Updated for 2022
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
Los Angeles Ballet The Nutcracker
Multiple performances all over SoCal including:
- Alex Theatre, December 3rd and 4th
216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91203 - Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, December 10th and 11th
1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90278 - Royce Hall, UCLA, December 16th–18th
340 Royce Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90095 - Dolby Theatre, December 22nd–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.
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 1 – 4, 2022. On hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, documented in the 2020 Netflix movie “Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker,” and presented drive-in style in 2021, this year marks the family spectacular’s highly-anticipated grand return to full production live stage performances.
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.
This year, guests can extend their “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” experience at Kara’s Tea. Held before each matinee performance, the tea includes storytelling with Debbie Allen, catered tea, photos with cast members, and a chance to win the Fairy Queen’s pointe shoes. Tickets to the Tea prior to matinees performances are sold separately.
ACB Presents The Nutcracker Suite
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.
Long Beach Ballet The Nutcracker
Long Beach Terrace Theater
300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
Enjoy the 40th 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 begin Friday, December 9th–18th.
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 beginning Thanksgiving weekend and the first weekend in December. It’s a Holiday tradition you don’t want to miss.
Nutcracker for Kids
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Children and parents alike will enjoy this special presentation of The Nutcracker. Designed especially for children, the performance is a condensed, 45-minute version of the popular holiday tale. Before each performance, children will enjoy interactive activities in the concert hall including arts and crafts, an instrument petting zoo, the chance to meet Symphony musicians, and more. A visit from Santa is also planned at the end of the performance. Two performances are scheduled for Saturday, December 3rd.
Inland Pacific Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Multiple locations including:
Fox Performing Arts Center
3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
The Inland Pacific Ballet brings its rendition of The Nutcracker to three different sites this holiday season. With performances on December 3rd–4th, December 10th–11th, and again on December 17th–18th, families can enjoy the show at the Fox Performing Arts Center or one of the other locations. Recommended for children ages 3 and up.
Red Chair Productions Nutcracker
Alex Theatre
216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale 91203
This annual Nutcracker production is designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Performances are at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA on December 10th at 1 pm and 6 pm and on December 11th at 2 pm.
Attending a ballet, especially for the first time, can be intimidating. Red Chair typically hosts over 1,000 school-age children from the surrounding areas, many of who are stepping into a theater for the first time ever at our special school performance. As the majority of the cast is youth it is incredible to see a child inspired by someone on stage who looks like them and is of a similar age as them. It can open up a world of possibilities.
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.
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 10th–11th. 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 on December 10th and 11th 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.
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