Get a Handel on Christmas with the Verde Valley Voices this year. The holiday concert Sunday, Dec. 17, at Immaculate Conception Church in Cottonwood, will begin with a pre-concert holiday singalong at 2:30 p.m. The choir sings at 3 p.m.

The group is bringing a memorable concert full of much-loved holiday music. From “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls” to “The Nutcracker Suite,” the Voices are ushering in Christmas with an entertaining afternoon that’s sure to leave you feeling good about these holidays.

“I’m excited about the second half,” said Joy Simons, choral director. “We’re singing excerpts from Handel’s ‘Messiah’ and featuring soloists from within the choir. I think you’ll be surprised and delighted by the quality of the solo work.”

The Verde Valley Voices have been entertaining audiences in the area for more than 20 years. Their Christmas concert has become a tradition for many residents. “The holidays just don’t seem to get started until the concert” is a phrase heard frequently by members.

“I have just discovered these concerts,” said Allie Weathersby, an avid concert-goer for two years. “I love the sound of the choir. The music they sing is beautiful. It takes me back to wonderful memories of making music when I was younger.”

Tickets are available now at Mount Hope Foods and Desert Dancer in Cottonwood, Jay’s Bird Barn in Sedona, Thanks-a-latte in Camp Verde, the gift shop at Immaculate Conception Church, or through any choir member. The cost is $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Tickets will also be available at the door.

“Our goal is to keep quality music accessible to everyone,” Simons said. “We work on a shoestring budget to keep tickets affordable. Bringing music to our world is our primary goal and greatest pleasure.”