Inside the World of Professional Caroling: The Tinseltones Reveal What It Takes to Be LA’s Premier Group

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA—Most Americans are familiar with  professional

Christmas carolers strolling through malls or popping upat holiday events,

but what really goes on behind those harmonized melodies and festive 

costumes? The Tinseltones, now in their 17thseason, are pulling back the

curtain to reveal the effort, creativity, and talent that makes them LA’s

most sought-after caroling group.

Caroling Reimagined: From Dickensian Charm to Cutting-Edge, Modern A Cappella

For nearly two decades, The Tinseltones have been delivering holiday joy in unique and unexpected ways that go beyond the typical caroling experience.

What sets The Tinseltones apart? Studio-quality costumes, fresh vocal arrangements, a variety of innovative options, attention to detail, and a roster of the best talent in Hollywood.

From their authentically costumed Victorian-era Dickensian carolers serenading shoppers at Two Rodeo in Beverly Hills, to their modern pop a cappella group, complete with a Beatboxer laying down beats at the Los Angeles Zoo—The Tinseltones deliver a unique variety of nostalgia and modernity.

“The energy behind our pop a cappella set—fusing modern and traditional carols with a vocal percussionist, has transformed what people think caroling can be,” says founder and owner Joey Donohoe. “It’s amazing to watch an audience go from teary-eyed during ‘Silent Night’ to up and dancing when our Beatboxer drops a dubstep beat.”

In 2024, The Tinseltones are introducing their brand-new ‘Elegant’ quartet, costumed in stunning Christmas-red couture gowns crafted exclusively for the group. The attention to detail and sophisticated aesthetic offer a level of glamour and refinement that you might not expect from ordinary carolers.

A Solopreneur’s Juggling Act: Running The Tinseltones Behind the Scenes

 

For Donohoe, a self-described solopreneur, The Tinseltones is more than just a gig—it’s a full-fledged enterprise that he single-handedly manages. From casting, music direction, branding, and costumes to social media, sales, web design, and marketing, Donohoe does it all—while still caroling as both a tenor and a bass when needed.

“It’s a mix of chaos and passion, and somehow, it all comes together,” says Donohoe, who grew up enamored with his local caroling group in Denver-later caroling with the same company to help fund college. 

​

As the costumer, Donohoe admits he’s become a bit of a Victorian-era costume nerd. He describes what has become an obsession with ensuring every piece is not only spectacular and festive but also historically accurate. “My garage is basically an explosion of Dickensian fashion. I could single-handedly outfit an entire Victorian village and they’d be the most stylish townspeople that ever walked the cobblestone,” he jokes.

A Roster of the Best: The Talent Behind The Tinseltones

The Tinseltones attract the most talented singers in Los Angeles through a highly selective audition process. But with such a high caliber of talent comes the challenge of scheduling and being flexible—a juggling act that Donohoe credits as his secret to success. “I always encourage my carolers to pursue their dreams, even if it makes them less available for caroling,” says Donohoe. “By being flexible with their other ventures, I’m able to maintain a roster of top-tier talent that’s a cut above the rest.”

It’s not unusual for a Tinseltone’s availability to change significantly due to a major opportunity on stage, TV, or in film. Recent examples include Kristina Leopold, who moved to New York City to star in Six on Broadway at the Lena Horne Theatre, and long-time Tinseltone Kelley Dorney, performing at the historic Hollywood theatre, The Pantages this holiday season in the Broadway National Tour of Wicked.

Another thing that sets The Tinseltones apart is their commitment to being fully off-book during performances. Unlike many other caroling groups, knowing each carol by heart frees the singers from holding giant and cumbersome music binders, allowing them to engage fully with their audiences and each other in a dynamic and interactive experience. However, this does add an extra challenge—especially for new carolers. Memorizing the entire repertoire requires intense preparation, but the onboarding class of carolers rises to the occasion season after season.

“Our newbies work incredibly hard to memorize every song, especially considering many of our arrangements take serious drilling to master, even for advanced musicians. It’s no easy task, but when it clicks, it’s thrilling,” says Donohoe. “It’s definitely stressful for newcomers, but without our noses in music binders, we can achieve a higher level of engagement and musicianship—and that’s what makes The Tinseltones so special and why Istill love caroling after all these years.”

Celebrities and Appearances on TV and in Film

The Tinseltones have become a familiar presence on screens of all sizes, with appearances on Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party (VH1), Black-ish (ABC), Sugar Rush (Netflix), The Late Show (CBS), and more, as well as in various commercials and talk shows, The Tinseltones have cemented their status as the go-to carolers in Hollywood. 

“Every season, just when we’ve hit our stride, we get a few of those last-minute calls from some of the biggest names in Hollywood. It’s an exciting element of Tinsel-toning, and it keeps us on our Tinsel-toes,” says Donohoe. “In most cases, we are asked to sign an NDA [Non-Disclosure Agreement]. They know they can trust us, and we’re happy to oblige—we don’t carol and tell.”

Winding Down: Taking a Breath After the Holiday Rush

After weeks of high-stakes performances and nonstop energy, the season finally winds down as the holidays come to a close. For Donohoe, it’s a moment to finally take a breath after juggling every aspect of The Tinseltones’ operations.

​

“When the season wraps up, and the costumes are stowed away, it’s like I can finally exhale,” says Donohoe. “Don’t get me wrong, I love the chaos—but there’s nothing quite like that quiet after the storm.”

After all the hustle and bustle, Donohoe’s most crucial task is winning back his dog Charley’s affection. “She’s so used to being the center of my world, and by January, I definitely owe her some serious love. It’s all about rebuilding trust after so many lost hours of cuddles and playing ball,” he laughs.

Experience The Magic: Catch The Tinseltones Live

As the holidays approach, The Tinseltones are accepting bookings for a variety of performances and appearances, including volunteer opportunities with charitable organizations dedicated to spreading holiday cheer to those in need.

You can also experience The Tinseltones live this season at one of their regular appearances at Two Rodeo in Beverly Hills with their Traditional Dickensian group or at the Los Angeles Zoo by Griffith Park with their modern pop group featuring an EDM-inspired beatboxer. Dates and times of performances can be found on The Tinseltones website at tinseltonesonline.com.

For Media Inquiries and Performance Bookings:
Joey Donohoe (Founder/Owner)
Email: tinseltonesla@gmail.com
Phone: (323) 369-9692
Website: tinseltonesonline.com

The Tinseltones are available for live performances on TV, morning shows, talk shows, news programs, radio, podcasts, and other broadcast mediums, as well as pre-recorded segments. Joey Donohoe and featured carolers are also available to provide insights into the world of professional caroling, along with written or filmed interviews. For inquiries, please contact Joey Donohoe directly.​