One of the greatest Christmas classics is The Nutcracker ballet. Even if you haven't seen the ballet, you've no doubt heard pieces from the classic ballet in your favorite holiday movies.

Like, in The Family Stone, which is dubbed a Jeri Christmas holiday favorite, the Russian Dance was used for the movie's iconic chase scene.

About The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker ballet was created by Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky and was first performed in December 1892. The ballet is loosely based on the story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," which is about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages battle against the evil Mouse King.

But the ballet was a flop.

Tchaikovsky himself even called the ballet "boring." But despite its initial failure due to various technical issues, the ballet has seen worldwide success and is now used as an introduction to ballet and classical music for students. And The Nutcracker has placed itself as one of the most famous holiday works.

How To See The Nutcracker Locally

Luckily, we have various opportunities to see The Nutcracker live right here in Southwest Oklahoma! This year Lawton Ballet Theatre will present its production of The Nutcracker December 16, 17 and 18 at the McMahon Memorial Auditorium in Lawton. This will be Lawton Ballet Theatre's tenth year presenting The Nutcracker!

No matter what your holiday schedule looks like, Lawton Ballet Theatre has several performances you and your family can make plans to see!

  • 7 p.m. Friday, December 16
  • 7 p.m. Saturday, December 17
  • 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, December 18

This is also an affordable holiday activity for families! Tickets for children and seniors are $7.50, while $9 for adults. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.

10 Oklahoma Hallmark holiday hometowns you can visit

Looking for someplace special to spend the holidays? The Sooner State has you covered with some of the best towns and cities to get into the Christmas spirit. If you've ever wanted to visit a place that feels like it came out of a Hallmark movie you're in luck! Check out these ten Oklahoma Hallmark holiday hometowns to experience the small-town charm and friendliness of some of Oklahoma's best-known holiday destinations. Each has its own unique traditions and holiday events that will surely get you into the spirit of the season. From amazing lights and displays to performances and festive family fun you'll find in the Sooner State.

Top 10 Best Christmas Towns In Oklahoma

While Christmas may not always feel like Christmas in Oklahoma, we put on that holiday spirit all over the Sooner State. Here are the top destinations to find a little holiday cheer.

Best Local Shopping in Southwest Oklahoma

Southwest Oklahoma has plenty of local shopping opportunities! Here are the best local shops as submitted by our listeners. Let us know if we missed one!

More From KZCD-FM