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Those sounds you hear aren’t just the the stampede of Christmas shoppers or tummy rumblings from leftover turkey and trimmings, they are the thrum of oncoming hordes of Nutcracker princes, Sugar Plum fairies, waltzing flowers and dancing mice descending upon local stages from now until Christmas. While jaded critics may groan at the prospect of yet another production of The Nutcracker, balletomanes welcome the chance to compare various professional versions (this year including Los Angeles Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and Miami City Ballet) and to survey local companies’ upcoming crop of  pre-professional dancers or the charm of a ballet school’s budding dancers. Debbie Allen’s Chocolate Nutcracker and American Contemporary Ballet’s new chamber-sized Nutcracker Suite offer terpsichorean riffs on the tradition. With productions from Santa Clarita to San Pedro, Santa Barbara to San Diego, Huntington Beach to the Inland Empire, it’s possible to see The Nutcracker without leaving the neighborhood. Even folk who think they don’t like ballet find it hard not to be beguiled by the exquisite, familiar Tchaikovsky score and nostalgic Christmas celebration that is the setting for a magical journey.

The following round up starts with some of notable professional endeavors and then a regional sorting.  Apologies for any omissions.  Let us know and we’ll make sure next year’s round up is even more extensive.

Set in 1912, the Los Angeles Ballet’s Nutcracker is an L.A. original, choreographed by company co-artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, with set design by L.A. artist Catherine Kanner. Now in its 12th season, L.A.’s own professional classical ballet company continues to demonstrate how well it understands this city. With home theaters in Glendale, Westwood, Redondo Beach, and Hollywood with a live orchestra, LAB brings ballet to the audience rather than expecting folks to overcome hours of gridlocked traffic. The superb company dancers have proven themselves a home team to root for. In full disclosure, your scribe volunteered to watch the goings on from a chimney. Alex Theater, 216 Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2 p.m.; $36-$104, $24-$76 seniors, students & children under 13. Also at UCLA Royce Hall, Westwood.; Fri., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., Dec. 16 & 17, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.; $36-$104, $24-$76 seniors, students & children under 13. Also at Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Sat., Dec. 23, 1 & 5 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 24, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.; $72-$124. Also at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Fri., Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 30, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 31, 1 p.m.; $36-$104, $24-$76 seniors, students & children under 13. 310-998-7782, http://www.LosAngelesBallet.org.  

Celebrated Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s interpretation of  the classic for American Ballet Theatre brings ABT’s splendid dancers to SoCal. The announced casting includes many of ABT’s top stars (current casting for leads at http://scfta.org.), further cementing ABT’s expanding presence in Orange County.  Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 7-8 & Wed.-Fri., Dec. 13-15, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 9 & 16, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10 & 17, 12:30 & 5:30 p.m.; $39-$269. 714-556-2787, http://scfta.org.

Miami City Ballet arrives with a new production of George Balanchine’s Nutcracker. Telecast of the original Balanchine version in the mid-1950s launched the ballet’s spread into a national seasonal epidemic. In addition to the live orchestra, young dancers from local studios and the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus participate. Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown; Thurs., Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, noon & 4 p.m.; $34-$125. http://musiccenter.org/nutcracker. 

Fans of Debbie Allen have a chance to see her perform in Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, her version of the holiday classic. Carlos Imperato,  Tisha Campbell-Martin, Tichina Arnold, Kristopher Nobles, Mathew Johnson and DADA also star, backed by dancers from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. A special all-star gala show opens the series on Thurs., Dec. 12. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 7-8, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 9, 1 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2 p.m.; $50-$110. http://HotChocolateNutcracker.com.

Choreographer Laurence Blake and artistic director Victoria Koenig created Inland Pacific Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker that has become a local tradition. IPB’s professional dancers are joined by students from IPB’s respected ballet academy. The opening night in Claremont includes a gala and that weekend’s performances have live music from the Pomona College Orchestra.  Inland Pacific Ballet at Claremont Colleges, Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way; Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2 p.m.; $30-$25; $27-$22.50 seniors; $25.50-$21.50 children 12 & under. (909) 607-1139. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga; Fri., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17, 2 p.m.; $49-$59. Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; Fri. Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 23, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; 951-779-9800, http://www.IPBallet.org.

