'Carols by Candlelight' Dec. 7-8

ESCONDIDO — The 18th annual “Carols by Candlelight” concert to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego will carry a stellar lineup of popular country music artists this year when it is presented on December 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts.

The concert will feature country artists Joe Nichols, Collin Raye, Juice Newton, Buck Howdy and others, who will each sing traditional holiday favorites and a few of their own hits.

Hosted by San Diego County Credit Union, the evening concludes with a heartwarming rendition of “Silent Night,” sung by the stars and the audience by candlelight in an outdoor courtyard.

“Carols by Candlelight” began as an Australian Christmas tradition that has now spread around the world. It involves people gathering, usually outdoors in a park, to sing carols by candlelight, accompanied by a band.

In San Diego County, “Carols by Candlelight” was created by country-western pioneers Steve Vaus and Wayne Nelson with the goal of making a life-changing difference in the lives of children.

Tickets start at $28 and are on sale at the Center Box Office, 1-800-98-TICKET.