Best Nutcracker Ballets in New York City to See with Kids 2025

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The Yorkville Nutcracker stars talented local dancers in an NYC-centric version of the classic tale. Photos by Eduardo Patino

The Nutcracker ballet is a classic holiday experience for kids and parents, but there are now so many versions of The Nutcracker ballet in NYC a parent could go sugar-plum crazy trying to figure out which one is best for their family.

We've found a dozen variations of The Nutcracker ballet playing this season across all five NYC boroughs, from the New York City Ballet's classic iteration at Lincoln Center to a 92Y production complete with a fabulous, family-friendly after party. We've also found a preschool-friendly Nutcracker performance starring stunning marionettes, and three Nutcracker performances at Brookfield Place that are completely FREE.

Read on for our curated recommendations for the best Nutcracker ballets in NYC for families, and find more holiday must-do's and Christmas activities in our NYC Kids' Guide to the Holidays.

Best Polar Express Train Rides & Christmas Trains in Los Angeles

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Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. Photo courtesy of the train

'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides or Christmas trains! Los Angeles has plenty of holiday magic waiting on the rails, from a staple in Griffith Park to a movie-like adventure on the SoCal Polar Express. So, put on those matching family PJs and get ready to sing some carols, hear a story, and chow down on Christmas cookies, while embracing the holiday spirit. Kiddos may even get the chance to hand over those wish lists to Santa Claus in person. 

There are seats available (so far!) on the Christmas train rides below that take place from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas. Reserve your spot ASAP because Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast.

Get in the holiday spirit with the best neighborhood holiday lights in Los Angeles, take your Christmas card to the next level with LA-only photo ops with Santa, and visit our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families for more holiday adventures. 

Catch All the Fun at The Poké Court, Chelsea’s Pokémon-Themed Store and Play Spot

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The Poké Court staff helps fans choose cards for their collections with concierge-level service. Photo by the author

Pokémon-loving New Yorkers have something new to be excited about: A brand-new store has opened to the public, where Poké fans, young and old, can get their fix. Poké Court just opened a 2,000-square-foot flagship store in the Meatpacking District, and it's stocked with goodies for fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and beyond.

As a lifelong fan of the franchise (currently working my way through Pokémon Legends: Z-A), I stopped by to check out what the new store has to offer for adults and kids, and it seems destined for a place on our list of NYC stores where you can play for free.

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other 2025 Holiday Shows for Kids in New Jersey

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New Jersey Ballet's "The Nutcracker" brings magic to the stage at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood. Photo courtesy of the Bergen PAC

The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol are among the seasonal classics to look forward to over the holidays, when New Jersey theaters come alive with dancing sugar plum fairies, singing elves, and more than a few Christmas ghosts. 

If your child is nuts about The Nutcracker, you don't have to go to New York City to see a superb production—several top-notch companies perform the holiday favorite right here in New Jersey, including Roxey Ballet and New Jersey Ballet. For a fun twist on the classic, don't miss The Hip Hop Nutcracker at NJPAC.

Plus, favorite characters come alive on stage in holiday musicals, including A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage and Elf the Musical.

In fact, there are so many top-notch productions, we couldn't list them all here, so be sure to check out our Activity Calendar for more, and bookmark our Guide to the Holidays in New Jersey for family-friendly Christmas activities all season long.

The Nutcracker and More Holiday Shows in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in 2025

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An abbreviated production of "The Nutcracker" geared toward young audiences is an annual staple at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Photo courtesy of the venue

Tchaikovsky’s timeless Nutcracker ballet is a beloved family holiday tradition, and multiple Westchester and Hudson Valley venues present stunning performances of this classic.

Performances of The Nutcracker this year include Dance For Joy's Nutcracker for Kids, a condensed, narrated version of the classic ballet geared toward the younger set, and The Nutcracker at Irvington Theater, with a twist that features a variety of dance styles and modern hits sprinkled throughout the classic. 

Other holiday shows on our list include The Laurie Berkner Band Holiday Celebration at the Tarrytown Music Hall and Jessica Lynn: A Very Merry Classic Christmas at the Paramount Hudson Valley, which benefits Toys for Tots. 

Activate Brings a High-Tech Gaming Experience to Long Island

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A play session at Activate feels like stepping into a video game. Photo by the author

Activate, Long Island’s new indoor adventure space, aims to get families moving with its high-tech, interactive challenges. 

Get set to sweat as this gaming experience, which is tucked away inside the Roosevelt Field Mall. Activate invites guests to step right into the action, with a series of rooms that elevate and engage like no other space on the island.

We have more for your thrill-seeking crew to do in our article about Extreme Sports Venues for Long Island Kids. Be sure to also peruse our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids for more ideas. 

NYC Kids’ Guide to Family-Friendly Volunteer Activities Year-Round

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NYC families can deliver fresh meals—and smiles—by volunteering with City Meals on Wheels. Photo courtesy of Citymeals on Wheels

Volunteering is a great way to teach children about the importance of helping others and a nice way to give back to your community and those who need it. There are many family-friendly volunteering opportunities in NYC, and many can be performed year-round.

We've compiled some of these family volunteer activities in NYC below, including ways to give back with a local community org or from the comfort of your own home. We've got picks for families who want to fight food insecurity, help beautify the city, and even make some new furry friends. In addition to the information below, we also have an entire post on Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities that you can explore this holiday season.

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