Attending a performance of "The Nutcracker" is a holiday tradition, and this year Patch wants to help you enjoy Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's always-in-demand production of the classic story of Marie and her Nutcracker Prince.

Enter Patch’s "Nutcracker Tradition" photo contest by sharing a photo or photos of your favorite child holding your family’s favorite nutcracker.

Winners will receive a pair of tickets to attend a performance this month of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s holiday spectacular "The Nutcracker."

Starting today and until Dec. 18, you may enter our contest by uploading here your photo or photos of your favorite youngster with a nutcracker.

 Each Patch site in Western Pennsylvania will choose one winner and award one prize, using a random drawing from entries submitted to each site.

Each winner will receive a pair of tickets to attend the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's production at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, Downtown.

Recognized as one of the most popular ballets of all time, "The Nutcracker" is a holiday classic based on the German tale written by E.T.A. Hoffmann and set to the iconic score of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's production features more than 210 costumes, 190 performers—including more than 150 students, ages 7 and up—and turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh-themed set design. 

Each winner may choose a pair of tickets for one of the following performances: Dec. 20, Dec. 21,  Dec. 22 (7 p.m. performance), Dec. 23, Dec. 28, Dec. 29 and Dec. 30. Winners may choose their preferred date. 

Here's how you can enter: To add your own images, first become a registered Patch user if you aren't already, then add your photo to the gallery on this page.

Be sure to include your real, full name; the first name of the child; and as any other relevant information about what the photo shows. Please do not include the child's full/last name. Children must be 18 or younger.

All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 17.

The email address you use to register must be a working one so we can reach you should we have questions—or should you be selected as a winner Dec. 18.

You must also be willing to provide to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre your name, address, telephone number, email address and preference of performance dates.

Tickets for winners will be held at the will-call window of the Benedum Center, to be picked up on performance day.

Entrants may submit one photo per day. You must own or have permission to submit the photograph—no third-party, professional portraits, please.

All photos must be posted by midnight to be judged for that day. The contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older. Each pair of tickets is valued at $91.50. 

Good luck! We can't wait to see your adorable photos.

For complete contest rules, click here.