Mobile Ballet will bring its signature holiday productions to stages across Mobile and Baldwin Counties this Dec., adding new performances in Bay Minette through a partnership with Coastal Alabama Community College while continuing its long-running traditions at the Saenger Theatre and the Battle House.

The season opens in North Baldwin County on Dec. 6 with an abbreviated staging of "The Nutcracker Suite" at the L. D. Owen Performing Arts Center on the Coastal Alabama Community College Bay Minette campus according to a news release. The 7 p.m. performance follows Bay Minette's 43rd Annual Christmas Fest and offers general admission seating at $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, students, military and seniors 65+. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for a donation drive benefiting Prodisee Pantry.

"We're thrilled to expand our reach and bring this cherished holiday tradition to North Baldwin County," Artistic Director Katia Garza said in the release. "This partnership allows us to eliminate the barriers of distance and cost that often prevent people from experiencing live performances. Whether families are getting a sneak-peek before attending our full production at the Saenger Theatre or experiencing all the magic of 'The Nutcracker' close to home, this performance delivers unforgettable enchantment at an unbeatable price."

Garza's full-length production of "The Nutcracker" returns to Mobile the following week with four shows at the Saenger Theatre from Dec. 19 to 21. The company added a Friday night performance due to high demand. The holiday staple features Mobile Ballet Company dancers, students and prominent guest artists, including Houston Ballet principals Yuriko Kajiya and Connor Walsh as Sugar Plum and Cavalier. Guest performers from Ballet San Antonio include Aidan Carrasquel as the Nutcracker, Michael Agudelo as Russian and Moor, and Zach Bennett as Arabian and Soldier Doll. Resident guest artists Daniel Benavides and Kris Nobles appear as Drosselmeyer and Mouse King.

Saenger Theatre showtimes are Dec. 19 at 7 p.m., Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $69 with discounts for children, students, seniors 65+ and military. Groups of ten or more may call the Mobile Ballet office for rates. The theater is located at 6 S. Joachim Street in downtown Mobile.

Mobile Ballet will host the third annual Nutcracker Holiday Brunch on Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. in the Battle House Hotel's Crystal Ballroom before the Sunday matinee. Guests can meet costumed characters, enjoy a holiday menu, hear the story read aloud and take part in other activities in the historic venue. Tickets cost $45 for children and $75 for adults. Sales end Dec. 15. Proceeds support Mobile Ballet's outreach initiatives and its Relevé Project tuition assistance program. Sponsorships remain available.

The company will also continue its Discover Dance educational series with two student performances of "The Nutcracker Suite." The program, which has introduced thousands of K-12 students across Southwest Alabama to live ballet for more than two decades, offers $5 student tickets while teachers attend free. Performances are scheduled for Dec. 5 at Coastal Alabama Community College Bay Minette and Dec. 18 at the Mobile Saenger Theatre. Educators from public, private and homeschool groups can reserve tickets online or by phone.

All tickets and reservations are available at www.mobileballet.org. Advance purchase is recommended.