BEST BET: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

By Diana Nollen

Nobody rocks the holidays like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

You may not recognize the title “Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24,” but if you've listened to Christmas music on the radio anytime since 1996, I guarantee you'll recognize this bit of blazing Yuletide glory.

Founder Paul O'Neill, a New York native, didn't actually have to cross a frozen Russian tundra on a troika or mush some huskies to form his mega-hot band.

Instead, the former guitarist for touring productions “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Hair” decided to create his own over-the-top rock-opera experience, pushing the boundaries only nudged by Pink Floyd and The Who.

He's succeeded.

His sensory assault, fueled by a $20 million kaleidoscope of sight and sound, played to more than 5 million people by the end of 2008 and reaped more than $230 million in ticket sales.

The band is making tracks again, playing more than 80 North American cities in nine weeks, pulling up to the Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“Night Castle” is the band's latest release, which didn't exactly wow me, but in the spirit of the season, hopefully O'Neill and his wizards of winter will break out some carols and play them their 12 ways of Christmas.

Hitch up your team and ho-ho-hold onto your hat for a wild ride. 

Tickets are $27 to $57.50 at the Wells Fargo Arena Box Office,

www.dahlstickets.com or 1-(866) 55-DAHLS. For more information, go to

www.iowaeventscenter.com or

www.trans-siberian.com