George Balanchines’s magical Nutcracker, with its mix of complex choreography and wondrous moments—an onstage snowstorm, an enormous Christmas tree, giant rats. There are hundreds of elaborate costumes – one, for Mother Ginger, which is nine feet wide and weighs 85 pounds, has to be lowered by pulley over the dancer’s head. It’s forever lovely! New York State Theater at Lincoln Center 66th Street at Columbus Ave. (212) 870-5570.