Like last year, the group will split into two touring companies – East and West – each able to cover a broader territory of the States than would a single Orchestra.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra East will hit Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York for two-night stands. Cleveland scores big when the troupe stops at the Palace Theatre for a total of five nights.

The western edition starts in Minneapolis and cruises through the Midwest, then heads for the West Coast and South, stopping in mid-size venues along the way.

Marrying old fashioned Christmas carols with producer and lyricist Paul O’Neill’s story of an angel sent to earth to find “the one thing that represents everything good that has been done in the name of this day,” Trans-Siberian brings a unique blend of rock and opera to the stage.

For the album Christmas Eve & Other Stories, the group made use of 60 musicians, along with a chorus.

Last year, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra played to largely sold-out audiences at more than 24 concerts in the States. This year, they’ve upped the ante to 32 shows for each touring group.