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30th Annual Christmas Formal
October 19th, 2025 by Kevin Gomez
I bet in 1996 when The Vandals hosted their first Christmas Formal, many were confused and some probably wondered if they would ever do it again. Well, here we are in 2025 about the celebrate the 30th Christmas Formal and it seems to get bigger and wilder every year. What started off at Crawford Hall at UC Irvine, has since blossomed into their permanent home of the House of Blues in Anaheim, and as of recent years even spawned other dates.
The tradition was partially inspired by the band’s Christmas album, “Oi to the World!” released in 1996. Their Christmas Formal typically kicks off with the band playing “Oi to the World!” in its entirety before coming back for an encore of their greatest hits. This sometimes will feature a special gem like “Flowers are Pretty” in 2023, or “An Idea for a Movie” at last year’s Formal.
As mentioned above, in recent years they’ve expanded and played multiple dates. The first of the short run of shows will be December 5th at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown with support from San Diego’s Spray Allen.
The band will then be part of the Punk Rock Christmas festival December 6th in Chandler, AZ alongside MxPx, Face to Face, Authority Zero, and a slew of others.
Anaheim, California
December 20th, 2025
As the holidays near, they will play the Majestic Ventura Theater in Ventura, and finally they come home for the holidays at the House of Blues in Anaheim on December 20th. For these last two shows The Vandals will be joined by Good Riddance and 84 Days.
Good Riddance, hailing from Santa Cruz, are Fat Wreck Chords veterans, and will be bringing classic ‘90s skate punk for the holidays.
The band 84 Days is a new project from Pennywise bassist Randy Bradbury, producer Cameron Webb, and No Doubt drummer Adrian Young. Their self-titled album is available for preorder and if the first single, “Mockingbird Brains,” is any indication of the album, fans attending the Christmas Formal are in for a treat. The album also features appearances from Vandals guitarist, Warren Fitzgerald.
Tickets for all Vandals Christmas shows are available now.
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SID 251020 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
