This holiday season, the Lehigh Valley again has not one, but three "Nutcracker" ballets: one for each of its three cities.

The Moscow Ballet is at the State Theatre, Easton.

The Pennsylvania Youth Ballet-Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley is at Zoellner Arts Center, Bethlehem.

Repertory Dance Theatre is at Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown.

Each version has its own merits, with guest soloists in starring roles and from 40 to 100 area participants, from elementary-age students to senior citizens in supporting roles.

The costumes are lavish. The staging and lighting are impressive.

This year, two of the productions include live orchestras.

A holiday season without the "Nutcracker" ballet just isn't the same. Plan carefully and you can see all three area performances.