An Augusta Christmas tradition returns to the Augusta University Maxwell Theater on Saturday, Dec. 21. At 7 p.m., the youth ensemble Creative Impressions will present its “Behold the Star” production. The group’s chorus will feature current and alumni members.

Tickets are $25, with discounts for older adults and groups of 10 or more people, and can be purchased online.

“Behold the Star” will feature various Christmas music in multiple styles, including carols and Gospel music classics. The program is the ensemble’s largest performance of the year.

Trey McLaughlin, who grew up singing with the ensemble, now directs the ensemble and its Christmas program. Founded in 1996, Creative Impressions empowers youth ages 12 to 18 through the arts. Since the late 20th century, the group has become multigenerational, with alumni parents singing with their children during the holidays.

Brittany Hatcher, who graduated from Creative Impressions in 2011, said she relishes the opportunity to sing with the young performers each year.

“It’s like coming home and visiting family,” she said in a 2022 Augusta Good News article. “I learned professionalism, stage presence, and I learned acting too. We did skits when we performed. I learned African dance.”

Celina Smith, who graduated in 2010, said that she likes connecting with fellow alums who weren’t part of Creative Impressions when she was a member. “There’s something magical about the way it pulls us together,” she said.

Learn more about “Behold the Star” and the mission of Creative Impressions on the ensemble’s website.