One of Ardmore’s favorite Christmas traditions is gearing up for its return next month.

Since late September, members of the Ardmore Community Chorale have been rehearsing once a week for their annual Christmas concert. The group originally formed in the late 80s before disbanding in 2016. They returned in 2022 and will be coming back for their third year on Dec. 8 and 9.

The group is composed entirely of amateur singers who enjoy getting the opportunity to perform outside of a church or local play. The age range of performers includes adults of all ages with some members having participated since the 1980s.

Maggie Maher is one of the youngest members of the group. She said she joined to get back into the habit of singing.

“I’m a part of the Ardmore Little Theatre, and they will be doing a musical in the spring,” Maher said. “I thought this would be a great way to get prepared for that because I haven’t sung properly in a few years.”

Both of her parents have been members of the choir in years past, and her father is a member this year.

“I thought this would be something fun to do with my dad to get back into the groove of singing,” she said. “Hopefully that prepares me for the musical.”

Another member of the choir is Nancy Burris. She has been a member on and off since it returned in 2022. She said her favorite part of the entire experience is the performance.

“I love to see the audience when we perform,” she said. “It’s a great start to the Christmas season, and they all just brighten up when they come.”

Song selections include seasonal favorites as well as some nontraditional songs that may be unfamiliar to the audience. There is also a medley of well-known songs such as “Silent Night” in which the audience is invited to join in the singing.

Maher said her favorite song to perform is called “You do not Walk Alone.”

“It has a wonderful meaning behind the words,” she said. “It’s about staying positive and knowing that there are always people who support you, no matter what.”

The choir will once again be under the direction of Dr. David Hobbs with accompanist Diane Boland. Performances will take place at Northwest Baptist Church, located at located at 1609 Robinson St. in Ardmore, at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8 and at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9. Tickets are $10 per person.