An annual Lehigh Valley holiday favorite celebrates its 26th anniversary when Touchstone Theatre presents “Christmas City Follies XXVI,” Dec. 4-21 in Bethlehem.

“Christmas City Follies” has become a beloved Bethlehem tradition, known for its original sketches, characters and songs.

Get a sneak preview of this year’s “Follies” when Touchstone Ensemble members perform at Bethlehem’s north side “Christmas Tree-Lighting,” 4:30 p.m. Nov. 28, Payrow Plaza.

Touchstone Theatre will host the Downtown Bethlehem Association’s “Live Advent Calendar,” 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 to Dec. 23, Sun Inn Courtyard. Every evening, Touchstone actors will select a member of the audience to open the door and see what surprise awaits inside.

The tree-lighting and Advent calendar are free and open to the public.

Thousands of locals and tourists have made “The Follies,” a family-friendly, vaudevillian show, an addition to their holiday festivities, knowing that they can expect something special every time.

The best part of the variety-style show is that it is entirely made from scratch each and every year. Writers, actors and designers from Touchstone’s Ensemble work each season to create a fresh and fun production directed by JP Jordan.

Every year is a surprise, bringing brand-new stories to the stage while sprinkling in some recurring fan-favorite characters and scenes from past shows, such as Mary Wright’s doleful Little Red and Bill George’s inquiring Old Guy.

This year will see the return of Lisa Jordan as an Ensemble member. Jordan recently stepped down from her role as managing director of Touchstone Theater after nearly 18 years, but is staying involved as a performer.

Touchstone offers pay-what-you-will Thursdays for “Christmas City Follies.”

The performance is 90 minutes with no intermission.

“Christmas City Follies XXVI,” 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 17, 18; 2 p.m. Dec. 7, 14, 21; 2 p.m., 8 p.m. Dec. 13, 20, Touchstone Theatre, 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem. 610-867-1689; http://www.touchstone.org/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com