When Berylee Baker and her husband made the 90 minute drive from Woodland to Jackson, Calif. last weekend to see a festive holiday celebration and Tree Lighting, she loved the experience of an old-fashioned Christmas in the Country, but was a little disappointed –they didn't sing carols! However, they had free cookies and cider, a wonderful Santa and Father Christmas, she reports. But Christmas carols are a holiday tradition that people will travel long distances to enjoy and participate in.

Several annual sing along events provide cherished traditions such as the production company of the Bracebridge Dinners (shown in the picture) at Yosemite National Park’s Ahwahnee Lodge which annually hosts free Christmas carol sing-alongs before the holidays, led by Andrea Fulton (bracebridgedinners.com). 

Other annual sing-alongs include:

• CARLSBAD - La Jolla Symphony & Chorus Christmas Messiah Sing. Christmas Messiah Sing December 13, 2015 @ 4 p.m.
  Patrick Walders leads the La Jolla Symphony chamber orchestra, chorus, soloists, and audience members in the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah. Come to sing or simply enjoy the sound of hundreds of voices lifted in song. Location:  St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 6628 Santa Isabel, Carlsbad, CA Ticket $18 lajollasymphony.com
• CHICO: Holiday Concert with Sing Along December 19, 2015, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Get in the spirit of the season with our annual holiday concert! Featuring baroque chamber music, a carol sing-along, and more. Location: St. John's Episcopal Church 2341 Floral Ave Chico, CA 95926. Call: (530) 898-5984. Ticket $30, northstatesymphony.org

• DAVIS: , Davis Chorale Holiday Concert and Sing December 12, 2015,  3pm & 7pm
  The family-friendly concert features the Davis Chorale &  Davis Children’s Chorale. The concert can be heard in a short family-oriented version at 3 pm and as a full-length program at 7 pm.   A few traditional Christmas carols for audience participation complete the program. Location: Davis High School's Brunelle Hall, 315 W. 14th St. Davis, CA 95616 Ticket students $5, general $8, priority $10 and family $15. 7 pm tickets cost: students $10, general $15, priority $20 and family $30. Both concerts will be at Brunelle Hall in Davis. davischorale.org

• LA MESA:  Sing-along Christmas Caroling December 13, 2015, 6:30-8 p.m.
  Come up to the amphitheater for a heart-warming evening of sing-along Christmas Caroling. Parking and shuttles will be available at the fire station at 10105 Vivera Drive at Mt. Helix Drive starting at 6:15 pm. The event is free and family oriented. mthelixpark.org
• LIVERMORE – It's Christmas Time Sing-Along with Valley Concert Chorale on  December 12, 2015 @ 7:30 p.m.  Location: First Presbyterian Church, 4th & L St. Livermore, CA
   December 13, 2015 at 7 p.m.  Lynnewood United Methodist Church, 444 Black Ave., Pleasanton, CA. Tickets: $21.69 adult valleyconcertchorale.org

• LOS ALTOS: California Pops Orchestra - Pop's Holiday Celebration! December 20, 2015, 3 p.m. 
  tickets $20 -55
  calpops.org
   Guest Singer Carly Honfi From jazzy swing holiday suites, music from "White Christmas" even toe-tapping & sing-along medleys of carols and much, much more! Good tidings for the whole family. Holiday attire is most welcome. Holiday favorites including... The Christmas Song Ding Dong Merrily on High! "Merry Christmas, Darling" (The Carpenters) Selections from White Christmas Santa Baby A Swingin' Nutcracker Suite Twas the Night Before Christmas A carol sing-along and much more.

