Abdo Sayegh in "Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy" / Photo by Siddiqi Ray.

With the solstice behind us and Christmas just around the corner, it's not too soon to plan for your holiday performances of "The Nutcracker." And you may choose from two versions at the soon-to-open Cowles Center in downtown Minneapolis.

Newly announced at the Cowles are 12 performances of the longstanding Minnesota Dance Theater classic, "Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy." That version, which for years has played at the State Theater, is being staged at the Cowles between Dec. 23 and 30.

Zenon Dance Company's "Nutcracker According to Mother Goose" is being staged there Dec. 17 and 18.