Updated for 2023
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
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 7-10th, 2023.
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 8-10th
Los Angeles Ballet The Nutcracker
Multiple performances all over SoCal including:
- Pasadena Civic Auditorium, December 1-3rd
300 East Green Street, Pasadena 91101 - Royce Hall, UCLA, December 8-9th
340 Royce Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90095 - Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, December 15-17th
1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90278 - Dolby Theatre, December 21–26th
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 25th–December 24th.
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 November 26th 5:00PM (Doors Open 4:30PM) 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! $27-35 Children under 18 $42-52 Adults
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 16th–23rd.
Related: See the Christmas Light Displays in Los Angeles
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 December 8-17th.
Also at the Segerstrom Center, experience the Nutcracker for Kids on December 2nd. Visions of sugarplums will dance in your heads after seeing Tchaikovsky’s delightful Christmas ballet performed in a condensed version created just for kids! This favorite concert finishes with a visit from Santa and our annual holiday sing-along.
Related: Where to see Santa Claus in Los Angeles
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 25th – December 3rd. It’s a Holiday tradition you don’t want to miss.
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 December 2nd – 23rd, families can enjoy the show at one of the multiple locations. Recommended for children ages 3 and up.
Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
December 2-10
Bridges Auditorium, 450 N College Way, Claremont, CA 91711
December 16-17
Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
December 22-23
Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Legendary Arlington Theatre
1317 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
The Santa Barbara Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker, at The Arlington Theatre for three dazzling live performances Saturday and Sunday, December 9-10th. Creating holiday memories for all ages, the enchanting production features stunning sets and costumes with a full symphony orchestra bringing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life.
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. 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.
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
14900 La Mirada, La Mirada,CA 90638
Santa Barbara’s acclaimed State Street Ballet returns to La Mirada with the enchanting holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. With its opulent sets and costumes, and brilliant comedic moments, the beloved tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince continues to delight audiences of all ages. December 23rd.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
December 17th at the Wiltern Theater
December 20th at Pasadena Civic Auditorium
Talmi Entertainment’s NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet tells the beloved holiday story with an extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets, and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes.
The Nutcracker at Arlington Theatre, presented by Santa Barbara Festival Ballet
The 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 9th and 10th. 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.
World Ballet Series The Nutcracker
Alex Theatre, 216 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91203
World Ballet Series continues with the second production of its 2023-2024 season, the beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker. The family-friendly performance brings the joy and magic of ballet to the Alex Theatre in Glendale on November 29 and 30, 2023. 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.
Naatucracker-The Dancing Nut
Alex Theatre, 216 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91203
Shakti presents a re-imagination of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. A Christmas story, the Nutcracker over the years, both in North America and Europe, has taken so many avatars in its presentation, format, music and choreography. Shakti in Los Angeles has given it a unique twist as Naatucracker-The Dancing Nut. Visualized in the exquisite dance form of India, Bharata Natyam, choreographer Viji Prakash has placed the story in a young girls unbridled imagination, where horses fly, snowflakes dance, oceans sing, and sweet treats are a world of their own. The rich costumes, unique sets, and complex dance movements, tell an exciting story with elaborate hand gestures and facial expressions, all a part of the dance form. Come experience a musical score that is both Indian and global as eighty students from the Shakti School of Bharata Natyam share their Christmas joy with you.
California Dance Ensemble Nutcracker
Calabasas Performing Arts Education Center, 22855 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
Celebrate the holiday season with a cherished classic tradition as the award-winning California Dance Ensemble presents its 15th annual ballet production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, live at the PAEC in Calabasas on December 16th and 17th! Starring Chase Peterson as the Nutcracker Cavalier, this stunning production features over 150 performers, including Academy students, pre-professional dancers and professional guest stars. Complete with real snow, magical elements, 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, Willam Christensen.
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