A Longstanding Annual Holiday Tradition
Save the dates: December 18-21, 2025 at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady
For over than four decades, the CBS 6 Melodies of Christmas show has spread holiday cheer while providing vital support the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders. The event continues to be a special holiday tradition, thanks to a longstanding partnership between CBS 6 News, Freihofer Baking Company, and Price Chopper/Market 32.
With four performances at Proctors Theatre each year, the holiday extravaganza features songs of the season by the Empire State Youth Orchestra and Melodies of Christmas Chorale, band performances, dancers, and other guest appearances. The show closes with the song "Silent Night" sung by Melodies Center patients - a symbol of hope and courage.
The History of Melodies of Christmas
In 1980, the family of a young named Melissa received the news that Melissa had cancer, a growth around her aortic artery.
Melissa’s grandfather, then WRGB General Manager Jim Delmonico, wanted to help other Capital Region families affected by pediatric cancer, and the child cancer program at Albany Medical Center needed help to expand. The program’s expansion would allow Capital Region families to stay close to home while their child received treatment.
Melissa served as the inspiration for Melodies of Christmas, and what started with one well-attended show, grew to four performances each year. Melodies of Christmas celebrated 30 years in 2009, with donations reaching $6 million. That's when the Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Med was renamed the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Four decades later, this Capital Region holiday tradition continues to inspire. To date, the CBS6 Melodies of Christmas has raised more than $10 million to help the brave children and their families that are facing childhood cancer and blood disorders. Annually 1,300 to 1,600 children receive care at the Melodies Center, and the survival rate continues to improve.
