If McCaw Hall feels far from the Eastside, Bellevue's own Nutcracker plays the Meydenbauer Center Theatre for two weeks before Christmas. International Ballet Theatre roots its version in the original 1892 production, keeping the classical structure with full scenery and bright costumes. The theater is smaller than Seattle's big houses, which puts every seat closer to the stage, a real plus for young first-timers. Pair a matinee with Snowflake Lane at 7 p.m., a few blocks away on Bellevue Way.