PORTLAND – The Portland Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the Christmas season with the “Magic of Christmas,” featuring the daring feats of acrobats, the joyful sound of Christmas carols and the orchestra’s holiday traditions.

From Dec. 9-18, the PSO, directed by Robert Moody, will give 11 performances of classical and popular holiday hits at Merrill Auditorium.

Program highlights include music from “The Nutcracker;” Moody singing “The Rose,” a song made famous by the movie starring Bette Midler; and Cirque de la Symphonie performing as the PSO plays Tchaikovksy’s “Waltz of the Flowers,” “The Rose” and “Rocket Sleigh” by Boston-based composer Delvyn Case.

Also on the program are two male a cappella groups, the Bowdoin College Longfellows and Maine Steiners; PSO members performing Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” while trying to outdo one another with their festive and comical attire; and an audience singalong.

Songs include “A Christmas Festival,” “Simple Holiday Joys,” “Overture to A Merry Christmas,” “Little Bolero Boy,” “The First Noel,” “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” “Lo, how a rose e’er blooming,” “Hallelujah!” from “The Messiah,” and “I Am But a Small Voice.”

There will be preconcert performances by students from the Maine Suzuki Association and Ray Cornils at the Kotzschmar Organ Prelude Concert; and decorated Christmas trees will be displayed in Merrill’s lobby.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10; 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17; and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18.

Tickets range from $25 to $55, $5 less for seniors and $10 less for children 18 and younger. Tickets are available at porttix.com, by calling 842-0800 or at the PortTIX box office at Merrill, 20 Myrtle St., from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.