An evening of Christmas joy symphony-style begins at 3 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick.

The Mid-Columbia Symphony's annual holiday music bash will feature guest soprano Carisa Simpson of the Tri-Cities, the Richland School District's Honor Chorus, the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers and, of course, a visit from jolly old St. Nick.

The symphony, under the direction of Nick Wallin, has plans to bring some new sound to the concert that will no doubt sweep the audience through a festive afternoon that's guaranteed to banish any scrooge attitude.

"We always have fun playing our holiday favorites," Wallin said. "But I like to spice it up with a piece or two that might be new to some. That way the concert stays fresh."

The Mastersingers will sing an arrangement of carols called Christmas Joy, which was created by Mastersingers Tri-City composer Reginald Unterseher.

"The music will be mostly fun, recognizable holiday favorites, a very family-friendly event," said Justin Raffa, concertmaster and musical director of the Mastersingers. "Reg is our featured composer-in-residence as part of our year-long 25th anniversary celebration.

"He has recently re-scored the work for full symphonic orchestra, so this will be one of the first performances of the new version."

The Mastersingers also will lead the audience in a sing-a-long of several carols, which happens at the end of the concert.

"Hearing a full symphony orchestra and choir sing Christmas carols is just plain fun, especially when the audience gets to join in," Raffa said.

Tickets to the concert are $22 plus service charges and are available at ticketmaster.com or the Toyota Center box office. Tickets purchased at the box office avoid service charges.