The holiday season is here and Christmas is just around the corner, and with that comes the Northwest Ballet Company’s 19th annual performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts on Thanksgiving weekend.

The Northwest Ballet Company boasts 32 years of bi-annual performances, and “The Nutcracker” is one of their favorites.

This year, Bigfork artist Linda Ensign brings Director Marisa Roth’s visions of a fantasized European-style castle hall as the new Sugar Plum Fairy’s Palace backdrop to life.

Principal roles for the performances feature Riley Freeman as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Morgan Sego as the Snow Queen and McKenna Miller as the Dew Drop.

“I’m always so proud of my company girls as they take the initiative in transferring what they’ve learned in their numerous ballet technique classes and rehearsals, and lead all the other Nutcracker participants in a beautiful, inspiring, memory-making performance,” Roth said.

Shows are Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and, Nov. 25 at 4 p.m. at BCPA. The Sugar Plum Fairy Parade will follow the 2 p.m. matinees on Friday and Saturday.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors 65 and over, and $15 for children 12 and under. On show days, tickets will be available at the Bigfork theater box office one hour before the performances start.

Tickets for reserved seating are available now until show days at the Kalispell Grand Hotel, 100 Main Street, Kalispell, 755-8100.

For more information call the Dance Art Center at 755-0760.