The Expect Excellence Music Department will ring in the holiday season with its 5th annual "Visions of Christmas" variety show, scheduled Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 4-7 at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center.

The first three performances will begin at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, per a news release. All tickets are $5 with general admission seating, and demand is expected to be high. Tickets are available online at www.our.show/cobvisions5 or by contacting the Performing Arts Center box office at (251) 923-0043. The box office, located at 23908 Canal Road on the eastern portion of the Orange Beach Middle/High School complex, is open weekdays from 3:30-6 p.m.

Originally inspired by the University of Mobile's "Christmas Spectacular," in which several music department members participated during their undergraduate years, "Visions of Christmas" has grown into a major holiday tradition in Orange Beach, said Music Director Caleb Pittman.

"It's really hard to believe it has already been five years since we first premiered 'Visions of Christmas,'" Pittman said. "It's been very special getting to watch it grow over the years to become such a staple in Orange Beach."

This year's production will feature holiday classics including "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Mary Did You Know," and "Christmas Eve Sarajevo," along with two original songs written by the Expect Excellence music team, according to Pittman. The show offers a mix of music genres from rock and jazz to classical, as well as dancing and comedy, he said.

"If you are looking for a fun way to kick off the holiday season with your family, you do not want to miss 'Visions of Christmas,'" Pittman said. He added that even during beach-weather months, Christmas music is a year-round fixture for the department as they plan future productions.

Attendees can also bring new, unwrapped toys to the performances, which will serve as a Toys For Tots drop-off site.

"We are huge supporters of Toys For Tots, and it's an amazing opportunity to be able to give back to our community," Pittman said.

Performing Arts Center Coordinator Stacie Brane said staff are "thrilled to be able to present this fantastic production to the community again this year. It's such a great way to ring in the holidays."