Before its 30th annual production of the holiday classic The Nutcracker, BalletMet Columbus ushers in the season with a free Nutcracker Family Day Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the BalletMet Dance Centre, 322 Mt. Vernon Ave.

BalletMet’s Nutcracker Family Day is an opportunity for children to meet characters from The Nutcracker; decorate ornaments; participate in storytimes and a creative movement class; win prizes, and try on costumes from the BalletMet Costume Shop.

Additionally, the BalletMet Box Office will be on hand with an exclusive offer: buy three tickets to The Nutcracker and get one free. Families can also bring a donation for Firefighters 4 Kids and receive a special gift.

BalletMet’s The Nutcracker runs from Dec. 8 through 23, at the Ohio Theatre with Tchaikovsky’s famous score performed live by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and recorded narration by Sir Roger Moore. Select performances include fun extras, including opportunities to meet dancers from the production.

Tickets to The Nutcracker are $18.50 to $64.50 through the BalletMet Box Office (614.229.4848), www.balletmet.org, CAPA (614.469.0939), and Ticketmaster (614.431.3600). Discounts are available at all central Ohio Kroger locations and on specially marked Sierra Mist products.