Holiday memories will flow like eggnog at the Aurora Theatre's annual holiday musical, "Christmas Canteen 2011," which runs Friday through Dec. 23.

Gwinnett County's longest running theatrical holiday tradition combines the sentimentality of a television variety special with the high energy of a USO show.

Nostalgic music includes such holiday favorites as "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Jingle Bell Rock," "Winter Wonderland" and more. New this year is an homage to the tradition of country music and the Grand Ole Opry.

The cast includes Stacey Stone in her 11th Canteen and Brandon O'Dell in his eighth year, along with returning Aurora veterans Jevares Myrick and Eric Moore. Erin Lorette and Tedra Chriss are making their Canteen debuts.

The performance is under the music direction of Aurora Theatre Associate Producer Ann-Carol Pence, who has been a part of every Christmas Canteen.

Christmas Canteen pays tribute to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces, past and present. For the eighth year, Aurora Theatre is supporting the U.S. Marine Corps' annual Toys for Tots drive with its Festival of Trees. The event, now in its fifth year, decks the halls of the Aurora with nearly 30 trees decorated by local businesses and organizations.

In addition to toys, patrons are encouraged to contribute food to be donated to the local food banks.