Christmas in the world of Trans-Siberian Orchestra isn’t mistletoe, hot cocoa and carols.

In the world of Trans-Siberian Orchestra — which brings its hugely successful rock and light show to the Save Mart Center on Wednesday — Christmas is a high-voltage, sensory-pounding experience. It takes 15 semi-trailers and 10 tour buses to tote around TSO’s brand of Christmas joy. That includes a full orchestra, a rock band and a massive rig dedicated to pyro, lighting and special effects.

Everything comes together in a hard-rock-meets-live-theater musical event dedicated to the Christmas experience.

It works well when you consider that TSO is annually one of the most successful tours — even though it’s only on the road for two months out of the year.

There’s no doubt you’ve heard the band’s recorded material if you listen to the radio or watch TV. In fact, TSO released a new album this year, “Night Castle.”

Wednesday’s concert is the start of a busy season of holiday music in the Fresno area, which includes Christmas institutions such as Mannheim Steamroller and Michael McDonald, but also acts such as Sara Evans and Brian Setzer.

Here’s a look at what’s coming this year:

Mannheim Steamroller

Would you believe that Mannheim Steamroller has out-sold huge music names such as Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Bon Jovi?

That’s what happens when you’re a Christmas music institution.

This year Mannheim Steamroller is celebrating 25 years of holiday cheer, with a new anniversary-edition CD and a 58-city tour that makes a stop in Fresno on Dec. 10 at Saroyan Theatre.

Tickets cost $30-$75 and are available through Ticketmaster.

Andrea Bocelli

By now you’ve probably heard the story: Andrea Bocelli was scheduled to play Save Mart Center, but had a conflict in his schedule, so the date was changed to Dec. 8 and the show moved to much-smaller Saroyan Theatre.

Tickets are long gone, of course. But those lucky enough to have them will be seeing the famous opera singer share songs from his newest CD, “My Christmas.”

Sara Evans

Country singer Sara Evans is scheduled for Dec. 4 at Chukchansi Gold Casino & Resort — a show split between her greatest hits and seasonal songs.

Evans became a star behind her 2000 album, “Born to Fly,” which spawned the hit single of the same name.

She’s got a new album, her first since 2005, due in 2010.

This year, she released a digital four-song EP of Christmas songs to support her current tour. She performs at 8 p.m. in Chukchansi’s Half Dome Theatre. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and cost $30-$40.

Michael McDonald

Blue-eyed soul singer Michael McDonald is best known for his work with The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan and as a solo singer — but he’s actually done quite a bit of work in the Christmas world.

This year McDonald released “This Christmas,” tallying his third Christmas CD.

He’s bringing a dose of that to the Visalia Fox Theatre on Dec. 11 when he performs a night of seasonal favorites. Tickets cost $45-$75 and are available at vallitix.com or through the Fox Theatre box office.

Details: (559) 625-1369.

Sons of the San Joaquin

The Son of the San Joaquin return to the Visalia Fox Theatre on Dec. 19 for their annual Christmas concert.

This year there are two chances to see The Sons, with performances at 2 and 7 p.m.

The Western band — made up of brothers Jack and Joe Hannah and Joe’s son, Lon — is a member of the Western Music Association Hall of Fame.

Tickets cost $18-$22 and are available through foxvisalia.org, or at the theater’s box office.