The Philadelphia Dance Company — Philadanco! to its legions of fans around the world — kicks off the holiday season with a performance at the Annenberg Center Dec. 7-9.

The program features the world premiere of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” a new work by internationally renowned choreographer Daniel Ezralow, whose recent work includes the choreography for Ron Howard’s film “The Grinch.” Given the passion and energy of Philadanco, this promises to be a magical event indeed.

If you haven’t yet discovered this local ensemble that’s a national treasure, this is a great time to do it. And if you should miss them live, you can catch their performance on WHYY-TV’s “Philadelphia Performs” series Dec. 15.

--S.S.

PHILADANCO: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 in Zellerbach Theatre, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. Evening tickets $33, $31 and $29; matinee tickets $30, $28 and $26; discounts for students, seniors and Penn affiliates available. Tickets/info: visit www.pennpresents.org or call 215-898-3900.