WESTPORT — Candlelight Concerts at Staples High School, an eight-decade holiday tradition, returns to brighten the season Dec. 17-18.

The 81st annual showcase for Staples musicians and singers will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, and at 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, in the high school auditorium, 70 North Ave.

Tickets go on sale to the public Wednesday, Dec. 1, starting at 9 a.m. Tickets — a maximum of four — can be reserved online by clicking here. There is no charge for tickets.

Because of COVID health and safety protocols, audience seating is limited to 50 percent capacity (subject to change), so tickets are expected to sell out quickly.

At the concerts, the Staples Choirs and Symphonic instrumental ensembles will join forces to perform traditional Candlelight favorites, such as “Sing We Noel” and “Hallelujah Chorus.” The combined ensembles will also perform Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” and Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival.”

COVID protocols for Candlelight audiences

• Everyone attending is required to wear a mask at all times in the school building.

• Attendees should arrive at least 45 minutes early Staples’ main entrance only. 

• On entry, all patrons are required to check in and show an ID and a vaccination card, or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the performance. 

• Patrons should sit with their parties and remain socially distanced from others.

For updates regarding the performance, check the Staples Music website.