Celebrate Baton Rouge holiday traditions

With Baton Rouge’s relatively warm and humid winters, sometimes we have to make our own traditions. For instance, unless you head far north, the chances are nil for getting to experience skating on a frozen river. Thank goodness for the River Center’s annual “Skating on the River” event, which allows you to strap on some blades and glide across the ice for a while. A $12 ticket gets you refreshments, skates and an hour and a half of icy glee. The skating fun starts Friday and continues through Dec. 31. … And every year since 1991, the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre has put on a lavish and very Cajun production of The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou. With elaborate sets that recall famous Louisiana landmarks from the Old State Capitol to Oak Alley Plantation, a cast of hundreds and live accompaniment by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, this year’s production promises to be an incredible artistic delight. Performances are at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday at the Baton Rouge River Center. … And there’s one more weekend for holiday shopping at the Baton Rouge Arts Market—it won’t return until February 5. Find more events to fill your week with holiday cheer by reading this week’s 225 Select here.