As the holiday season unfolds, Pentatonix has gifted fans with their latest album, ‘Christmas in the City,’ a vibrant homage to the festive spirit of New York during the holidays. Released on October 24, 2025, this 16-track collection blends original compositions with reimagined classics, encapsulating the magic of Christmastime in the metropolis.
A Festive Tribute to the Big Apple
Inspired by the enchanting atmosphere of New York City during the holidays, ‘Christmas in the City’ serves as a musical postcard from the bustling streets adorned with twinkling lights to the serene snowfall in Central Park. The album’s title track immerses listeners in this urban winter wonderland, with harmonies that echo the city’s vibrant energy. Scott Hoying, a member of Pentatonix, shared the inspiration behind the album:
“I was walking through New York City and I saw an ornament that had a little taxi on it. It said ‘Christmas in the City.’ I was like, cute.”
Unprecedented Collaborations
A standout feature of this album is the posthumous collaboration with the legendary Frank Sinatra on ‘I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.’ The Sinatra Estate provided Pentatonix with a previously unreleased vocal take, allowing the group to craft a seamless duet that bridges generations. Kirstin Maldonado expressed her gratitude:
“They blessed us with his voice… This arrangement is perfectly what we wanted to achieve within this album too… I feel so proud of it. I love it so much.”
Another highlight is ‘Snowing in Paris,’ featuring the soulful vocals of JoJo. This collaboration adds a fresh dimension to the album, blending Pentatonix’s signature a cappella style with JoJo’s R&B flair. Maldonado praised JoJo’s contribution:
“She sounds so amazing… She’s so talented and so kind. We love her.”
Embracing Instrumentation
In a departure from their traditional a cappella roots, Pentatonix incorporated instrumental elements into this album. Hoying explained the decision:
“I love that old classic Christmas sound — the Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby with the orchestra. And there’s still a lot of vocals and a lot of harmony, and it just has this cozy feeling and I feel like we had never really done that before, and it was our eighth Christmas album, so it was time to.”
This blend of vocals and instrumentation creates a rich, nostalgic soundscape that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners.
Critical Acclaim
The album has received praise for its innovative approach and heartfelt performances. Maria Sherman from the Associated Press highlighted the group’s ability to reimagine beloved songs while introducing compelling originals. ‘Christmas in the City’ is more than just an album; it’s an invitation to experience the holiday season through the eyes and voices of Pentatonix. With its blend of classic charm and contemporary flair, it stands as a testament to the group’s evolution and enduring appeal. For those looking to immerse themselves in the festive spirit, ‘Christmas in the City’ offers a harmonious journey through the heart of New York’s holiday season, wrapped in the unparalleled vocal artistry of Pentatonix.