Not every ballet gets an entire year of treasure hunts and anticipation before it debuts. But The Nutcracker and The Tale of the Hard Nut is no ordinary ballet. This year, the show will grace the stage of the Pantages Theater for the first time.

But why is there a nutcracker in the first place? Yeah, bet you never thought of that. What exactly is going on here? No one knows and no one questions. We all just show up each year and accept the mystery of a magical nutcracker. Turns out, there are actually answers to this mystery.

Read Kristin Kendle's full feature on The Nutcracker and The Tale of the Hard Nut in the South Sound Holiday Command Center.

The Nutcracker and The Tale of The Hard Nut, 3 p.m. Dec. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22, Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, $20-$60, 253.591.5894