By Christina Steube

University of Mississippi

There’s finally a chill in the air, which means the holiday season is quickly approaching.

And what better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than with a few holiday performances at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Mississippi?

Enjoy the heartwarming holiday performance of “A Christmas Carol” Saturday and experience the true meaning of Christmas. In the Charles Dickens’ classic, Ebenezer Scrooge transforms from a greedy miser to a kind, generous man after three ghostly visits. A performance for all ages, the show begins at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for general admission.

Before the performance, the company will conduct a tactile tour of the set, props and costumes at 2 p.m. This tour is intended to allow individuals with special needs to experience the performance area up close, including being allowed to touch items used during the performance and familiarize themselves with details that will allow for a better experience during the performance.

Anyone interested in the tactile tour should contact Kate Meacham, the Ford Center’s marketing director, at 662-915-2787.

The following week, bring the whole family to experience a unique rendition of all your favorite Christmas carols. “Christmas with the Celts,” set for 3 p.m. Dec. 13, blends traditional Irish and Scottish carols with American classics. The performance also features Irish instruments and dancing for a lively and thrilling performance that’ll have you clapping along.

Don’t miss beautiful renditions of all your favorites, including “Silent Night,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “First Noel,” among many others. Tickets are $25 for the balcony, $38 for the mezzanine and $44 for the orchestra levels.

“Coming to the Ford Center is a great way to celebrate the holidays,” said Julia Aubrey, the center’s interim director. “We have something for the whole family.”