A service in song and word that has become one of the nation’s most cherished holiday celebrations. Tickets to the event — which takes place at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. — are always gone months in advance. The festival includes hymns, carols, choral works, as well as orchestral selections celebrating the Nativity and featuring more than 500 student musicians in five choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra.

Host Valerie Kahler shares the sights and sounds of this choral favorite.