A 30-year-old Athens tradition will continue on Dec. 17 with the Singing Christmas Tree at the Classic Center.

The 90-minute show will include singing, choreographed dancing angels, square dancing and a parade, said Paul Chambers, a member of the show’s planning committee.

The performance features a large metal Christmas tree decorated with lights, ornaments and 85 choir members of the Prince Avenue Baptist Church choir, Chambers said.

Sponsored by the Prince Avenue Baptist Church, the Christmas variety show includes more than 300 community members, said Natalie Rittle, a public relations representative working with the performance committee.

“It’s not just church members,” Chambers said. “There are a number of UGA students, faculty and employees singing.”

Kathryn Richt, football head coach Mark Richt’s wife, will be in the show along with her four children, Chambers said.

Each part of the show relates to interpretations of the true meaning of Christmas, and the show changes every year to encompass a new theme and different acts, he said.

Last year, the show’s members acted out scenes from Christmas movies like “Miracle on 34th Street,” Rittle said.

However, this year has all-new acts, many of which were suggested by audience members who saw last year’s show, Chambers said.

Greg Broughton, a University voice professor, will be performing in this year’s production.

“Greg is an amazing singer,” Chambers said.

The production’s planning committee expects 10,000 people to show up for the Singing Christmas Tree this year, he said.

Though Friday night’s performance is almost sold out, tickets can be bought at the door just before showtimes on Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s the most attended event in Athens that’s not an athletic event,” Chambers said.

Every aspect of the show — choreography, costumes, production and singing — are all done locally, making this a real Athens experience, he said.

There are seven performances, beginning with the Friday, Dec. 17 show a 8 p.m.

Six other performances follow on Saturday and Sunday with shows at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $8 to $14, depending on the seating arrangement, with discounts for groups of 20 or more.

For more information on showtimes or tickets, call 617-7823.