To salute the fast-approaching Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the Los Angeles Philharmonic will present a series of special programs at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., in downtown Los Angeles. For ticket pricing and ordering, please call (323) 850-2000 or visit www.LAPhil.com.

At 8 p.m. tonight, Thurs., Dec. 22, folkloric Mexican vocalist Lila Downs will be joined by Mariachi Luz de Luna in presenting “A Latin Christmas.” Downs is said to “embody the peaceful holiday spirit through the enchanting heart, soul and beauty of her music.” The concert will feature a musical journey across the Southwest with an earthy blend of traditional Mexican music.

The Blind Boys of Alabama will bring a gospel touch to the holidays with “Go Tell It on the Mountain: The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show” at 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 23. The group—which has existed for six decades—is known to “belt out their rousing and spiritual renditions” of carols, hymns and pop standards.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, L.A.’s own “Kings of Swing” will perform at 7 and 10:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Sat., Dec. 31. Ring in 2006 with the jumping and jiving sounds of this rollicking big band.