“A Classical Christmas” is one of Buffalo’s newest holiday traditions, and every year it gathers a bit more glitter. The concert gives the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra a chance to play Christmas hits as well as elegant Christmas classics. This year brings a splendid Yuletide smorgasbord. The concert begins with Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival”—you can’t have a holiday concert without Leroy Anderson—and continues with Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto” and two movements, including the marvelous “Alleluia,” from Mozart’s “Exsultate Jubilate.” Also in store are “Meditations on an old Bohemian Carol” by the wonderful Bohemian composer Josef Suk, and a set of variations on the old German cradle song “Joseph, lieber Joseph mein” which so inspired Brahms. Three movements from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” Suite include the “Troika” movement. And to complete the snowy ambience, the night will also include the “Troika” from Prokofiev’s “Lieutenant Kiji Suite” and Mozart’s “Sleigh Ride” German Dance, complete with sleigh bells. There are other treats, too. Matthew Kraemer, the BPO’s new resident conductor, leads the orchestra. “A Classical Christmas” takes place this morning at 10:30—part of the BPO’s “Coffee Concerts” series—and repeats at 8 p. m. Saturday. For information, call 885-5000.

—Mary Kunz Goldman