By Lisa Fogarty
From now until the first week of January, there will be no way to avoid it. Whether you turn on the radio, take a trip to the shopping mall, or just stare out your window at your neighbor, who at some point will no doubt be struggling to secure garland around his second-story window, holiday spirit will prove infectious. Christmas concerts are the perfect way to ready yourself for the joys of Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa before the real mania begins – and Queens offers a cornucopia of holiday musical performances that will satisfy everyone – even the lovable Grinches and Scrooges in your family.

Queens Theatre in the Park – For tickets call (718) 760-0064 or visit queenstheatre.org
“Babes in Toyland”
Saturday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Victor Herbert’s music provides a captivating soundtrack for this classic tale about the villainous Barnaby, Mistress Mary Quite Contrary and Toyland, a magical place where Mother Goose’s mischievous characters come to life. This is a great chance to introduce your little ones to a story that has been a holiday favorite for many decades.
“The Nutcracker”
Monday, Dec. 29 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
It’s Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum house and young Clara’s beloved nutcracker is leading a legion of toy soldiers into battle with a team of mice. New York City’s Ballet for Young Audiences brings this beautifully choreographed tribute to the 19th Century fairy-tale ballet to Queens.

Flushing Town Hall – For tickets call (718) 463-770 Ext. 222 or visit flushingtownhall.org
“The Nutcracker”
Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 28 at 2 p.m.
Tchaikovsky’s holiday music comes to life as Ballet for Young Audiences introduces children to the story of Clara’s Nutcracker.
“Catch the Kwanzaa Beat”
Saturday, Dec. 27 at 1 p.m.
Members of the Harambee Dance Company will entertain families with vibrant rhythmic music that epitomizes the cultures of Africa.
“Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah!”
Sunday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m.
Louie Miranda, a bilingual singer, songwriter, and family entertainer, will perform original and traditional Jewish holiday songs at this interactive concert.

Queens College Choral Society, Chorus, Choir and Orchestra – For more information call (718) 997-3818
“Winter Concert”
Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.
Under the direction of James John and Guest Conductor Maurice Peress, the ensemble performs classic cold-weather favorites by Bach and Beethoven.

Queensborough Performing Arts Center – For tickets call (718) 631-6311 (on weekends call (212) 352-3101 or visit qcc.cuny.edu
Astoria Symphony “Winterscapes”
Friday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m.
Silas Nathaniel Huff conducts this delightful hodgepodge of holiday music, featuring performances of Tchaikovsky’s the “Nutcracker Suite” and “Violin Concerto,” Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” and the world premiere of Gadi Kaplan Sounds of Hanukkah. A traditional “Hallelujah Sing-Along” closes the concert.
“Oratorio Society of Queens Annual Holiday Concert 2008”
Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m.
The oldest performing arts institution in Queens takes Queensborough College by storm with sing-along Christmas carols and Hanukkah classics, performed by the chorus, soloists and The Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens under the direction of Conductor David Close.

St. John’s Lutheran Church – 86-20 114th St. (between Myrtle and Jamaica Avenues), Richmond Hill. For more information call (718) 441-8118
“Sacred Music Chorale of Richmond Hill’s Holiday Concert”
Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.
Rev. Robert Sonnenberg directs a choir with chamber orchestra and soloists through Christmas carols including Respighi’s “Laud to the Nativity” and the last three movements of Mozart’s “Vesperae Solennes de Confessore.”

Sacred Music Society of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs – Our Lady Queen of Martyrs R.C. Church, Queens Blvd. and Ascan Ave., Forest Hills. Call (718) 268-6251
“Annual Christmas Concert”
Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m.
Conductor David Close leads a choir and orchestra through renditions of Handel’s “Messiah (Part I)” and many Christmas carols.