CHRISTMAS is the most magical time of the year, so it’s fitting that the ultimate festive ballet The Nutcracker is coming to St David’s Hall.

From the world-renowned Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia, this spellbinding production is at the National Concert Hall of Wales for nine sensational performances from Thursday, December 22 to Wednesday, December 28 at 2pm and 5.30pm (excluding December 25 and 26).

Feel the warmth of the open fire as presents lay beneath the tree before drifting away when midnight strikes to the mysterious Land of Snow where nothing is really as it seems. Watch with astonishment as toys spring to life before your eyes, and the treacherous Mouse King battles the handsome Nutcracker Prince.

In 1891, Tchaikovsky originally based his iconic score on a creepy short story by German author E.T.A Hoffman entitled The Nutcracker and The Mouse King, before it evolved into the family fun as we know it now.

The Nutcracker is the perfect way to get in the festive spirit and is ideal for first-time ballet goers.

To book tickets, visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or call the box office on 02920 878444.

The South Wales Argus has teamed up with St David’s Hall to offer a family ticket for four to the show on Friday, December 23, at 5.30pm. To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question: Who wrote the score to the Christmas ballet The Nutcracker?

a) Mozart

b) Tchaikovsky

c) Beethoven

Send your answer along with your full name, address and a contact number to SDHpress@cardiff.gov.uk.

Closing date: December 19.