Photo Gallery: <i>Hansel and Gretel</i>

Alexandra Kurzak (left) and Kate Lindsey play the title roles in Humperdinck's holiday classic. Photo: Marty Sohl/Met Opera

Fearless heroes, scheming villains, and damsels in distress have peopled the operatic stage for centuries. But a fish-headed waiter, an ancient sandman, and a coterie of giant chefs? These fanciful characters are all part of Richard Jones’s captivating staging of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, which returns to the Met this December as the company’s annual holiday presentation for families. With mid-week matinees and $89 orchestra seats, this English-language production is the perfect way to celebrate the season for opera lovers young and old. Hansel and Gretel runs through January 7. Here's a photo preview.

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In this scene from Act II, the lost siblings meet strange creatures in the forest. Photo: Marty Sohl/Met Opera

John Macfarlane's designs for the Witch... Image courtesy John Macfarlane

...are embodied by tenor Robert Brubaker. Photo: Marty Sohl/Met Opera

Giant cartoon-style chefs... Image courtesy John Macfarlane

...are an eye-catching element of the Met's Hansel and Gretel. Photo: Ken Howard/Met Opera

A scene from Act I Photo: Marty Sohl/Met Opera

The lost siblings encouter vivid tree people... Image courtesy John Macfarlane

...and a mysterious old sandman (seen here in the production's 2009 revival)... Photo: Marty Sohl/Met Opera

...before arriving in the Witch's kitchen. Photo: Marty Sohl/Met Opera

Dwayne Croft and Michaela Martens play Hansel and Gretel's parents. Photo: Marty Sohl/Met Opera

Robert Brubaker as the Witch Photo: Marty Sohl/Met Opera

Hansel and Gretel is an irresistible holiday treat. Photo: Marty Sohl/Met Opera