Seasonal events include the Mount Chorale Advent Concert on December 5, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Mass on December 8, and a concert on December 12 showcasing the Mount Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble and Flute Choir, and a community children’s theater production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" on December 16. All events are free and open to the public.

The Mount Chorale’s "Lessons and Carols" on Sunday, December 5 will be held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel on the Mount campus. The program will feature music by Ralph Vaughn Williams, Michael Praetorius and Salamone Rossi in addition to traditional Christmas carols. The Mount Chorale recently performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Mass will take place in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at noon, 4:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 8. An additional mass will be held at the Grotto at noon on December 8.

The Mount’s instrumental ensembles will present a holiday concert on Sunday, December 12 at 3:00 p.m. in Knott Auditorium. Suggested admission is a canned food item or monetary donation to benefit the Emmitsburg food bank.

A wide array of musical influences will be on display within the program of each ensemble. The Jazz Workshop features largely improvisational works based on the music of Thelonious Monk and Nat Adderley while also honoring the influences of jazz composer Thad Jones. The Wind Ensemble program opens with Johan de Meij’s dramatic ‘Continental Overture’ and explores Irish folk music settings by Benjamin Britten and Percy Grainger. This year’s concert welcomes the addition of the Mount Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Professor Gregory Herron, as well as the debut of the Mount Flute Choir, organized and led by senior Music major Julie Martin. Selections include fun and unique settings of holiday favorites.

On Thursday, December 16, the Emmitsburg Youth Players, directed by Mount Senior Marc Parisi, will present "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" in the Knott Auditorium on the Mount campus. The play, which begins at 7:00 p.m., is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Debbi Linton at 301-447-5955.