Written as a joyous overture to a winter holiday program, A Joyful Celebration combines original material with excerpts of holiday favorites. While there are references to several carols, the music does not feel like a medley; rather, Brian Balmages hints at the carols throughout the overture while giving the work its own distinctive character. Carols include "Good King Wenceslas," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "O Come, All Ye Faithful."