Listen To: BSO Holiday Spectacular

There is only one thing better than a front row seat at the Meyerhoff for the annual Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Holiday Spectacular and that's being backstage as the performers hit the stage. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Spectacular has firmly established itself as a holiday tradition in Baltimore.

The 24 tap-dancing Santas are the audience favorite. The kicking and twirling ''dancing Santa'' are actually students from the Baltimore School For The Arts. They have a special bond with their costume, especially the belly that constantly tries to weigh them down.

The BSO Holiday Spectacular is a mix of local and national performers. Margarete Willbanks, a graduate of Parkville Senior High School, enjoys coming home every holiday season to perform in her hometown, catch up with friends and wear pretty dresses. Shannon Hollman, born in Baltimore, has also found time over the years to do some fund-raising for Sinai Hospital in addition to performing nationally. For others, like Nicholas Hooloulas, it's a chance to get away from the 9 to 5 grind and absorb the glow of the Meyerhoff spotlight.