For many of you, ‘The Nutcracker' is as much a part of the holiday season as Santa or the Christmas tree. And this year you can choose from a wide variety of productions near and far. One of the best and most convenient is right here in town with the Santa Clarita Ballet, at the Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons. But you can also go with the Los Angeles Ballet at one of three venues, or see it Russian- or hip-hop-style, or even enjoy a version featuring marionettes. So let's crack the shell off this thing.

Santa Clarita Ballet performs ‘The Nutcracker'
Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road
Valencia, CA 91355
Call (661) 251-0366 or (661) 251-6844 for tickets
www.canyons.edu/Offices/PIO/CanyonsPAC/nutcracker.html  
Dec. 18 at 8 p.m., Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. - With its 16th annual performance of "The Nutcracker," the Santa Clarita Ballet presents a classic program and favorite holiday tradition. Complete with beloved characters, magical staging and exquisite costumes, this production features guest professionals as well as company dancers. Tickets $28 or $30.

Bob Baker's ‘Nutcracker'
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
1345 W. First St.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 250-9995
www.bobbakermarionettes.com  
Through Jan. 31, 2011 - The famous, yet funny, version of "The Nutcracker" featuring the Baker marionettes. Tickets $20 for adults and children.

Long Beach Ballet ‘Nutcracker'
www.longbeachballet.com
Pasadena Convention Center
300 E. Green St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 793-2122
Dec. 22 and 23, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $29.60 - $58.25.
Long Beach Terrace Theater
300 E. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets $28 - $93.

Moscow Ballet's ‘Great Russian Nutcracker'
La Mirada Theatre for the
Performing Arts
14900 La Mirada Blvd.
La Mirada, CA 90638
(562) 944-9801
www.lamiradatheatre.com  
Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. - Featuring spectacular sets and beautifully costumed Russian dancers, Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" is a holiday treat for the whole family. Tickets $40 - $350.

‘Hot Chocolate Nutcracker'
Debbie Allen Dance Academy
Royce Hall, University of
California Los Angeles
405 Hilgard Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 825-2101
www.uclalive.org
Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.
The "Hot Chocolate Nutcracker" is Debbie Allen's hilarious and culturally rich take on the perennial Christmas classic. With an original score by Arturo Sandoval, Tena Clark, Mariah Carey, Chau-Ging and James Ingram, the "Hot Chocolate Nutcracker" offers a fresh new twist, while presenting new dances - hip hop, flamenco, cirque techniques, tap - as well as bringing a new social relevance to this story. Tickets $24.50 - $52.30.

Los Angeles Ballet, ‘The Nutcracker'
(310) 998-7782
www.losangelesballet.org
(At three venues) Choreography by Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, music by P.I. Tchaikovsky. The holiday tradition continues with LAB's acclaimed original production of "The Nutcracker." Join Clara and her Nutcracker as they journey to magical realms where mischievous mice battle toy soldiers, snowflakes dance, and Clara's dolls come to life. The holidays wouldn't be complete without the retelling of one of the season's most beloved tales. Experience the season's joy as Tchaikovsky's classic music guides you on a journey through a world full of beauty and magic, of dancing snowflakes and sugar plums, and a war betwixt. Tickets $30 - $95.

Royce Hall, University of California Los Angeles
405 Hilgard Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 825-2101
www.uclalive.org
Dec. 18 at 1 p.m., Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Alex Theatre
216 North Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 243-2539
www.alextheatre.org
Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.

Redondo Beach Performing
Arts Center
1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
(310) 937-6607
Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 26 at
1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica ‘Nutcracker'
Wadsworth Theatre
11301 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90073
(310) 479-3636
Dec. 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Dec. 5 and 12 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Westside Ballet of Santa Monica presents its 38th annual lavish performances of "The Nutcracker." The complete and traditional ballet, from the Victorian-style party scene to the glittering Sugar Plum Fairy. Tickets $22.