LEWISTON – The Twin Cities’ Downtown Holiday Celebration will kick off Monday, Nov. 26, with a colorfully costumed “Nutcracker” ballet “show-&-tell” at 4 p.m. in Callahan Hall at the Lewiston Public Library.

This free half-hour event will feature brief excerpts from the Portland Ballet’s upcoming production of “The Victorian Nutcracker,” performed by eight student dancers, ages 9 to 17, from the cast of that show.

Participating in the program are Lewiston residents Ashton Plummer, appearing as the Nutcracker Prince; Jaid Cherkis as Spanish Chocolate; Leah Fournier as Ribbon Candy; Kiah Baxter as Mouse; Melina Plummer as Olivia; and Heather Baxter and Kaylee Plummer as Polichinelles. Joining them is Sarah Busch of Buckfield, who will portray a Flower.

Providing narration will be Portland Ballet costume director Edith Cherkis, who coordinated the event.

All of the young performers are students at either the Portland Ballet’s school of dance or the Dance Center in Lewiston. More information on the LPL “Nutcracker” program is available by calling 513-3050.

On Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m., the eight student performers will join Portland Ballet’s adult professional dancers on stage at Lewiston’s Franco-American Heritage Center for an hourlong program of highlights from the full ballet titled “Meet & Greet Nutcracker Sweet.” For tickets and information on that event, contact the FAHC box office at 689-2000.