Arts and entertainment critic Joyce Kulhawik will emcee the evening, which will boast performances by George Dvorsky and Maureen Brennan, The North Shore Philharmonic and the new NSMT Academy Performance Ensemble. Show time is 7:30 PM.

The evening, according to press notes, will feature "traditional holiday favorites as well as seasonal music from popular Hollywood movies and Broadway musicals." Expect such tunes as "Joy to the World," "Home for the Holidays" and "Sleigh Ride" as well as songs from films ("Home Alone," "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "A Christmas Story" and "Scrooged") and musicals (Here's Love, Babes in Toyland and Mame).

In a statement NSMT's executive producer and artistic director Barry Ivan said, "We are presenting a combination of holiday hits from stage and screen productions with the familiar repertoire of carols and songs. This is a concert for all ages to enjoy. Bring your family and friends and kick off the holiday season with NSMT!"

The NSMT lobby will open at 6:30 PM, and concert attendees can enjoy complementary refreshments. A Festival of Music will kick off a food drive for local food pantries that will continue through the final performance of High School Musical 2 on Jan. 11, 2009. Theatregoers are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item.

Tickets, priced $25, are available by calling (978) 232-7200 or by visiting www.nsmt.org. North Shore Music Theatre is located at 62 Dunham Road (Route 128, exit 19) in Beverly, MA.