Message: Hi! Our first visit to Boston. Tickets go on sale Nov 1 for Holiday Pops. Need to buy 7 tickets on a budget. Would like to know if tickets sell out quickly for this event, where are the best seats if one is on a budget, and where is the best place to buy tickets, from their web site or by calling?
Thank you.

This is what the Pops website has to say:
The on-sale date for Holiday Pops is Monday, October 30 at 8am at the Box Office (in person only), and November 1 at 9am via the website and SymphonyCharge (888-266-1200).
The Pops are a very popular event during the holiday's, and I imagine the tickets sell out fairly quickly.
Check out www.bostonpops.com
Good luck!

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I agree book soon for best selection. Try to get seats on the floor around a table as close to the front as possible. There is nothing like enjoying the Pops with a drink and snack. The shows after Christmas are just as festive. You may have a "guest conductor" (rather than Keith Lockhart).You will still sing Christmas carols. Check when you book (over the phone) if it matters.
The tables east 5 (weird size). For a group of 7 they will give you one table and 2 seats at the next table (no problem,they are close).
If you don't want the floor tables go for the balcony, seats are cheaper there. Even though you are "on a budget" I would recommend getting the floor seats.

Everyone loves the Pops, but they have a bit of a PR problem in the way they announce concerts and sell tickets. Guests aren't announced until very close to the performance date, especially for the spring concerts at Symphony Hall. By the time one finds out that a favorite performer will be there, tickets are gone (purchased by people who take a chance on if or who the guest will be--or by people with "connections." If there are any tickets available, grab them.

Glenice,

I agree that the holiday season tickets sell out quick so I would recommend you get yours ASAP. I prefer the balcony seats as you can see the performance better. It's true that you can get refresments from your table on the floor but the wait staff going back and forth serving make it much more difficult to see and I find them distracting. Symphony Hall is not a large hall and you get fine views from all the seats, I just find all the activity from the serving of food/drinks distracts from the experience. Just my opinion.

Have a great time.
Sandra

Thank you so much for your replies. I have been trying by phone to reserve tickets but the phone lines are continually busy. I will keep trying.