The annual St. Lucia program has become a highlight for the holiday season in Austin.

With 150 local dancers regularly taking part, there’s no shortage of interest from area residents — and their friends and loved ones around the region.

“It’s phenomenal,” said the show’s producer Madlain Vander. “People come from out of state — it packs the place.”

The St. Lucia event, which is paired with the annual Nutcracker performance, is modeled after the traditional Swedish musical numbers, with decorations, costumes and dancing styles borrowed from national Swedish shows.

“The inspiration comes from several nationally televised programs in Sweden,” Vander said. “There’s beautiful dancing numbers in it.”

Dancers for the event are students of the Jane Taylor Dance Academy, who, for years, has been performing both the Nutcracker and the St. Lucia show.

While Americans always enjoy the show, Vander said it’s the Swedes who are really excited when they see the authentic performance Austin puts on.

“If there’s a Swede there, you’ll see it in there eyes,” Vander said.

The musical performance illustrates the story of St. Lucia, who was said to have been a Sicilian saint who died for her Christian beliefs sometime around 300 AD. Her sacrifice has, for years, been represented by lights. That’s a tradition that is still practice today, with young girls around the world dawning a crown of candles, accompanied by a white dress, to celebrate the holiday.

Because St. Lucia Day, celebrated Dec. 13, is considered to be a celebration of lights, Vander said people of all backgrounds can connect with the theme.

“Who doesn’t think of starry nights in the winter time,” Vander said. “That’s why people love it.”

Really, Vander said the time of St. Lucia is a representation of winter, as it’s traditionally recognized in December. That’s represented in Austin’s St. Lucia program, with garments representing various winter themes.

“It’s also a celebration of the winter season,” Vander said. “We have snow flakes dances and beautiful old fashioned skaters. It’s a very different kind of dancing.”

There is, of course, Father and Mother Christmas added to the final number, who wear costumes that have been created with care over the years.

“It’s a labor of love,” Vander said.

Those who performance in both St. Lucia and The Nutcracker take the performance to the streets of Austin during the annual Christmas in the City parade, set for Friday.

During that time, dancers are able to show off their hard work and celebrate with the city the Christmas season.

Doors for the show open at 7 p.m. Friday, with the show set to begin at 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.