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The Nutcracker and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

An abbreviated production of
An abbreviated production of "The Nutcracker" geared toward young audiences is an annual staple at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Photo courtesy of the venue
11/10/24 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

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 a narrative performance of the full ballet at the Nutcracker by Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble, with special effects including a tree that grows and snow that falls. 

Other holiday shows on our list include the Interactive Elf Movie Screening at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, where kids can also have a snowball fight and are served free hot chocolate. 

We have so many ways to lift your family's spirits as the year draws to a close: From must-do holiday attractions to craft fairs and more, our Holiday Fun Guide includes festive destinations and at-home activities.

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Kick off the holiday season with the
Kick off the holiday season with the "Nutcracker, Short and Sweet" at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater. Photo courtesy of the theater

2024 Nutcracker Performances for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Nutcracker, Short and Sweet at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

Peekskill
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Don’t miss this local, family-oriented rendition of a classic holiday favorite ballet, The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker, Short and Sweet offers the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, favorite dances performed by a company of committed dancers from the Hudson Valley, engaging narration, and costumes that will delight every guest—in a setting and at a price that is perfect for audiences ages 3 and older. READ MORE

Central Park Dance Presents The Nutcracker at the Capitol Theatre

Port Chester
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Central Park Dance returns to The Capitol Theatre with its annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This production features more than 100 dancers from Central Park Dance and surrounding Westchester communities. Two performances are scheduled—12:30pm and 5pm. READ MORE

The Nutcracker at the Bardavon

Poughkeepsie
Thursday & Friday, December 12-13, 2024
The New Paltz Ballet Theatre presents Tchaikovsky's classic ballet The Nutcracker at the Bardavon Opera House. The ballet is performed in its entirety. READ MORE

Nutcracker by Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble

Suffern
Friday, December 13-Sunday, December 15, 2024
The Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble (RYDE) returns with its stunning performance of the Nutcracker. This special narrated performance of the full-length ballet has a tree that grows, snow that falls, and beautiful sets and costumes. READ MORE

Emelin Theatre's Nutcracker Dream

Mamaroneck
Various dates, December 14-December 26, 2024
The Emelin Theatre proudly continues its December holiday tradition by presenting "Nutcracker Dream" performed by Ballet des Amériques, Westchester’s premier professional dance company. Inspired by the work of Rudolf Nureyev and Marius Petipa, this 90-minute family-friendly adaptation is an exquisite interpretation of the beloved holiday classic.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker Performed by New York Theatre Ballet at the Tarrytown Music Hall

Tarrytown
Sunday, December 15, 2024
This abbreviated production of The Nutcracker, an annual staple at the Tarrytown Music Hall, is best suited for young audiences with short attention spans. The production is presented by New York Theatre Ballet. Two productions are scheduled at 3pm and 6pm.  READ MORE

Yorktown Stage Presents Dance for Joy’s Nutcracker for Kids

Yorktown
Saturday & Sunday, December 21-22, 2024
The Nutcracker for Kids is a one-hour, condensed, and narrated version of the full story of the Nutcracker, in which all parts are danced by students at the Yorktown Stage. It allows audience members of all ages to experience the magic of the Nutcracker during the holiday season! READ MORE

Other Holiday Performances for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

A West Point Holiday at the Eisenhower Hall Theatre

West Point–FREE
Saturday & Sunday, December 7-8, 2024
Ring in the holidays with festive favorites in various musical styles performed by the vocalists and instrumentalists of the West Point Band, from the Nutcracker Suite to Frosty the Snowman, at the Eisenhower Hall Theatre.  READ MORE

Mr. Dickens Tells A Christmas Carol at Lyndhurst

Tarrytown
Select dates from Friday, December 13-Sunday, December 29, 2024
This theatrical performance recreates Charles Dickens' own readings of the classic tale that brings the travails of Ebenzer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim alive. Guests listen to the tale in the parlor of the mansion, "meeting" the different spirits and characters.  READ MORE

The Laurie Berkner Band Holiday Celebration at the Tarrytown Music Hall

Tarrytown
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Enjoy both original and classic holiday songs as performed by beloved children's artist Laurie Berkner and friends.  READ MORE

"Elf Jr.," the Musical at Rhinebeck Center for Performing Arts

Rhinebeck
Saturday & Sunday, December 14-15, 2024
Kids on Stage presents "Elf Jr." at the Rhinebeck Center for Performing Arts. Based on the cherished movie, "Elf Jr." tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan raised by elves at the North Pole who returns to New York City. READ MORE

Jessica Lynn: A Very Merry Classic Christmas at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

Peekskill
Sunday, December 15, 2024
This show is a full multimedia presentation featuring dancers, marching bands, choirs, and special effects. The production raises money for Toys for Tots. READ MORE

Interactive Elf Movie Screening at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center

Chappaqua
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Join Friends of ChappPAC and the Town of New Castle for the return of the very popular interactive showing of the film Elf, led by Elfin actors. The performance also includes a goody bag for each child, an indoor snowball fight, and free hot chocolate.  READ MORE

Cherish the Ladies - A Celtic Christmas at the Tarrytown Music Hall

Tarrytown
Saturday, December 21, 2024
These Irish performers return to Tarrytown Music Hall for another holiday celebration, featuring Christmas carols with Celtic instrumentation, a full band in accompaniment, and Irish step dancing. Two performances are scheduled at 4pm and 8pm. READ MORE

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