San Francisco Ballet’s “Nutcracker” opens Dec. 8 and runs through Dec. 27 at the War Memorial Opera House.

This year the ballet is sponsoring a Magical Memories Nutcracker Video Contest, asking people to submit a short, original Nutcracker-themed video for a chance to win some fabulous prizes, including a trip for four to Aspen, a weekend getaway at The Fairmont San Francisco, and free tickets to see the San Francisco Ballet perform.

For more details, visit the contest page at www.sfballet.org/contest

Set in early 20th century San Francisco, the San Francisco Ballet holiday classic features choreography by Helgi Tomasson, scenic design by Tony Award winner Michael Yeargan, costume design by Tony Award winner Martin Pakledinaz, lighting design by James F. Ingalls, and projection design by Wendall K. Harrington.

The Los Angeles Times called San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker “the jewel in San Francisco’s holiday entertainment crown” and the San Francisco Chronicle proclaimed it “one of the best ‘Nutcrackers’ in the country.”

For six performances,  (Dec. 8, 9, 13 and 15 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 11 and 17 at 2 p.m.) San Francisco Ballet offers family performances. Upon arrival, patrons can meet and have their pictures taken with favorite Nutcracker characters. The first 500 children to arrive at each performance will receive a gift, and at intermission, all patrons are treated to complimentary juice and cookies.

San Francisco Ballet’s Children’s Enchantment Fund provides Bay Area children in need the opportunity to see San Francisco Ballet’s “Nutcracker.” For more information, or to make a contribution, call (415) 865-2000.

Tickets for “Nutcracker” performances Dec. 8–27, start at $18. For more information visit www.sfballet.org