Nutcrackers a plenty

The nutcracker has been a symbol of the Christmas season since they were first presented as gifts of luck and protection in Germany in the 15th century. The holiday ballet of the same name, however, didn’t become a holiday tradition until more recently. While it was first danced in St. Petersburg in 1892, it wasn’t until the San Francisco Ballet debuted the show on Christmas Eve in 1944 that it became an American holiday tradition. And here in East Dallas, there are two chances to see the classic Christmas show.

As always, the Woodrow Dance Theatre and dance students put a special spin on the tale of Clara and her adventure during the “Nutcracker Short ‘N Suite.” Dancers from kindergarten to 12th-grade take the stage, with a different cast of elementary children performing each night.

“The goal of ‘The Nutcracker’ is to expose children to dance and make it extremely family and community centered,” says Woodrow dance teacher Lisa Moya-King, adding she wants to “reach out so we can build the dance program throughout the community.”

Families also can join in for The Land of Sweets Breakfast where the Sugarplum Fairy and Santa mix and mingle with children and adults alike.

Performances take place on Dec. 8 and 9, at 7 p.m. with The Land of Sweets Breakfast happening Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. followed by the final dance performance.

Nutcracker Short ‘N Suite Dec. 8-10, various times Woodrow Wilson High School woodrowwildcats.org/performing-arts

The Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts also is taking on Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s classic and spinning the tale with an age-old art form: puppets. This year also will be the 20th anniversary of the family friendly event being performed at the Dallas Children’s Theater Nov. 18–Dec. 21. For deaf viewers, a special performance will be held in sign language on Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. Both performances are at the Rosewood Center, 5938 Skillman.

‘The Nutcracker’ puppetry Nov. 18-Dec. 21 Dallas Children’s Theater dct.org

WAYS TO SHOP LOCAL 3

1 If Christmas is about giving, then the WINTER ART FAIR is the perfect place to do just that.

On Dec. 10, 1-7 p.m., the fair brings together handmade art to benefit Alex Sanger Elementary. It happens at The Mix in the basement of White Rock United Methodist Church, 1450 Oldgate Lane. For more information call 214.650.4750 or visit facebook.com/ WinterArtFair

2 School may not be the first place you go to shop but there’s a reason to give it a try this Christmas. The holiday season has come to BISHOP LYNCH HIGH SCHOOL meaning families can stop by for the school’s Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 3, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the school, 9750 Ferguson Road. For more information, visit bishoplynch.org

3 THE CANDLELIGHT WALK on Henderson Avenue is an event that’s about more than just sightseeing during the winter. Businesses will break out their best holiday offerings, bringing music, treats and beautiful lights to the retail district for all to see. This year’s walk happens 6–9 p.m. on Nov. 30. Visit candlelightwalk. wordpress.com for past event details.

1 Woodrow Wilson High School’s show choir has joined up with East Dallas Christian Church for the “SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS” concert. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 at the church, 629 N. Peak St. For more information call 214.824.8185.

2 Be a part of the re-creation of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay during the LAS POSADAS CELEBRATION at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 4311 San Jacinto St. For more information call 214.824.8613.

3 Carols will be sung at 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 18 in addition to a CHRISTMAS CONCERT at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 2443 Abrams Road. For more information call 214.823.9623.

4 It’s not the holidays without food. A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION DINNER will be served at 6 p.m. on Dec. 18 at St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 2520 Oates Drive. For more information call 972.279.3112.

5 A Christmas concert with a STRING QUARTET AND CAROLING will take place at 10:45 a.m. on Dec. 11 at White Rock Community Church, 9353 Garland Road. For more information call 214.320.0043.

6 To remember Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay, a LAS POSADAS CELE-