Northwest Ballet Company is bringing a holiday tradition back to the valley for its 20th year.

The Kalispell ballet company will perform “The Nutcracker” at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 29 through Dec. 1.

The show has been a holiday custom for many in the Flathead Valley.

"Family is all about establishing traditions, and one of the greatest ones we've done with the girls in our family has been attending the 'Nutcracker' ballet every year. What a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season!” said Janene Kinniburgh, owner of Bitterroot Screen Printers.

“My 8-year-old granddaughter loves to collect nutcrackers and looks forward to getting a new one every year at the show. The performance is a delight to watch and the dancers, no matter what their age, are very well prepared on stage, and all their many hours of long practices truly are evident as they glide across the floor.”

 Director Marisa Roth said this year will be no different when it comes to the expected traditions, but she said she is also excited for the audience to see the new twists she has spun on the telling of the tale to keep audiences coming back year after year.

"Don't miss the treasures we at the Northwest Ballet are planning for our 20th annual ‘Nutcracker’ shows as we celebrate the past, vibrantly live in the present, and dream about the future and 20-plus more years to come,” Roth said.

Tamara Williams, owner of Insty Prints, has seen more than half of the company’s first 20 “Nutcracker” performances.

"My daughter and I have attended the Northwest Ballet Company's production of ‘The Nutcracker' for 12 years, beginning when she was 3 years old,” Williams said.

 “Each year the performance has been unique and visually stunning. ‘The Nutcracker’ is an experience, not just a performance.

“You are greeted in the lobby by colorful wooden nutcrackers, decorated point shoes and treasures to remember your visit. ... The atmosphere will keep you coming back year after year.”

Show times are 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30, and 4 p.m. Dec. 1. The ever-popular Sugar Plum Fairy Parade follows the 2 p.m. matinees.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors 65 and older, and $15 for children 12 and under.

Tickets for reserved seating are available until show days at the Kalispell Grand Hotel, 100 Main St., Kalispell. Call 755-8100 for more information.

On show days, tickets will be available at the Bigfork theater box office one hour before the performances start.

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