Among the many activities this time of year, perhaps none signifies the season quite like the Nutcracker.Enjoying a performance of this holiday favorite is a mainstay of the season for many families and there are number opportunties to see a first-rate production right here on Long Island. For those that want more than leftover turkey and a trip to the mall this weekend, the first Nutracker of the season makes an appearance, on Saturday, quickly followed by other versions of the delightful tale. Here's a roundup of where to find Clara, Drosselmeyer, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the entire entourage. The Huntington
Ballet Theatre

The Huntington Ballet Theatre brings an abridged 75-minute version of its critically-acclaimed production to the Jeanne Rimsky Theatre at Landmark on Main Street, Saturday, Nov. 29. HBT's majestic production is just right for children of all ages (and parents and grandparents, too!). It features a huge cast, dazzling costumes and scenery, professional sololists, enchanting choreography, story narration, and, of course, Tchaikovsky's beloved score. HBT's full performance is presented Friday through Sunday, Dec. 12-14 at SUNY Old Westbury.

Leggz Ltd. Dance

The Rockville Centre-based troupe, in conjunction with Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts, performs a full length production with the South Shore Symphony Orchestra. This is the only full-length version on Long Island to feature a live 70-piece orchestra. The cast, under the artistic direction of Joan MacNaughton, features dancers from Dance Theatre of Harlem, American Ballet Theatre, Kirov Ballet, and Bolshoi Ballet, along with young dancers from the tri-state area.Performances are Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5-7, at South Side Middle School, Rockville Centre.

Eglevsky Ballet

Long Island's professional dance company celebrates its 42nd anniversary with a spectacular production, choreographed by the company's artistic director, Ali Pourfarrokh. Internationally-renowned dancer Nilas Martins heads the company of 25 dancers. Manhasset-native Elaine Munier, formerly with the San Francisco Ballet, dances the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy.The five performances run Dec. 21-27 at Tilles Center.

The Nutcracker

Nov. 29, 1 and 3 p.m. Jeanne Rimsky Theatre at Landmark on Main St., 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or www.landmarkonmainstreet.org.
Dec. 12, 8 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2 and
7:30 p.m.; Dec. 14, 12 and 4 p.m.
Maguire Theatre, SUNY Old Wesbury. (631) 425-4555 or www.huntingtonballet.com.
Dec. 5-6, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 3:30 p.m. South Side High School, 140 Shepherd St., Rockville Centre. (516) 766-7171.
Dec. 21, 12 and 5 p.m.; Dec. 26, 7 p.m.; Dec. 27, 12 and 5 p.m. Tilles Center, C.W. Post Campus, Brookville.
(516) 299-3100.