BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bakersfield Nutcracker Ballet is returning for the holidays!

The annual holiday ballet will set the stage at Mechanics Bank Theater on December 13-15. The Ballet is hosted by the Civic Dance Center, a center that brings together dancers of all ages to learn and perform.

This year may be a little different as the program is working to solidify a live orchestra for the ballet. They are only about $1,650 dollars away from the funds needed to book the Shafter Symphony Orchestra.

If you would like to help the ballet raise funds for the orchestra there are several ways you can do so.

You can visit the Shafter Symphony Orchestra website and give a straight donation, or you can purchase VIP ticket with a donation. You can also attend a Wine Gala happening before the performance on the 13. The gala will be held at Mechanics Bank Theater from 5 to 7 p.m.

You can also help by visiting the Bakersfield City Ballet website and purchasing tickets to their Nutcracker Tea events, help before performances on the 14 and 15.

Tickets for the ballet are online. They start at $40 for adults, $20 for students, and $10 for children ages 6 and under.