For two decades, Moscow Ballet has toured its elaborate Great Russian Nutcracker to approximately 50 cities during November and December. This Russian company stops off at three SoCal venues. The cast of 40 includes international ballet competition winners. The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Fri., Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 16, 1 & 5 p.m.; $43-$241. Also at Arlington Theater, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara; Wed., Dec. 13, 7 p.m.; $28-$175. Also at Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Thurs., Dec. 21,  4 & 8 p.m.; $28-$89. http://www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets.

Promising a one hour, immersive, three-dimensional  experience, American Contemporary Ballet debuts its Nutcracker Suite. ACB Studios, 700 S. Flower St., 3200, downtown; Fri., Dec. 8, 15 & 22, 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 9-10, 16-17, 2 & 5 p.m.; & Sat., Dec. 23, 2 p.m.; $40-$105. http://acbdances.com.

The professional dancers of State Street Ballet are joined by students from the affiliated ballet school in this version from artistic director Rodney Gustafson. Granada Theater, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17, 2 p.m.; $24-56. 805-899-2222, http://www.StateStreetBallet.com.

Here’s where to find The Nutcracker throughout Southern California:

Metro Los Angeles

Los Angeles Ballet – UCLA Royce Hall, Westwood.; Fri., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., Dec. 16 & 17, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.; $36-$104, $24-$76 seniors, students & children under 13. Also at Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Sat., Dec. 23, 1 & 5 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 24, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.; $72-$124. 310-998-7782 http://www.LosAngelesBallet.org. 

Miami City Ballet – Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown; Thurs., Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, noon & 4 p.m.; $34-$125. http://musiccenter.org/nutcracker.

Moscow Ballet – The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Fri., Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 16, 1 & 5 p.m.; $43-$241. http://www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets.

American Contemporary Ballet – ACB Studios, 700 S. Flower St., 3200, downtown; Fri., Dec. 8, 15 & 22, 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 9-10 & Dec. 16-17, 2 & 5 p.m.; & Sat., Dec. 23, 2 p.m.; $40-$105. http://acbdances.com.

Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire, the late founders of Westside Ballet created a Victorian Christmas card version, performed with the Santa Monica Symphony. Alum Joy Womack now with Kremlin Ballet Theater guests. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 2-3, 1 & 5 p.m.; $45. http://www.WestsideBallet.com/nutcracker.

One-time star of Russia’s Kirov (now Mariinsky) Ballet, Marat Daukayev choreographed, directs and stars as the mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer with students from his admired Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre and School.  Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Dr., East L.A.; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 9-10, 2 & 7 p.m.; $42. https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2419796

Another Russian touring company, Russian Grand Ballet arrives for two shows. Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W. 8th St., Hancock Park; Sat., Dec. 16, 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17, 3 p.m.; $40-$80. http://ebellla.org/theatre.

Ballet Conservatory West – Smothers Theater, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu; Sat. Dec 2, 7 p.m.; $20-$30. https://pepperdinearts.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=227.

Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley

Set in 1912, the Los Angeles Ballet’s Nutcracker is an L.A. original, choreographed by company co-artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, with set design by L.A. artist Catherine Kanner. Now in its 12th season, L.A.’s own professional classical ballet company continues to demonstrate how well it understands this city. With home theaters in Glendale, Westwood, Redondo Beach, and Hollywood with a live orchestra, LAB brings ballet to the audience rather than expecting folks to overcome hours of gridlocked traffic. The superb company dancers have proven themselves a home team to root for. Alex Theater, 216 Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2 p.m.; $36-$104, $24-$76 seniors, students & children under 13. http://www.LosAngelesBallet.org.

