A Victorian Nutcracker by The Portland Ballet @ The Performing Arts Center

Portland Ballet’s beloved A Victorian Nutcracker returns to Sanford Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 5, with performances at 2 and 7 p.m., bringing breathtaking choreography, Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and the wonder of a classic holiday tradition close to home.

Unlike traditional productions of The Nutcracker, Portland Ballet’s uniquely Maine interpretation is set inside Portland’s historic Victoria Mansion, transporting audiences to Christmas Eve in the late 1800s.

As the celebration unfolds, Clara receives a very special nutcracker and is swept into a magical adventure filled with battling mice, swirling snowflakes, elegant dancers and the dazzling wonders of the Land of Sweets.

With stunning period costumes, enchanting scenery and a distinctly Victorian setting, the production offers a fresh take on the holiday classic while preserving all of the moments generations have come to love.

Portland Ballet’s accomplished dancers bring Clara’s dreamlike journey to life, from the excitement of the family Christmas party to the graceful Waltz of the Snowflakes and the colorful dances of the Land of Sweets.

For families looking to introduce children to The Nutcracker — or longtime fans who wouldn’t dream of letting December pass without it — A Victorian Nutcracker offers all the beauty and spectacle of a big-city holiday performance without the big-city drive.

Gather family and friends, dress up for an afternoon or evening at the theater and make this distinctly Maine production part of your holiday tradition.

Portland Ballet brings a uniquely Maine holiday tradition to the SPAC stage

Tickets are $39-$59, plus a $3 per-ticket handling fee, with a 10% discount for seniors and military and a 15% discount for subscribers. For tickets and information, visit sanfordpac.org or call the SPAC box office at (207) 206-1126.