The Federal Way Symphony presents its holiday concert “Ring out the Old, Ring in the New,” bringing traditional holiday carols and seasonal surprises to the audience in December.

The symphony’s show is at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Performing Arts and Event Center in Federal Way.

Led by Music Director Adam Stern, the symphony is performing selections from The Nutcracker and Johann Strauss’ “Emperor Waltz.”

“Programming a holiday concert is both fun and a challenge,” Stern said. “There are certain expectations to be met, certain musical traditions that simply must be adhered to. At the same time, I want to keep things fresh for the audience and the orchestra and not simply trot out the same pieces they’ve heard or performed dozens of times at other holiday concerts.

“So, while there will absolutely be some works that are holiday standards, there will also be a few that one doesn’t necessarily encounter on such programs. There will be some surprises, but I promise that there will be no musical equivalents of lumps of coal in a Christmas stocking,” he said.

Along with carols and symphonic works, Stern is planning some surprises and promises they will “knock you out of your seat.”

“We’re doing, for example, a spectacular arrangement of ‘Carol of the Bells’ that is the last word in orchestral color,” he said. “And a delicate arrangement of ‘Silent Night’ by Morton Gould that is pure heaven.”

To maintain the surprise, Stern has taken the unusual step of holding “closed” rehearsals — even Symphony management and staff are excluded and hinted that a special guest artist may perform.

Federal Way families can enjoy this festive concert together as the symphony is offering free child and youth tickets for those under age 18 with the purchase of an adult or senior/military ticket.

Each paid ticket can reserve up to three child/youth tickets. Tickets are available by phone at 253-835-7010 or at fwpaec.org/fws-holiday-concert.

“We know budgets get tight around the holidays,” said Symphony President Jennie Hendrie. “We want to give our families the gift of togetherness for Christmas.”

All Federal Way Symphony concerts are at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way South, which offers convenient access to I-5 and ample free parking.