 2024. The voice, known for hits “The Way I Am” in 2006 and “Girls Chase Boys” in 2014, was in superb vocal form during the show. Her show featured songs from her catalog but was mainly a Christmas show to get everyone in the mood for the Holidays.
Michaelson keyboardist Hannah Winkler opened the show and played a very strong opening set before retiring backstage to prepare for keyboard and vocal duties in the headlining show. Winkler is a multi-faceted musician from Brooklyn, who also has her own band, and she is building her own following.
The Ingrid Michaelson Trio strolled onto stage to and immediately delved into a great version of “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” then “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and the classic “Mele Kalikimaka,” putting everyone in the Christmas mood. These Christmas songs highlighted the clarity and beauty of Michaelson’s voice and verified her ability to sing such a diverse setlist of songs for the evening. The crowd was very vocal in praise of the chosen songs and enjoyed the playful banter between Michaelson and the audience throughout the evening.
On one occasion, Michaelson stopped singing and discussed a fall on the treadmill while working out at home. This turned into a hilarious story from Ingrid, who fell on the treadmill after her partner had warned her to be careful. Michaelson advised her boyfriend was in tears while she was laughing during the situation. The audience was also in tears laughing. Michaelson is a very profound storyteller and probably could be a comedian if she so desired.
On another occasion, Michaelson discussed her work with Jason Mraz. They had previously collaborated on “Christmas Valentine” in 2019 and “Love Is” in 2024. I thought the night’s take on “Christmas Valentine” went over very well with the crowd; it was a further example of Michaelson’s diverse songwriting and vocal skills, which were really on display during the evening due to the intimate nature of the performance.
Watch the official music video of “Christmas Valentine” by Ingrid Michaelson and Jason Mraz on YouTube:
Michaelson worked well integrating songs from the past with her own Christmas songs and hit songs. Michaelson was also very personal with fans during the show, talking about the loss of both of her parents — which creates pain during otherwise happy times in her life. However, Michaelson emphasized she focuses on the joy as we get into the holiday season.
Halfway through her show, Michaelson dedicated “Christmas Lights” to anyone at the show who found themselves missing someone during this joyous time of year. At this point in the performance, she spoke about her songwriting discussing how you can chase hit songs around but that you never know what will hit people’s hearts.
Michaelson closed out the concert in great form with more Christmas songs mixed in with her personal hits “The Way I Am” and “Girls Chase Boys” before the band finished with a stellar version of the timeless classic, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The evening was enjoyed by all in attendance. It appeared many were still humming Christmas music as they left the venue.
Michaelson has a great voice and delivered the classics in an exceptional manner. While she may not be doing many dates on this quick holiday tour, anyone interested still has one final chance to see this show on Dec. 12 at Irving Plaza in New York City.
Setlist:
1. Walking in a Winter Wonderland (Traditional cover)
2. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra cover)
3. Mele Kalikimaka (The Andrews Sisters cover)
4. Home
5. Maybe
6. Be Ok
7. Christmas Valentine
8. The Chain
9. Christmas Lights
10. You and I
11. Winter Song
12. Song for a Winter’s Night (Gordon Lightfoot cover)
13. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year
14. The Way I Am
15. I’ll Be Home for Christmas (If Only in My Dreams) (Bing Crosby cover)
16. Girls Chase Boys
17. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee cover)
Here are some photos of Ingrid Michaelson performing live at the Lincoln Theatre on Dec. 6, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
Here are some photos of Hannah Winkler opening Ingrid Michaelson at the Lincoln Theatre on Dec. 6, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
