The popular, annual festival “Christmas with Waldorf” is slated for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 3 p.m. Dec. 6 in the John K. and Luise Hanson Fieldhouse.

Conveying the spirit of this year’s theme, “Tidings of Comfort and Joy,” will be the Waldorf Choir, St. Christopher Chorale, the Waldorf Wind Symphony, Sangkor Women’s Ensemble and the Viking Men’s Chorus, which also includes vocalists from the community. Tickets are $10 per person and can be reserved by calling (641) 585-8130.

Another opportunity that accompanies the festival each night is an elegant Scandinavian dinner. A candlelit buffet with traditional Scandinavian foods, such as lutefisk and lefse, as well as a grand variety of entrees, sides, salads and desserts will be served in Waldorf College’s beautifully decorated Atrium at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and at 5 p.m. Dec. 6. Tickets for the meal must be purchased in advance by calling (641) 585-8130. Tickets for just the meal are $17 per person, with a package special of $25 for dinner and the show.

The festival concert will be presented as a service of lessons and carols, with the audience involved throughout the evening. The artwork for the backdrop, designed and painted by professor Kristi Carlson, is a tremendous display of Christmas through Norwegian heritage. New musical arrangements by Nancy Farndale, composer-in-residence, will be premiered along with an arrangement by professor Blair Buffington, director of choral activities.

“The program for Christmas with Waldorf 2009 has a unique balance of traditional musical selections and a host of new and exciting arrangements,” Buffington said. “What a spectacular way to ring in the Christmas season!”

Located in Forest City, Iowa, Waldorf is a four-year, liberal arts college that delivers engaging experiences through innovative classroom instruction. The college offers bachelor degree programs in business, communication, psychology, education, fire science administration, criminal justice administration and more.