Holidays Abound With Nutcrackers

Every year Lexington watches as different performances of “The Nutcracker” delight crowds of all ages. The Bluegrass Youth Ballet dancers, under the direction of Adalhi Aranda Corn, will put on an hour-long performance of “The Nutcracker In One Act” that promises to be colorful, enchanting, technically brilliant, fun and ideal for families. Performances at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center on Third Street will be Dec. 9-10 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 10-11 at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $12-$15. Info: 280-2218 or 271-4472. www.bluegrassyouthballet.com.

Kentucky Ballet Theatre will perform “The Nutcracker” for two weekends at the Lexington Opera House at 430 W. Vine St. Watch as the stage transforms with toys, snow, mice and visions of sugar plums. Performances will be Dec. 9-10 and 16-17 at 8 p.m. Matinees will be Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17-18 at 2 p.m. Info:  252-5245 (277-2227 on weekends and past 6 p.m.), www.kyballet.com

Lexington Ballet will continue with the family holiday tradition of “The Nutcracker” at EKU Center for the Arts. Performances will be Dec. 10 at 7:30 and Dec. 12 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tickets cost $20-$30. Info: 859-622-7469. www.lexingtonballet.org.