LEXINGTON, Ky. — Waltzing flowers, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen will grace the stage of the Lexington Opera House when Lexington Ballet hosts eight performances of "The Nutcracker" Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22. 

The Christmas standard will kick off Lexington Ballet's 50th season. Lexington Ballet said its school and professional company will join forces to make each show a magical experience.

"LBC is proud this season to bring you thrilling world premieres, mounting new productions and promising innovative choreography," said Mia Isaac, Lexington Ballet CEO. "We are boldly moving into our 50th year, weaving in a new work, collaborating with the talent of our state and highlighting storybook ballets for the community."

Here are the performances:

• Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. 

Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster, LexingtonOperaHouse.com, LexingtonBallet.org and in-person at the Central Bank Center Box Office noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. 

In addition to "The Nutcracker," Lexington Ballet is celebrating its Golden Season with "Local Legacy: Celebrating 50 Years of Lexington Ballet with Ben Sollee" (Feb. 21-22, 2025) and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (April 25-26, 2025). All performances take place at the Lexington Opera House. Visit the organization's website for more information.