[DunninLA]

I have owned many versions. My favorite so far has been the John Eliot Gardiner, played with period instruments. 

I searched and didn't find a more recent thread, so I'll jump on this one that I used to find my own favorite this week.
 
I do also like Gardiner, but in a similar style prefer Pinnock.  Also like Hogwood, still preferring Pinnock.
 
But here is the surprise... after hearing the above, plus Sir Colin Davis, Shaw, Beecham, Andrew Davis, and a few more, my favorite by far isn't even on CD, but is on Youtube.  It is a Czech group specializing in the Baroque, Collegium 1704.   I prefer this performance in all aspects as a whole to all the others for tempo, clarity, soloists (save for the soprano, but even she is not utterly disagreeable), and most importantly, for the festive mood displayed which is appropriate to the theme.  The Messiah should never look or feel stuffy.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtrIpTUbtc8