For many in the Oak Harbor area, the holiday season just isn’t complete without attending the annual holiday concert by Navy Band Northwest.

This year’s “Home for the Holidays” concert will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Oak Harbor High School Performing Arts Center. There is no charge to attend.

“This is a unique opportunity to see the whole band together,” said Petty Officer Daniel Bonnin, who said the full band only does three holiday concerts.

“This time of year we have small groups out doing caroling or short little concerts to spread holiday cheer,” Bonnin said. “But we’re busy all year long, on Whidbey Island especially, providing music for all the official functions like changes of command.”

Bonnin said the program will feature a mix of traditional songs and some new, jazzier arrangements from band members, as well as a nostalgic 1950’s “Andrew Sisters”-style medley.

If the good music doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, a U.S. Marine Corps representative from NAS Whidbey’s  Marine Aviation Training Support Group 53 will be on hand to accept donations for Toys for Tots. A special appearance by Santa Claus and even the Grinch will round out the afternoon.

Navy Band Northwest is under the direction of Lt. j.g. Robert Coats. The band performs more than 480 engagements each year throughout the Pacific Northwest. The band is under the operational command of Rear Adm. Douglass T. Biesel, Commander Navy Region Northwest.