To movie buffs, the holidays aren’t complete without a screening of the 1942 classic “Holiday Inn,” starring Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby, or its 1954 reprise, “White Christmas,” in which crooner Crosby is joined by co-stars Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney and hoofer Vera-Ellen.

Now, Irving Berlin’s best-selling tune and a host of other memorable Berlin originals are gift-wrapped for Seattle’s holiday season by the 5th Avenue Theatre.

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas, the Musical,” based on the book by Paul Blake and David Ives, proves to be a delightful escape from the gloomy Northwest winter, and will put even a sour grinch into the holiday spirit.

It’s a family affair, and children unfamiliar with the holiday movies of yesteryear will nevertheless squeal with delight. During Friday night’s intermission, kids were tap dancing in front of lobby mirrors and singing choruses to one another.

Older folks who already know the story will still appreciate the fresh shine put on this stage production by director David Armstrong.

To review: Successful song & dance partners Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, played with gusto by Michael Gruber and Greg McCormick Allen, are en route from New York to a winter gig in balmy Miami when their paths cross with neophyte entertainer sisters Betty and Judy Haynes, played with sweet abandon by Christina Saffran Ashford and Tari Kelly.

Bob and Judy hit it off immediately. When he learns the sisters are on their way to a job in an out-of-the-way Vermont inn for the winter season, Bob conspires with Judy to trick Phil into traveling north where they plan to play matchmakers between Phil and Betty.

Upon arrival at the inn, Bob and Phil discover its proprietor is none other than Gen. Henry Waverly, their beloved World War II commander, who is played with command, of course, by Stephen Godwin.

Learning a warm, snowless winter threatens to doom the general’s entrepreneurial endeavor, the quartet secretly prepares to stage a musical extravaganza, and invite all the doughboys to the surprise.

The general’s right hand woman, Martha Watson, played with brass by Carol Swarbrick, and his granddaughter, played precociously by 10-year-old Keaton Whittaker, provide agreeable comic relief during the production’s slow periods.

The plot, thin as it is, includes misunderstandings that threaten to undermine Phil and Betty’s budding romance. But there’s never any doubt that a happy ending is in store.

But the real charm of “White Christmas” is in Berlin’s toe-tapping, lyrically delectable tunes presented by musical director James May conducting a 23-piece orchestra, and the exuberant chorus dancing under the direction of choreographer Jamie Rocco.

There were grins-aplenty in the audience during such popular numbers as “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” “We’ll Follow the Old Man,” “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and, of course, “White Christmas.”

It’s a worthy present to your loved ones, even if you don’t celebrate Christmas.

Once asked how, as a member of the Jewish faith, he could write “White Christmas,” Berlin responded, “I know how it was possible – I wrote it as an American.”