Company director Cynthia Young choreographed Pasadena Dance Theatre’s version of The Nutcracker for the students of her well-regarded ballet academy. The Dec. 16 & 17 shows offer refreshments and a chance to meet the heroine Clara at a Nutcracker Party before the performance (additional charge). San Gabriel Civic Auditorium, 320 Mission Dr., San Gabriel; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 9-10 & 16-17, 2 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 22-23, 1 p.m., $20-$65. http://www.PasadenaDance.org.

Red Chair Children’s Production Company – Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sun., Dec. 3, 2 & 6 p.m.; $25-$45. http://www.AlexTheatre.org.

South Bay & Long Beach

Over the years, artistic director David Wilcox’ version of The Nutcracker for Long Beach Ballet has acquired an array of special effects from three Disney designers, Flying by Foy, pyrotechnician John Bordeaux, magician Franz Harari and even a white Arabian horse. This year’s production includes a live orchestra and professional guest artists joined by students from the affiliated ballet school.  A pre-show luncheon with special photo ops and VIP seating is available for Sun. Dec. 17 (additional charge). Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach; Long Beach Ballet – Long Beach Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.; Sat., Dec. 16 & 23, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17, 2 p.m.; Fri. Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 23, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 24, 1 p.m.; $34-$115. 877-852-3177, http://www.LongBeachNutcracker.com.

Fans of Debbie Allen have a chance to see her perform in Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, her version of the holiday classic. Carlos Imperato,  Tisha Campbell-Martin, Tichina Arnold, Kristopher Nobles, Mathew Johnson and DADA also star, backed by dancers from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. A special all-star gala show opens the series on Thurs., Dec. 12. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 7-8, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 9, 1 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2 p.m.; $50-$110. http://HotChocolateNutcracker.com.

Set in 1912, the Los Angeles Ballet’s Nutcracker is an L.A. original, choreographed by company co-artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, with set design by L.A. artist Catherine Kanner. Now in its 12th season, L.A.’s own professional classical ballet company continues to demonstrate how well it understands this city. With home theaters in Glendale, Westwood, Redondo Beach, and Hollywood with a live orchestra, LAB brings ballet to the audience rather than expecting folks to overcome hours of gridlocked traffic. The superb company dancers have proven themselves a home team to root for. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Fri., Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 30, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 31, 1 p.m.; $36-$104, $24-$76 seniors, students & children under 13.  http://www.LosAngelesBallet.org.

San Pedro Ballet – The studio where American Ballet Theatre’s Misty Copeland trained showcases its current students. Warner Grand Theater, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro; Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec.10, 2 p.m.; $29-$39, $19 seniors & children under 13. http://www.SanPedroCityBallet.org.

South Bay Ballet – Marsee Auditorium. El Camino College Center for the Performing Arts, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance; Sat. & Sun., Dec. 16 & 17, 2 p.m.; $34, $24 children under 13. 310-329-5345, http://www.SouthBayBallet.org, http://elcaminotickets.universitytickets.com/user_pages/event_listings.asp.

Dance West – James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance; Sat., Dec. 9, 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2 p.m.; $19.50, $17.50 children. 310-781-7171, http://dancewest.org.  

Palos Verdes Ballet – Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates; Sat., Dec. 16, 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17, 1 & 5 p.m.; $35, $20 under 13. 310-377-6663, https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=pvpa.

Dance Peninsula Ballet – Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 1-2, 7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 2-3, 2 p.m.; $35, $25 under 18. 310-377-6663 https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=81332.

Pacific Dance Academy – Centinela Valley Center for the Arts, 14901 S. Inglewood Blvd., Lawndale; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 8-9, 6 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2 p.m.; $18-$23 in advance, $20-$25 at door. (818) 346-4447, http://PacificDanceCenter.com.

Southern California Dance Theater – Downey Civic Theater, 8435 Firestone Blvd.; Sat., Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17, 2:30 p.m.; $28-$32. 562-861-8211, http://DowneyTheatre.org 

San Fernando Valley

California Dance Ensemble – Agoura Hills Performing Arts Education Center, 28545 W. Driver Ave., Agoura Hills; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17, 1 & 5:30 p.m.; $22-$32. 818-889-8058, http://CaliforniaDanceAcademy.com.  http://PerformingArts.lvusd.org.

