A holiday celebration of Irish music, dance and storytelling is coming to Mobile as "A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland" takes the stage at the Saenger Theatre on Dec. 9.

According to a news release, the production, which earned five-star reviews during its New York run, features a cast of World Champion Irish dancers, including performers who have appeared in "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance." The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, as part of the company's international holiday tour.

A follow-up to the company's worldwide hit "A Taste of Ireland," the Christmas production combines traditional Irish music, championship dancing, comedy and storytelling in a festive pub setting. The show invites audiences of all ages to experience the spirit of "Nollaig Shona," or Happy Christmas.

The story begins in a cozy Irish pub during the holiday season, where live musicians set the mood and the audience becomes part of the celebration. World Champion dancers take over the floor with energetic reels and jigs, while live tap battles, traditional pub ballads and an Irish sing-along bring the festivities to life.

At the center of the production is a love story between a humble young man from Tyrone and a spirited woman from a wealthy Athenry family. After a chance meeting beneath the mistletoe, the pair embark on a romance complicated by a series of challenges before reuniting at a lavish Christmas ball in the show's finale.

The production has received praise from critics and audiences, with Theater Pizzazz describing it as a show that "high-kicks New York City into the Christmas spirit" and one that "brims with music and mirth." The Australian Arts Review praised its "truly spectacular Irish dancing," while New England Theatre Geek said it sets "a new standard for holiday joy." TheatreLife New York awarded the production five stars.

The touring cast features World Champions Mary Conway and Clara Sheppard, along with six-time World Champion Barry Teague and a full company of champion Irish dancers, singers and live musicians. Casting is subject to change.

"Most Christmas shows ask you to sit back and watch. Ours pulls up a stool for you at the bar," Director and Producer Brent Pace said in the release. "We bring forward World Champion dancers at the height of their talents, with all the excitement of live taps, the charm of great pub ballads, some laughs, and a love story. And by the end, the whole theatre is singing. We took this company to the West End and to New York, and now audiences will see what people around the world are raving about."

Producer Ceili Moore said the live experience offers something audiences cannot get from watching the performers online.

"Some half million people follow this company on social media, amazed at what these dancers can do," said Producer Ceili Moore. "It’s one thing to admire their work on a screen, but there’s nothing like seeing this company live. Sitting beside people you love, with the whole room singing along, and the floor shaking under the dancers’ feet – this is the kind of night that becomes a holiday tradition."

A Taste of Ireland is an international Irish dance company produced by Pace Live and led by Pace and Moore. In 2025, the company toured six countries, made its London West End debut with its production "ÉIREANN" and performed Off-Broadway in New York with "A Celtic Christmas."

The company returns in 2026 with performances across the United States, Canada and Australia, featuring its productions "A Taste of Ireland," "A Celtic Christmas" and "ÉIREANN." Its latest holiday tour follows the five-star reception of "ÉIREANN" in London's West End and the previous New York run of "A Celtic Christmas."

Tickets for the Mobile performance range from $51 to $106.85, including fees. Additional information and tickets are available at ATasteofIrelandShow.com.