The Christmas spirit arrives at Penn State tonight when "A Scottish Christmas," arranged by award-winning fiddler Bonnie Rideout, brings holiday cheer to Eisenhower Auditorium.

"A Scottish Christmas" will begin at 7:30 p.m. and features Rideout and her Scottish Trio, and other guest performers.

Rideout has released a number of CDs, including four award-winning compilations. She is a three-time United States Scottish fiddle champion, has appeared on the CBS news show Sunday Morning, and has often played on public radio.

With Bryan Aspey on guitar and Matthew Bell on percussion, Rideout formed the Scottish Trio.

Rideout is the artistic director of "A Scottish Christmas" and has been performing this show for nearly 10 years.

"A Scottish Christmas" features musicians and dancers performing traditional Scottish carols, hymns, wassail tunes, jigs and reels.

Rideout modeled the show after the album A Scottish Christmas, which she created along with Maggie Sansone and Al Petteway in 1996.

The album contains both traditional and Scottish Christmas carols.

"The show has always had the same Christmas theme, but performers vary over the years," Anne Marie Coggins, Rideout's assistant, said. "The show is integrated; for some songs, everybody plays, then there are segments where it is just Bonnie and key musicians."

Even though "A Scottish Christmas" is a traditional holiday show, those who attend can expect an original festive atmosphere.

The audience will be able to enjoy Scottish carols that may be new to them, along with familiar favorites.

"The musicians play traditional Christmas songs but feature different renditions of them," said Jessica Cimini, Baylin Artists Management director of artist services.

The variety of guest artists adds an element that changes each year. Rideout is the only performer who has been in the show every year since it began.

Anyone interested in joining in this celebration of Christmas can still pick up tickets today at Eisenhower Auditorium.

"Ticket sales are going well," said Sherren McKenzie, an Eisenhower Auditorium ticket saleswoman. "We have a nice mix of the community attending."

The first 75 people to arrive at 6:30 p.m., an hour before "A Scottish Christmas" begins, will get to attend an informal discussion about tonight's show, conducted by cast members or locals familiar with the performing arts scene.

Tickets are $16 for Penn State students, $28 for adults and $21 for those 18 and younger.