• LOS ANGELES – The Carol Bus December 12, 2015, This fun-filled, caroling-themed tour stops at bustling holiday locations in Downtown Los Angeles and is guided by two professional singers from the LA Master Chorale. Included with this tour are cookies and hot chocolate when you arrive, a souvenir song book, and even a stop at a local pub for hot toddies or mulled wine (for some singing encouragement). So break out your favorite Christmas sweater and get ready to SING! Featured Carol Bus Stops Include: Music Center Walt Disney Concert Hall Grand Central Market LA Live. Ticket: $55. carolbus.com
• LOS ANGELES - The Music Center Holiday Sing-Along.  Friday, December 18, 2015, 6:30-8  p.m. The Music Center Plaza FREE, tickets required* Bundle up your family and share in the warmth and joy of the holidays with a grand night of singing under the stars. Live accompaniment. Lyric sheets provided. No experience necessary, come prepared to sing! * One person waiting in line first come first serve. musiccenter.org/events/special- events/holiday-sing-along/
• PASADENA: December 13, 2015,  10:30-10:55 a.m. Sing Along Messiah in Pasadena. Join in singing 25 minutes of favorite choruses from Handel's Messiah, led by Lake's Choir and Orchestra, along with Tiffany Rivette, soloist. Location: Lake Avenue Church, 393 North Lake Avenue, Pasadena, California.  lakeave.org
• RANCHO CORDOVA: December 27, 2o15, 7 p.m. Messiah Sing-Along LDS Chapel, Rancho Cordova, CA
  Come for an evening of singing and playing Handel's great masterpiece among new and old friends. A few scores available, but it's best to bring your own. Accompanist, Erin Bailey. Location: Mormon Center LDS Chapel, 2100 California Circle, Rancho Cordova. Free, facebook.com/events/757723357610884/
• SACRAMENTO: Event Community Sing! Dec. 15, 2015, 7:30 p.m. with Sacramento City College Choirs who perform with the Gospel Choir from  sister campus, Cosumnes River College, on a community holiday performance at Parkview Presbyterian Church in Downtown Sacramento. The evening  includes sing a-long carols with a reception to follow." Performance venue Parkview Presbyterian Church, 727 T St., Sacramento, CA. Free   http://sccmusic.eventbrite.com Contact information Prof. Daniel Paulson, Paulsod@scc.losrios.edu or 916/558-2239
• SAN DIEGO: Master Chorale Messiah Sing Along December 12, 2015, 2 p.m. Location: St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 6th Ave. San Diego, CA. Ticket: $25, sdmasterchorale.org
• SAN DIEGO: Messiah Sing-A-Long December 13, 2015, 4:30-6 p.m. Join the St. Mark’s Chancel Choir and soloists as they sing the Christmas portion, Hallelujah Chorus and the Amen of Handel’s “Messiah.” Bring your own scores or rent one at the performance. An orchestra ensemble and organ will add to the enjoyment of singing or listening to this Christmas classic. Where: St. Mark’s Sanctuary, 3502 Clairemont Dr., San Diego, CA 92117. stmarksumcsd.org
• SAN FRANCISCO:  Family Christmas  Sing-Along, Saturday, December 12, 2015 @ 11 a.m. & December 19, 2015 @ 11 a.m. and  December 21, 2015 @ 4 p.m. Sing You A Merry Christmas  at Grace Cathedral.  Interactive Opera Sing along with your favorite Christmas carols as the toys of St. Nicholas's workshop lead you on an extraordinary journey, filling children, young and old, with the joys of the season. Songs include Angels We Have Heard on High, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. This program is particularly well-suited to those under age eight! Tickets sell quickly, so don't delay! Grace Cathedral 1100 California St San Francisco, CA. 415-749-6300. Ticket $10-25. gracecathedral.org
• SAN LUIS OBISPO: Winds Orchestra Season of Light  December 20, 2015, 3 p.m. Cuesta College,
  Festival Fanfare, Wasson Rest, Hazo A Hanukkah Festival, arr. Bernotas Minor Alterations, Lovrien All Through the Night, set by Julie Giroux Christmas Music for Winds Sing-Along. Location: Highway 1 West, San Luis Obispo, CA.  Tickets $20, slowinds.org

• SAN LUIS OBISPO: Forbes Pipe Organ Holiday Concert & Sing-Along on Sunday, December 20, 2015 at 3 p.m. 
  Outreach for the Performing Arts Center Christopher Cohan Center.  A traditional holiday show with an interactive twist! The annual Forbes Pipe Organ Holiday Concert & Sing-Along comes to the Christopher Cohan Center This memorable, heart-warming concert features performances by the Vocal Arts Ensemble, the Central Coast Children’s Choir, and Cal Poly University Organist Paul Woodring playing a collection of holiday carols on the magnificent Forbes Pipe Organ while audience members sing along. All proceeds will benefit the Performing Arts Center’s Outreach programs and the two participating community choirs. The Forbes Organ Holiday Concert & Sing-Along is a unique chance to bring children, family, friends, and fellow residents together for an afternoon of joyous holiday song – be a part of this uplifting Central Coast tradition at the Performing Arts Center. 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA,  805–756–7222 Ticket: $10-16, pacslo.org

past events

• AUBURN: Dec. 8, 2015, 7:30 p.m. Placer High School Auditorium 123 Agard Street Auburn, California 95603 Join this delightful holiday tradition as the Auburn Symphony performs selections from Handel’s great masterpiece, with nationally recognized guest soloists and members of choruses from around the region. And new to the tradition last year, Maestro Peter Jaffe will open with John Finnegan’s classic Christmas Singalong, a medley of the world’s most beloved carols. Messiah Songbooks will be available at the door: $10. auburnsymphony.com
• CONCORD Mayor’s Sing Along Saturday, December 5, 2015  includes the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Grand Arrival andTodos Santos Plaza Willow Pass Road (between Mt. Diablo & Grant) Concord, CA (925) 671-3464 cityofconcord.org
• LA PALMA –  Annual Holiday Community Carol Sing Along on December 2, 2015,  Central Park Amphitheatre 7821 Walker St. La Palma, CA cityoflapalma.org Event includes Tree Lighting.
• MILPITAS – Community Sing-Along at Tree Lighting. ci.milpitas.ca.gov
• WESTMINSTER – Community Sing Along & Holiday Tree Lighting   Westminster Civic Center 8200 Westminster Blvd. Westminster, CA (714) 895-2860 westminster-ca.gov