Santa Clarita Ballet – College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17, 2 & 7 p.m.; $28-$32. 661-251-6844, http://santaclaritaballet.net.  

Dance Creations – Agoura Hills Performing Arts Education Center, 28545 W. Driver Ave., Agoura Hills; Fri., Dec. 1, 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 3, 2 p.m.; $18-24. http://PerformingArts.lvusd.org.

Degas Dance – Agoura Hills Performing Arts Education Center, 28545 W. Driver Ave., Agoura Hills; Sat., Dec. 9, 5 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 1 p.m.; $20-$42. http://PerformingArts.lvusd.org.

Ciara Dance Alliance – Calabasas High School, 22855 W. Mulholland Dr., Calabasas; Sat., Dec. 16, 5 p.m.; $22-$25. http://PerformingArts.lvusd.org.

Antelope Valley Ballet – Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster; Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2 p.m.; $25-$30. 661-723-5950, http://www.lpac.org/event.php?id=2017#shows.

Orange County

Celebrated Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s interpretation of  the classic for American Ballet Theatre brings ABT’s splendid dancers to SoCal. The announced casting includes many of ABT’s top stars (current casting for leads at http://scfta.org.), further cementing its expanding presence in Orange County.  Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; opens Thurs., Dec. 7 thru Sun., Dec. 17; Wed.-Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., 12:30 & 5:30 p.m.; $39-$269. 714-556-2787, http://scfta.org.

More than 100 students from Southland Ballet Academy perform with its training company, Festival Ballet Theatre. Announced guest stars include Beckanne Sisk (Ballet West) and Fabrice Calmels (Joffrey Ballet) on Dec. 9-10, Victor Luiz on Dec. 16-17 with Frances Chung on Dec. 16 and Maria Kochetkova on Dec. 17 (San Francisco Ballet), Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky (formerly with American Ballet Theatre) on Dec. 20-22, and Tiler Peck and Gonzalo Garcia (New York City Ballet) on Dec. 23-24. Irvine Barclay Theater, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine; Sat., Dec. 9, 16 & 23, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10 & 17, 1 & 6 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 15 & 22, 7 p.m.; Thurs., Dec. 21, 6 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 24, 11 a.m.; $42-$55. 949-854-4646. http://www.theBarclay.org.

Maple Youth Ballet – Northwood Performing Arts Theater, 4415 Portola Parkway, Irvine; Fri., Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17, 3 p.m.; $24-$30. http://myb.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=1013352.

Anaheim Ballet’s artistic director Sarma Lapenieks Rosenberg provided the choreography danced by students from the affiliated ballet school.  Symphony Irvine contributes live music. City National Grove, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.;  $25-$50. 714-520-0904, https://www.AnaheimBallet.org, http://www.CityNationalGroveofAnaheim.com.

Sunrise Ballet – Servite Theater, 1952 W. La Palma, Anaheim; Sat., Dec. 9, noon & 4 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, noon; $20. http://SunriseBallet.dance.

Academy of International Dance – Valley High School Auditorium, 1801 S. Greenville, Santa Ana; Sun., Dec. 17, 3 p.m.; $10-$16. 714-550-9285. http://www.aidancecrew.org.

Ballet Repertory Theatre – Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15751 Gotherd St., Huntington Beach; Sat., Dec. 9, 16 & 23, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10 & 17, 1 & 5 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 15 & Thurs., Dec. 21, 7 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 22, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 24, 1 p.m.; $19, $15 seniors & under 12 years. 714-895-8150 x1, http://www.gwctheater.com.   

Coast City Ballet – Huntington Beach Historic Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach; Fri., Dec. 22, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 23, 2 p.m.; $25-$27, $23-$25 children & seniors. 714-963-9771, http://www.coastcityballet.com. 

Ballet Etudes – Huntington Beach Historic Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach; Sat., Dec. 2, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 3, 1 p.m., Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2 p.m.; $25-$35. 714-902-9423, https://www.tututix.com/client/balletetudes.

