Updated for 2025
The Nutcracker Ballet is a timeless classic for the holidays and a family favorite, especially for anyone whose child has been taking ballet lessons. We’re blessed to have a wealth of options for seeing this beautiful dance performance, as many local ballet companies will host performances this year.
Tchaikovsky composed the score for the Nutcracker in 1892 and it is still delighting audiences, young and old, to this day. You can probably hum a few bars right now if you try! Take your family to see one of these many performances of The Nutcracker in Los Angeles this year.
Related: See all the Christmas and Holiday Shows in Los Angeles
All The Nutcracker Ballets in Los Angeles
California Dance Ensemble Nutcracker
Smothers Theater, Pepperdine University, 4255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu 90263
Celebrate the holiday season with a cherished classic tradition as the award-winning California Dance Ensemble presents its 18th annual ballet production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker! Starring guest artists Joel Kioko as the Nutcracker Cavalier and Colette Radstone as Sugarplum Fairy, this stunning production features over 150 performers, and is complete with stage magic, real snowfall, sword fights and sugar plum fairies! This version of The Nutcracker, under the direction of Jennifer and Robbin Shahani, is inspired by the ballet’s first American choreographer, Willem Christensen. Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience the magic of The Nutcracker in this stunning production at Smothers Theatre in Malibu!
Inland Pacific Ballet’s The Nutcracker
The Inland Pacific Ballet brings its rendition of The Nutcracker to a couple of different sites this holiday season. With performances on select days between December 13-21, families can enjoy the show at one of the multiple locations. Recommended for children ages 3 and up.
Bridges Auditorium, 450 N College Way, Claremont, CA 91711
Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
THE NUTCRACKER presented by Degas Dance Studio
Alex Theatre in Glendale, 216 N Brand Blvd, Glendale 91203
Bring your whole family to share and enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition and family friendly production of ‘The Nutcracker’. Sunday December 14th at the historical Alex Theatre in Glendale. This is a wonderful opportunity to inspire and share arts & culture. Featuring Music by Tchaikovsky, professional as well as pre-professional and student performers, beautiful costumes and magical digital backdrops. Rated one of LA’s TOP Nutcracker productions! A beautiful experience for the whole family. Come get into the holiday spirit and share the magic and joy!
Debbie Allen Dance Academy’s “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker”
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach 90278
Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) is proud to present the triumphant return of their award-winning production of “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” this holiday season from December 4-14.
A charming reimagining of the holiday classic, the story of “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” starts on Christmas Eve as the Johnsons host a grand party. The Christmas gifts are shared and young Kara receives a Nutcracker filled with her favorite: hot chocolate. She falls asleep and the journey begins when the Nutcracker comes alive! With dazzling music and costumes – and stunning choreography showcasing jazz, modern dance, hip-hop, and ballet – this is a holiday theater experience that all ages will enjoy.
Red Chair Productions Nutcracker Performances
Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91203
Designed to captivate all from the youngest audience member with its lavish sets, glittering costumes, and storytelling narration to the oldest with its quality ballet production, Red Chair Productions’ Nutcracker is truly a magical way for all ages to experience the holidays. Red Chair Productions is a non-profit based in Los Angeles, whose mission is to increase access to the arts through performance opportunities, community engagement, and program support. December 6 and 7.
Los Angeles Ballet The Nutcracker
Multiple performances:
- Royce Hall, UCLA, December 12-14
340 Royce Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90095 - Dolby Theatre, December 19th – 28th
6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
The Los Angeles Ballet is performing the classic tale, The Nutcracker, at locations around Los Angeles this holiday season. This version of the story takes place on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles in 1912. Tickets are available online.
ACB Presents The Nutcracker Suite
2 California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., 28th Floor, Los Angeles 90071
American Contemporary Ballet’s The Nutcracker Suite is a Spielbergian fantasy that suspends both its heroine and audience in a magical snow globe of dance, music, and mysterious delights too enchanting to leave behind, while also questioning whether any of us can remain in the Land of Sweets forever. Regardless of the answer, the company has had to increase performances of the world’s first immersive ‘Nutcracker’ every year since its 2017 premiere to meet the demand of those who’d like to visit, if only for one wonder-filled hour. November 29 – December 24.
Long Beach Ballet The Nutcracker
Long Beach Terrace Theater
300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
Enjoy the annual production of The Nutcracker by the Long Beach Ballet. While the story may be the same, this production is unlike any other you’ve most likely seen. Families are in for a treat including a full symphony orchestra, a flying sleigh, a real horse, pyrotechnics, and a cast of over 200. Performances are scheduled for December 13-21.
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American Ballet Theatre The Nutcracker
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
A cast of over 100 performers will enchant you with the classic tale of The Nutcracker. Families will enjoy mischievous mice, colorful scenery, sparkling snowflakes, exquisite dancing, and much more. Performances run on select days between December 11-21.
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Westside Ballet’s The Nutcracker
The Broad Stage
1310 11th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401
They are the longest-running Nutcracker in Southern California — and they are returning to the Broad Stage this year for performances running from November 29 – December 7. It’s a Holiday tradition you don’t want to miss.
Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Legendary Arlington Theatre
1317 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Santa Barbara Festival Ballet is proud to announce its 48th annual production of The Nutcracker, a cherished holiday tradition returning to The Arlington Theatre. Embrace the magic of the season with three performances on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14. This event promises to be a heartwarming and festive celebration of the holidays, suitable for all ages.
The production features four internationally recognized guest artists hailing from renowned ballet companies in the country. Principal dancers Alexandra Hutchinson and Kouadio Davis with Dance Theatre of Harlem, and principal dancers Misa Kuranaga and Esteban Hernandez with the San Francisco Ballet, will grace the stage alongside the gifted students from UCSB and Santa Barbara Festival Ballet.
Related: see all the Holiday Boat Parades in SoCal
California Ballet Theater & Pryntsev Ballet Academy’s The Nutcracker
Forum Theater, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The California Ballet Theater and Pryntsev Ballet Academy’s pre-professional program students will present their second annual performance of The Nutcracker this December at the Forum Theater in Laguna Beach on December 7. Cast members range from 5–18 years of age and the production will be slightly abbreviated making the ballet great for families and kids alike.
World Ballet Series The Nutcracker
Alex Theatre, 216 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91203
World Ballet Series continues to wow audiences with the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker. The family-friendly performance brings the joy and magic of ballet to the Alex Theatre in Glendale on December 11-12. The sparkling production is brought to life by an international cast of 40 professional dancers from the world’s premier ballet institutions, with beautiful sets and costumes and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music. World Ballet Series’ The Nutcracker is produced by Los Angeles-based Gorskaya-Hartwick Productions.
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