For two decades, State Street Ballet’s *Nutcracker* has been Durango’s unofficial start to the holiday season. This year, the Community Concert Hall celebrates the production’s 20th anniversary with a special fundraiser honoring the dancers, musicians, and local children who’ve brought this magic to life—especially since the San Juan Symphony and Durango Children’s Chorus joined the performance nine years ago, making it even more spectacular. I share a bit of my own Nutcracker story, too.