It's another hometown Highline Christmas as ChoralSounds Northwest presents its annual holiday production Friday-Sunday, Dec. 8-10, at the Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd St. in Burien.

The production has become one of Highline's most cherished holiday happenings as the 80-member group blends beautiful choral carols, heart-warming songs and a little silliness.

Adults have always enjoyed the shows but Northwest Associated Arts, ChoralSounds parent group, has found a way to expose more kids to the joy of hearing live music performances.

Youth 13 and under will be admitted free to any performance when accompanied by a paying adult.

With music and arts programs trimmed back in schools, Northwest Arts believes the free admission is a great way to spark a love of music and live performances in kids.

The Glaser Foundation, City of Burien, Target, Fred Meyer Foundation and Charlotte Martin Foundation support the youth program.

Also new is interim director David Spring.

Spring takes over from Mark Adrian, who founded ChoralSounds in 1984. Adrian still conducts the Cantare Vocal Ensemble, but has given up his duties with ChoralSounds.

A veteran church musician, educator and musical theater conductor in the Puget Sound area, Spring is the former music director at St. Thomas and Our Lady of Lourdes churches in Tukwila and Boulevard Park.

Through open auditions, the new director has brought several new faces into the group to join the veterans who have been entertaining Highline audiences for years.

The first half of this year's Christmas in our Hometown focuses on more traditional fare as the chorus sings familiar carols including "The First Noel" and the ethereal "Ave Marie."

Ending the first act is a musicological journey through the "Twelve Days of Christmas" with a sample of six different musical styles ranging from Gregorian chants to a rousing patriotic Sousa.

The performers visit their hometown in the second half to sing favorites like "Holy Jolly Christmas," "Sleigh Ride" and "Let it Snow."

Two entertaining couples show up to add to the fun.

Lucy and Charlie Brown announce, "Christmastime is Here," while Archie and Edith Bunker provide a special take on their theme song with "Those were the Days (of Christmas.)"

Festive swing dancers end the show by "Gettin' in the Mood for Christmas."

The Friday show begins at 8 p.m. while the Saturday and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. Reserved tickets are $25, $18 and $15. They are available online at www.nwassociatedarts.org or by calling 206-246-6040.

Two other Northwest Associated Artists groups are also combining to provide Christmas cheer.

KidSounds and YouthSounds Northwest prove that Christmas is for children as they perform Everywhere Christmas Tonight under the direction of long-time Highline schools music educator Paula Hawkins.

The show features timeless favorites "Do You Hear What I Hear" and "The Coventry Carol" as well a "Santa's on his Way" medley. The performance is Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Highline Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for students and seniors.

As with ChoralSounds, kids 13 and under can get in free with a paying adult.

Call 206-246-6040 for tickets and information.