Laguna Ballet – McKinney Theatre, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 14-15, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17, 1 & 6 p.m.; $22-$26.  949-582-4656, http://www.lagunadancetheatre.com/nutcracker.

Ventura/Santa Barbara Counties

The professional dancers of State Street Ballet are joined by students from the affiliated ballet school in this version from artistic director Rodney Gustafson. Granada Theater, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17, 2 p.m.; $24-56. 805-899-2222, http://www.StateStreetBallet.com.

Moscow Ballet – Arlington Theater, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara; Wed., Dec. 13, 7 p.m., $28-$175. http://www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets.

The students of Pacific Festival Ballet Company, the resident ballet company of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza are joined by New York City Ballet principal dancers Tiler Peck and Gonzalo Garcia. Among the guest artists look for the high flying Kalinin Russian Dance Troupe. Civic Arts Plaza, Fred Kavli Theater, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 16-17, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; $28-$44. http://www.pacfestballet.org/. https://www.civicartsplaza.com.

Ventura County Ballet – Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 2-3, 2 p.m.; Also at Ventura College, 4700 Loma Vista, Ventura; Fri., Dec. 8, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2 p.m.; $30-$45, $10-$45 children under 13, $20-$45 seniors. http://venturacountyballet.com/.

Moorpark Civic Ballet -Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sat. Dec. 16, 1:30 & 6:30 p.m.; $35. http://www.MoorparkBallet.com, http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Conejo Civic Ballet Company – Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sun., December 10, 2:30 p.m.; $20-$36. http://www.balletarts.org, http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Santa Barbara Festival Ballet – Arlington Theater, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 9, 2:30 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2:30 p.m.; $25-$55. http://www.theArlingtonTheatre.com.

San Diego County

Moscow Ballet – Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Thurs., Dec. 21,  4 & 8 p.m., $28-$89. http://www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets.

West Coast Ballet Theatre – California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 16-17, 2 p.m.; $18.50-$42. 800-988-4253, http://www.SanDiegoNutcracker.com.

City Ballet – Spreckels Theater, 121 Broadway, San Diego; Fri., Dec. 8, 15 & 22, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 9, 15, & 22, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10 & 17, 2 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 24, 1 p.m.; $25-$85. 858-272-8663, https://www.cityballet.org.

Scripps Ballet Theatre – David & Dorothey Garfield Theater, 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 2 p.m.; $20-$35.  https://tickets.lfjcc.org.

San Diego Ballet – Mandeville Auditorium, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 21-22, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 23, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; $25-$55. 619-294-7311, https://sandiegoballet.tix.com.

California Ballet – San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 3rd. Ave., San Diego; Sat., Dec. 9 & 16, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17 & Sat., Dec. 23, 1 & 5:30 p.m.; Wed.-Thurs., Dec. 20-21, 7 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 22, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m; $22-$103  858-560-5676, http://www.sandiegotheatres.org/the-nutcracker.

San Bernardino/Riverside Counties

Choreographer Laurence Blake and artistic director Victoria Koenig created Inland Pacific Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker that has become a local tradition. IPB’s professional dancers are joined by students from IPB’s respected ballet academy. The opening night in Claremont includes a gala and that weekend’s performances have live music from the Pomona College Orchestra.  Inland Pacific Ballet at Claremont Colleges, Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way; Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 10, 2 p.m.; $30-$25; $27-$22.50 seniors; $25.50-$21.50 children 12 & under. (909) 607-1139. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga; Fri., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 17, 2 p.m., $49-$59. Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; Fri. Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 23, 2 & 7:30 p.m., 951-779-9800, http://www.IPBallet.org.

V&T Classical Ballet & Dance Academy – Plummer Auditorium, 201 E. Chapman Auditorium, Fullerton; Sun., Dec. 10, 1 & 5 p.m.; $25, $20 children & seniors. http://plummerauditorium.com.

Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet – Grand Terrace Performing Arts Theatre, 21810 Main St., Grand Terrace; Sat., Dec. 2, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 3, 4:30 p.m., $15-$25. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nutcracker-ballet-tickets-27644357016.