Carnegie Performing Arts Center presents “The Nutcracker” ballet through Sunday at the Carnegie Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Ave. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children. Call 412-279-8887 or visit www.carnegieperformingartscenter.com.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre offers “The Nutcracker” Friday through Dec. 30 at the Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Ave. Curtain is generally at 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, and either at noon or 4:30 p.m. Sundays, with some exceptions. Tickets start at $25.75. Call 412-456-6666 or visit www.pbt.org.