The holiday season is full of traditions, but entertainment specialists in the Paducah area have fostered one more over the last few years: the holiday concert.

It’s safe to say that every venue and major organization in the city is celebrating the holiday season with its own unique take on the holiday concert. The shows range from classical holiday tunes to new, exciting remixes, there is something for everyone this season.

The Carson Center hosts a plethora of holiday-related programming, but organizers brought in one of the most traditional holiday plays: “A Christmas Carol.” The show has a very powerful message that helps the Carson Center reach its core family audience.

“It is such a powerful play,” said executive director Brian Laczko. “We try to make the Carson Center the place to go. It’s something you can do with your family that leave you talking afterward.”

The Carson Center is also home to the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, which is hosting a holiday concert of its own. Director Daniele Sene said that while each show in the symphony’s lineup is unique, its annual show is one that they “go all-out” for. The concert includes all of the divisions of the PSO, from adult and youth choirs to a visit from Santa Claus.

“We take a lot of pride in our holiday concert,” Sene said. “We never have the same show, the same arrangements. They really pull out all of the stops.”

While the symphony is over-the-top, smaller holiday shows provide a more low-key holiday tradition. West Kentucky Community & Technical College’s Community Chorus consists of community members who genuinely love singing, and its concert includes more traditional songs and even a sing-a-long.

“Our holiday concert is something that everyone loves to come to,” said Gail Robinson-Butler of WKCTC. “We have had so many people return year after year to make this part of their holiday tradition.”

Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau marketing director Rosemarie Steele says these events draw people to the area every year, but it is the whole experience that really makes Paducah a place to be during the holidays.

“There is always some sort if show going on here during the season,” Steele said. “You can have dinner downtown, do shopping, really whatever you want. It’s an amazing time to come to Paducah and see what we have to offer.”