Best Bets: Minnesota Ballet: The Nutcracker

Experience a young girl's enchanting dream as her beloved Nutcracker doll comes to life on Christmas Eve. The duo will fight a fierce battle against mice, then waltz in a winter wonderland and journey to exotic lands ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. More than 100 Northeast Iowa dancers will perform alongside the professional dancers of the Minnesota Ballet, as they romp through this magical, classical tale. The family-friendly presentation features $1 Buck a Kid tickets for up to two youths per adult ticket.

Minnesota Ballet: The Nutcracker

7 p.m. Friday (11/22), 3 p.m. Saturday (11/23) and Sunday (11/24); Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 8392 University Ave., Cedar Falls; $1 to $40.75, venue box office, (319) 273-7469 or Gbpac.com