B.E. Taylor said his annual Christmas performance will be back where it belongs this year.

The holiday performance that has drawn thousands of concert-goers to Wheeling since 1996 will be held Dec. 22-23 at the Capitol Theatre. Taylor and members of the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority and Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau made the announcement Thursday at the Capitol Theatre.

Taylor's 2007 and 2008 Christmas performances were held in WesBanco Arena after fire code violations forced the closure of the theater. Taylor said he enjoyed the arena performances that featured bigger productions, including video screens, but he is excited to return to the "intimacy" of the Capitol Theatre.

He also said he knows what his fans want from the performance.

"It's night and day ... ," Taylor said of performing in WesBanco Arena as opposed to the Capitol Theatre. "We'll tweak it here and there, but we won't reinvent the performance. We won't get complacent, either. The people are what is important, and we want to see them walk out with smiles on their faces."

Authority Executive Director Denny Magruder made it clear where he prefers Taylor's Christmas performance in Wheeling to be held.

"This is the right venue for you ... ," Magruder told Taylor. "It's a can't-miss show."

Taylor said he is proud his Christmas performances are so popular.

He said he initially expected to perform Christmas shows in Wheeling only for two or three years. Although he's gearing up for this year's pair of shows, Taylor said he already has plans for his 2010 Christmas specials at the Capitol Theatre. He noted he expects to extend the show's run to three nights next year.

Both of Taylor's performances this season begin at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The show features special performances by the Wheeling Park High School Drum Line, the Triadelphia Middle School Choir and the Aliquippa Church In The Round Gospel Choir and Steel Drum Band.

Tickets for the performance go on sale at noon Saturday. Magruder said advance tickets for the show can be purchased at WesBanco Arena. For additional information, call 304-233-4470.