The holiday season always brings with it a yearning for warmth, familiarity, and joy, and Allan Palacios Chan’s latest album, Christmas is Here, delivers all that and more. Released on November 29, this vibrant six-track collection by the renowned Italian-Mexican tenor feels like a love letter to Christmas, beautifully sprinkling timeless holiday classics with a cinematic touch that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Co-written with producer Leo Z—whose portfolio includes collaborations with Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, and Tina Guo—Christmas is Here is a mesmerizing blend of operatic grandeur, pop elegance, and theatrical magic. Allan Palacios Chan expertly draws from his extensive experience in opera, jazz, theatre, and church music, crafting a holiday album steeped in nostalgia. It conjures images of snowflakes falling gently, festive gatherings filled with laughter, and fires crackling warmly—memories that feel both universal and deeply personal.
The Soul of the Album: “Christmas is Here (Il Natale é qua)”
The title track, “Christmas is Here (Il Natale é qua),” serves as the album’s heart. Co-written with Leo Z and lyricist Franco Marino, the song epitomizes Chan’s unique ability to weave Italian musicality into a festive soundscape, “evoking a sense of nostalgia and—dare we say—sentiment,” that feels both timeless and novel. Adorned with lush cinematic and operatic elements, the track is both a celebration of Italian heritage and a nostalgic nod to Chan’s snowy childhood Christmases in Jersey and Northern Virginia.
Incorporating a children’s chorus—performed by Chan’s nieces and nephews—the track exudes an intimate warmth that’s as joyous as it is reflective. The Italian refrain, “Il Natale é qua,” encapsulates the universal spirit of the holidays, offering listeners a heartfelt moment of connection. “This song encompasses everything we wanted for this album,” Chan explains, “a blending of pop, cinematic, theatrical, chant, and operatic elements.”
He elaborates on the track’s Italian roots, sharing:
“We wrote this particular song in Italian because of several things. One, Leo is originally from Bologna, Italy, so it is his first language. I’ve also studied in Italy over the years and have made a career singing Italian music, mainly the old bel canto repertoire, not to mention that ever since I was a kid, I’ve had an affinity for Italian music and culture…especially the food.”
Reimagining Holiday Classics
Beyond the standout titular gem, Christmas is Here reinvents beloved seasonal classics with Chan’s signature flair. His rendition of “O Holy Night” highlights his soaring tenor, infusing the familiar hymn with reverence and emotional depth. Meanwhile, “Little Drummer Boy” takes on a new dimension through its accompanying short film, shot in the Philippines with the T’boli tribe. This poignant visual collaboration honors the Dream Weavers’ heritage, enriching the song’s narrative with cultural storytelling and creating a deeply moving experience.
Other highlights include the hauntingly beautiful “Coventry Carol,” a medley that first earned Chan recognition as a 2023 single, and “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel,” both of which blend operatic precision with cinematic grandeur. Each track reinvents the familiar into something more profoundly moving and beautifully innovative. —a must-listen experience!
Immaculate Production
The lush arrangements, led by concertmaster Mark Robertson and supported by Grammy-winning vocalist Helena Buscema, envelop the listener in a warm embrace, with Leo Z’s cinematic expertise evident in every note. The result is an auditory experience that feels as intimate as a fireside gathering and as grand as a holiday film soundtrack, with each track curated to feel like a gift, wrapped in warmth and love, ready to be unwrapped and savored.
A Personal Journey, Universally Shared
Chan describes the album as “a journey through traditions, stories, and sounds that have shaped who I am as an artist (today),” and this deeply personal approach is palpable in every track. Its charm lies in its ability to evoke a sense of home and hearth while still transporting listeners to new sonic landscapes. Whether it’s through the stirring Italian verses of “Christmas is Here” or the sweeping orchestral moments in “Angels We Have Heard on High,” Chan invites us to celebrate the holidays not just as a season, but as a collection of cherished memories and traditions.
Final Thoughts
With Christmas is Here, Allan Palacios Chan invites us all to pause, celebrate, and revel in the magical moments that make the season unforgettable. It’s the perfect companion for quiet evenings by the fire, lively family gatherings, or simply taking a moment to reflect on the beauty of the season.
This album transcends the usual holiday fare, emerging as a work of art—nostalgic yet innovative, reverent yet refreshing. From its Italian roots to its cinematic arrangements, the album is a testament to Chan’s immaculate versatility and passion for music and storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of holiday classics or looking for a fresh soundtrack for your festivities, Christmas is Here is a must-listen.
It’s more than an album—it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season.
Stream the EP below:
CONNECT WITH ALLAN PALACIOS CHAN:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube