It’s that time of year for dance—the onset of the Nutcracker ballets! One production in particular that is a must-see will be Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker. This critically-acclaimed staging, complete with magnificent sets, costumes and a cast of over 75 dancers, also features American Ballet Theatre dancers Gillian Murphy and Gennadi Saveliev. Salt Creek Ballet performs in Aurora at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. (See www.paramountarts.com.) The company then takes its Sugar Plum Fairies over to The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University on Sat., Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. In addition, guests can enjoy holiday treats, meet costumed characters from The Nutcracker and take photos with Santa Claus during the Sugar Plum Parties in the lobby at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. (www.centertickets.net). It’s a holiday favorite you shouldn’t miss!