If you go, get there early.

Christmas is One Language has become a popular event, drawing large crowds to the First United Methodist Church on Thompson Bridge Road in Gainesville.

"Usually, the church is full. It’s one of our more popular concerts at the church," said LeTrell Simpson of the Gainesville Multicultural Committee, one of several sponsors of the event, set for 7 p.m. Sunday.

The 13th annual concert serves to kick off the Christmas season in what is traditionally known as Hanging of the Greens.

The event features a variety of church choirs and other performers, including St. John Baptist Church’s Angelic Voices, which has performed every year.

But there’ll be some new talent on hand, as well, such as the Drake School of Irish Dancers; Brenau University Chamber Ensemble; and Quig Cao, a traditional Chinese dancer.

Also singing for the first time will be soloist Dr. Tennent Slack, a Gainesville anesthesiologist.

"These are not professional people. It is just people who enjoy singing, dancing, music and doing that to highlight their culture," Simpson said.

The event, which is open to the public at no charge, also features Ballet Mexicano de Lupita Sosa, McEver Road United Methodist Church singers, St. Michael Catholic Church choir and The Norman Brothers.

"The whole purpose is to celebrate the diversity of our community," Simpson said. "So many times, it’s portrayed in a negative light and we think there are lots of positives."

After the concert, guests are invited to stay for a reception featuring food from around the world.