SeeCalifornia.com

Whether buying yourself and loved ones California’s famous almonds, walnuts or pistachios this holiday season after the crops have been harvested, or watching delightful “The Nutcracker” ballet, there’s no shortage of nuts in the nutty state. The rest of the country actually thinks we’re nuts, but that’s another story we can discuss another day!

Nuts abound in the months of November and December when ballet companies produce hundreds of Nutcracker performances. You’ll find these festive music and dance events in nearly every city in the state. They range from amateur productions with kiddies from local dance schools putting on a show in their tutus and sparkly costumes–to the world-famous Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, appearing in a whopping 12-city extravaganza in California this year, part of their tour throughout the United States.

Among the cities lucky enough to see them are Bakersfield, Hayward, Los Angeles, Monterey, Palm Desert, Pasadena, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Stockton and Visalia. Their performances in the state began in early November and end in late December. (As of this posting there are still tickets available.) Even those not particularly interested in ballet discover the company often employs the talents of Olympic gymnasts who bring WOW to the stage with their acrobatic feats.

Locally-produced Nutcrackers are popping up already, and many make use of guest dancers who come from ballet companies nationwide. The bulk of productions in California take place in December as Christmas approaches.

If you now the Nutcracker story, you’ll understand why people like to see it and even take the kids for a special holiday treat. Some theater and dance companies host special, condensed performances ideal for youngsters.

So, if you’re ready some nuts, start with The Nutcracker…>