Saint Louis Ballet's annual December performance of "The Nutcracker" has become a popular tradition drawing an audience of 10,000 people last year to the Touhill at UMSL. It'll be staged Dec. 16-23.

Saint Louis Ballet first performed “The Nutcracker” three years ago at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. The annual production has become a popular holiday tradition at the Touhill after more than 10,000 audience members took in performances last December.

“The Nutcracker will be staged at 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 17, 21, 22 and 23 in the Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall at the Touhill. Matinee performances will begin at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 17, 18, 22 and 23. Tickets are $15-$45.

The classic holiday ballet includes a cast of 80 professional and children dancers under the direction of Saint Louis Ballet Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi. The production will intermingle dancing with special effects and illusions.

The “Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon,” a separate but related event, will begin at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18 at the Touhill. Participants will be able to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, as well as the rest of the cast of “The Nutcracker.” They’ll also be able to take a picture with and get autographs from the characters, all in a festive holiday atmosphere. Tickets are $30.

Tickets for “The Nutcracker” and “Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon” are on sale now at the Touhill ticket office, online at touhill.org or by phone at 314-516-4949.

The Touhill ticket office is on the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ North Campus, 1 University Blvd. in St. Louis County (63121).