Hong Kong Ballet’s acclaimed homegrown production of The Nutcracker returns this December for its fifth festive season, having delighted more than 140,000 audience members and surpassed 100 performances since its 2021 debut. The production, which earned UNESCO’s Star of Outstanding Award and the Spirit of Culture Award in 2024, continues to evolve with new local touches.   This year, audiences will encounter the iconic Star Ferry and two playful characters inspired by Ocean Park’s panda twins, Jia Jia and De De, who join Clara and the Nutcracker Prince in a snowy bamboo forest – a whimsical reimagining of a Hong Kong winter. Artistic Director Septime Webre’s version relocates the classic tale to a historic Mid-Levels home, unfolding through recognisably local scenes from lion dancing and dim sum culture to the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, all set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.   Ahead of the 22-performance run from 12–28 December, an exhibition in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre foyer showcases sketches, concept art, and creative inspirations behind this much-loved production.