THERE’LL be festive spirit a-plenty at the Philharmonic Hall this month. Flamboyant conductor Carl Davis is returning to Hope Street with his annual Christmas With Carl concert tomorrow, featuring the jubilant music of Handel and Mozart, a touch of Tchaikovsky and the all-American swing of Irving Berlin.

Dame Joan Bakewell presents two Spirit of Christmas shows of well-loved tunes and seasonal readings later this week, and Frosty the Snowman is taking up residence over the weekend for a number of special family performances.

Then, on Sunday evening, the Mozart Festival Orchestra will don period costume and light artificial candles for its Carols by Candlelight show.

“It’s very much in keeping with the season of Christmas,” says producer Raymond Gubbay. “A lot of the programme is governed by the time of year.

“People expect a certain sense of tradition. They want to take part in something communal and to feel part of something.”

The 18th century-style seasonal celebration will include many traditional carols, including It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, O Little Town of Bethlehem, The first Nowell, O Come, All Ye Faithful, While Shepherds Watched, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, and O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.