Christmas is coming to campus a little early this year, bringing with it the annual Mercyhurst Christmas Gala.

This year’s holiday concert will take place on Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

The concert will feature the University’s three largest ensembles: the Concert Choir, directed by Thomas Brooks, the Wind Ensemble, directed by Scott Meier, PhD, and the Civic Orchestra, directed by Jonathon R. Moser.

The Mercyhurst Chamber Choir will also perform selections.

The orchestra’s repertoire consists of a variety of yuletide favorites, including “Carol of the Bells,” “Christmas at the Movies,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Deck the Halls.”

When asked about programming the night’s repertoire, Moser said, “I chose these as songs that are both particularly evocative of the season and contain something of what our ensemble would like to say to the audience, such as ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”’

When asked for pieces to look forward to, he said, “The orchestra particularly enjoys ‘Christmas at the Movies’ as it contains themes from several of the more recent movies that have become holiday traditions for many, such as ‘Polar Express’ and ‘Home Alone.”’

This means that Christmas cheer will be plentiful for the audience who attend this weekend’s concert, and there is a sing-along planned.

Nothing spreads the holiday spirit quite like belting out some holiday classics, including “Joy to the World,” “We Three Kings,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Hark, the Herald,” “Silent Night” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

If you are looking for a way to wind down before the chaos of finals week sets in or get in the holly, jolly, Christmas spirit, then the Mercyhurst Christmas Gala just might be the right event to attend.

It is both a festive evening and a way to support Mercyhurst musicians.

“This will be an afternoon to relax and enjoy beautiful music being made by amazing students who will soon be a part of our professional world,” Moser said.

Tickets are $6 for general admission and $3 for Mercyhurst students and children 12 and under.