Kirkland’s International Ballet Theatre is ringing in its holiday season performing Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Kirkland Performing Arts Center and the Meydenbauer Theatre.

Choreographed by IBT’s artistic director Vera Altunina, the show is designed to replicate its creation in 1892.

Altunina said the ballet is performed in its “traditional Russian style” featuring extravagant costumes, pageantry, Arabian dancers, and a “fierce battle scene.”

The ballet opens at the Kirkland Performing Arts Center on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. with shows on Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and an additional matinee Sunday at 2 p.m.

The following weekend the show moves to the Meydenbauer Theatre starting Friday Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. with additional performances Dec. 13, 14, 19, 20, 21. Two additional shows were added at 2 p.m. on Monday Dec. 22, and Tuesday Dec. 23.

IBT is also offering Nutcracker children’s parties for kids up through age 12. Participants will get to meet characters from the production, learn the history of the holiday tradition and get a gift.

Each of the parties are held prior to the 2 p.m. matinee performances at the Meydenbauer Theatre only, Altunina said.

For more information or for tickets contact the box office at 425-284-0444.