The timeless ballet, “The Nutcracker” will be presented by the Whidbey Playhouse and The Ballet Slipper this December.

There will be a total of eight performance; Dec. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20.

Evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays will be at 7 p.m. and matinees will be at 2 p.m. on both Saturdays and Sundays.

It’s Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum house and the annual Christmas party grows festive with music and dance. The children begin to open their gifts, and young Clara finds a beautiful Nutcracker, which is the hit of the party.

As the evening grows late, Clara sneaks back to the tree to check on her beloved toy, and strange things begin to happen.

Watch as The Nutcracker comes to life, as he and his band of soldiers rise to defend Clara against the Mouse King’s army. The prince and Clara travel to a world where dancing snow flakes, sugar plum fairies, queens and a rat king come together for an unforgettable Christmas Eve night.

There is something to capture the imagination of anyone who sees this delightful fairy tale ballet, choreographed by Diane Geragotelis and performed by students from the Ballet Slipper and performers from the Whidbey Playhouse.

Tickets are on sale now. Contact the Whidbey Playhouse at 360-679-2237, or by email to office@whidbeyplayhouse.com. Tickets are $15 for adults and seniors and $10 for youth, ages 4 to 17.