It’s a sign of the season: Eastern Connecticut Ballet performs its version of “The Nutcracker” at the Garde Arts Center this weekend.

The elaborate, nautical-themed dance production has become a holiday staple in New London. ECB’s version of the classic tale is set in 1850s New London and boasts scenery that is true to the Whaling City, including the New London Custom House, Whale Oil Row, and a sea captain’s Victorian home.

This year, joining the ECB dancers will be guest artists Unity Phelan and Indiana Woodward from the acclaimed New York City Ballet.

“The Nutcracker,” 1:30 p.m. Sat. and 1:30 and 7 p.m. Sun., Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; tickets $34-$64, with special pricing for kids 12 and younger, seniors, military and groups; gardearts.org, (860) 444-7373.