For some, the holiday season doesn’t really kick off until they start hearing festive music. Below, you’ll find a non-exhaustive list of great music and dance performances happening over the next month — including some longtime staples, as well as a few shows that put a modern spin on the classics. You can also find a more comprehensive holiday events guide here.

GO-GO SANTA: In this annual tradition, go-go bands Black Alley, the Northeast Groovers, and The TOB Band will lead a caravan through Southeast D.C., starting near Navy Yard and winding its way to the Retail Village at Sycamore & Oak in Congress Heights. The Black-owned shopping center will host a hot cocoa station, face painting, and more. And, of course, Santa himself will be aboard a truck handing out holiday gifts and clothing from local businesses, including free tickets to a Capital City Go-Go basketball game. If you’re wondering what this might look and sound like, here’s a sample from previous years. (Sycamore & Oak; Dec. 9, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.; FREE)

THE CHRISTMAS STORY: Join the Washington Bach Consort at Strathmore for an evening performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. The Nativity-focused concert will include four soloists and will be preceded by the “Talking Bach” lecture series — so get there early if you want to hear from noted Bach scholar, Michael Marissen. (The Music Center at Strathmore; Dec. 9; $25+)

NAVIDAD FLAMENCA: The Atlas Performing Arts Center invites audiences to celebrate the holidays the Latin American way with music and song (villancicos) and flamenco dancing. The concert takes on the style of a parranda — a Puerto Rican tradition of gathering and caroling during the holidays — and features multiple talented vocalists and instrumentalists. (Atlas Performing Arts Center; Dec. 9; $30+)

ACCORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: From the DC Strings Workshop nonprofit organization, the Accord Symphony Orchestra will play Handel’s Messiah, first in Northern Virginia and the following night in Southeast D.C. In its eighth season, the orchestra is made of professional, semi-professional and amateur musicians. (Herndon United Methodist Church; and Matthews Memorial Baptist Church; Dec. 9-10; FREE)

A SEASON OF HOPE: The Washington Performing Arts’ Children of the Gospel Choir is putting on a joint show with the United States Air Force Band at DAR Constitution Hall. With shows on Saturday and Sunday, other special guests include the Singing Sergeants and the Virginia Ballet Company. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance and invite children of all ages to join them onstage for a sing-along. (DAR Constitution Hall; Dec. 10-11; FREE with online reservation)

SPIRIT OF KWANZAA: Since 1995, the Dance Institute of Washington has hosted The Spirit of Kwanzaa, its most popular and longest-running show, which highlights the struggles and creativity of the Black diaspora. It takes place at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium and celebrates the holiday’s principles with dance, song, and spoken word. (Cramton Auditorium; Dec. 15-16; $30)

STEP AFRIKA!: The celebrated Black dance troupe will put on their annual Magical Musical Holiday Step Show with drumming, singing, and — of course — the Black tradition of stepping. DJ Nutcracker sets the tone for the family-friendly show, accompanied by guests like Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear. (Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater; now through Dec. 17; $82+)

SLEIGH RIDE!: Soprano Amber Monroe joins the Capital City Symphony for its annual holiday concert and sing-along. The orchestra draws from an annual pool of about 80 amateur musicians from across the D.C. region and, with the guidance of artistic director and conductor Victoria Gau, plays holiday modern holiday favorites, along with music dating back to the 18th century. (Atlas Performing Arts Center; Dec. 17; $35)

CHORAL ARTS: The Choral Arts Society of Washington’s website reads: “In a world full of noise, let the music take you away.” That’s a fitting mantra, because this season, the organization is offering multiple ways to let the holiday music take audiences to a joyful place. On Dec. 16 and Dec. 24, children are invited to A Family Christmas, a performance featuring a symphonic chorus and brass ensemble — as well as Rudolph, Frosty, and Santa. On Dec. 18 and Dec. 24, Choral Arts puts on its annual O Night Divine! concert with guest conductor Marie Bucoy-Calavan and an audience sing-along. (The Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall; multiple dates; $15+)

NATPHIL: The National Philharmonic will showcase their version of Handel’s Messiah, a dramatic rendition with help from The Baltimore Choral Arts Society and a number of guest singers. This performance takes place twice at Strathmore (Dec. 16-17) and once at Capital One Hall in Tysons (Dec. 20). A portion of the ticket sales will benefit Black-led charities in the region. (The Music Center at Strathmore and Capital One Hall; multiple dates; $19+)

HIP-HOP NUTCRACKER: In this updated take on Tchaikovsky’s classic coming to Strathmore, the original score is blended with hip-hop dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and guest MC Kurtis Blow (of “The Breaks” fame). This remixed version is set in modern-day New York and is back in Bethesda for the second year in a row. (The Music Center at Strathmore; Dec. 19-Dec. 22; $28-$68)