The Nutcracker has been presented each holiday season at the Community Arts Center for over 50 years. To continue the tradition, the Community Arts Center, Lycoming College and Saint John’s School of the Arts have come together again for the seventh year in a creative collaboration to bring the event to the stage, according to a recent announcement from Saint John’s.

They plan to “wow” audiences with a lavish and imaginative performance of The Nutcracker Ballet, the news release said.

With musical direction by Dr. William Ciabattari and artistic direction by Theresa Kendall, the show follows the journey of a little girl who falls asleep on Christmas Eve after a party at her home and dreams herself into a fantastic world where toys become larger than life. Her beloved Nutcracker comes to life and defends her from the Mouse King.

“Live music from our finest local musicians with the talented dancers from Saint John’s School of the Arts in the gorgeous Community Arts Center will make for an unforgettable performance,” the release said.

Pennsylvania College of Technology, Lycoming College, Saint John’s School of the Arts and the Williamsport Youth Choir will present the timeless classic on stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Community Arts Center.

Tickets and more information are available online at caclive.com

This year, a Nutcracker Character Tea is also being offered prior to the Sunday matinee performance, the release said. Seating is limited.

The special event includes meeting dancers and hearing The Nutcracker story while enjoying savories and sweets catered by Le Jeune Chef in the CAC Capitol Lounge.

Tea tickets are separate and require a prior purchase of tickets to see The Nutcracker Ballet.