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The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Ballet's gorgeous Nutcracker production soars. Photo by Reed Hutchinson
Los Angeles Ballet's gorgeous Nutcracker production soars. Photo by Reed Hutchinson
11/10/23 - By Roberta B

Seeing a Nutcracker Ballet is a Christmas tradition for so many families. In a city like Los Angeles, there are over twenty Nutcracker shows for your pick of performance from Hollywood to Long Beach and so many places in between. 

To answer two of the most common questions posed by parents in search of a Nutcracker ballet in Los Angeles: Yes, there is a condensed version specifically for kids offered by the Festival Ballet Theatre down in Costa Mesa. And yes, there are local performances with full orchestra—​the Long Beach Terrace Theater is one of the best. There's even a fantastic and very LA production by Bob Baker's Marionettes, which is light on the dancing and heavy on the post-show ice cream, for little kids looking for a fun introduction to the classic Nutcracker Ballet. 

When you've had your fill of the Mouse King, let us direct you to some nifty Polar Express and Christmas train rides, neighborhood Christmas lights displays, and more in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families. 

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The Nutcracker is done by marionettists and marionettes at the Bob Baker Theater.
The Nutcracker is done by marionettists and marionettes at the Bob Baker Theater.

Nutcracker Ballet Performances in Los Angeles

The Nutcracker Suite by American Contemporary Ballet

DTLA - Select dates from November 25 - December 24, 2023
The American Contemporary Ballet puts on a performance of the Nutcracker Suite that delights the senses. This creative production sells out early, so buy your tickets well in advance!  READ MORE

Bob Baker’s Nutcracker

Highland Park - Select dates from November 25, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Bob Baker's Nutcracker returns most triumphantly this year to the Bob Baker Theater! This beloved version of the story has been running since 1969, and every performance ends with ice cream. Don't miss this LA holiday tradition!  READ MORE

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

Koreatown - Sunday, December 17, 2023
The beloved family tradition is back at the Wiltern, with an international cast and Ukranian principal artists. This performance features jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and dazzling sets and costumes.  READ MORE

Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Dolby

Hollywood - Thursday - Tuesday, December 21 - 26, 2023
Los Angeles Ballet's production of The Nutcracker returns for another season, as Clara and her Nutcracker journey to the magical Land of Snow, and to the enchanted Palace of the Dolls where all of Clara's favorite companions come to life.  READ MORE
The Pacific Festival Ballet performs The Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the production
The Pacific Festival Ballet performs The Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the production

Nutcracker Ballet Performances in the Valley: From Glendale to Thousand Oaks

The Nutcracker (Degas Dance Studio)

Glendale - Sunday, November 26, 2023
Bring your whole family to share and enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition featuring music by Tchaikovsky, professional as well as pre-professional and student performers, beautiful costumes, and magical digital backdrops. This year, Degas Dance Studio is only performing this ballet one time at the historic Alex Theater in Glendale.  READ MORE

Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Pasadena Civic Center

Pasadena - Friday - Sunday, December 1-3, 2023
Los Angeles Ballet's production of The Nutcracker returns for another season, as Clara and her Nutcracker journey to the magical Land of Snow, and to the enchanted Palace of the Dolls where all of Clara's favorite companions come to life. This is the first time the show has come to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium (formerly it played at the Alex in Glendale).  READ MORE

Red Chair Productions Performance of The Nutcracker

Glendale - Friday & Sunday, December 8 & 10, 2023
Red Chair Children's Production Company presents its annual holiday production of The Nutcracker, with lavish sets and glittering costumes. Unique among area Nutcracker productions, The Red Chair’s energetic rendition features young performers, ages 5 to 18, in principal and supporting roles. READ MORE

The Nutcracker (Pacific Festival Ballet)

Thousand Oaks - Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17, 2023
Star of New York City Ballet, Tiler Peck joins Pacific Festival Ballet's resident ballet company. The production is complete with opulent sets and costumes along with dazzling choreography. This Nutcracker promises visions of Sugarplums and a 100% chance of snowfall on the audience!  READ MORE
A live orchestra is part of the draw at the Westside Ballet performance. Photo courtesy of Westside Ballet
A live orchestra is part of the draw at the Westside Ballet performance. Photo courtesy of Westside Ballet

Nutcracker Ballet Performances on the Westside: From Santa Monica to Beverly Hills

The Nutcracker Tea

Beverly Hills - Saturday & Sunday, November 18 & 19, 2023
We'll come right out and say it: this event is an expensive cup of tea. However, along with the fancy tea party, held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Beverly Hills, guests are treated to a special, intimate performance of selections from Los Angeles Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, dancing with characters, shopping in the Winter Boutique, and photos with Santa, Clara, Nutcracker, and Baby Mouse.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker - 50 Years of Magic (Westside Ballet)

Santa Monica - Saturday & Sunday, November 25 - December 3, 2023
Westside Ballet's annual, lavish production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, is the longest-running Nutcracker production in SoCal, and this year it celebrates 50 years! Westside alumni join select performances including Tiler Peck, Mate Szentes, Roman Mejia, and Lucia Connolly.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker (Los Angeles Ballet at Royce Hall)

Westwood - Friday & Saturday, December 8 & 9, 2023
Los Angeles Ballet's production of The Nutcracker returns for another season, as Clara and her Nutcracker journey to the magical Land of Snow, and to the enchanted Palace of the Dolls where all of Clara's favorite companions come to life. The Los Angeles Ballet performs at several locations throughout the Christmas season, including Royce Hall at UCLA.  READ MORE
Long Beach Ballet's The Nutcracker also features a live orchestra. Photo by J. Christopher Launi Photography
Long Beach Ballet's The Nutcracker also features a live orchestra. Photo by J. Christopher Launi Photography

Nutcracker Ballet Performances in Long Beach & the South Bay

The Nutcracker (Palos Verdes Ballet)

Palos Verdes - Saturday & Sunday, December 2 & 3, 2023
Palos Verdes Ballet presents an opportunity to see the classic holiday ballet. This will be the 43rd year of performances.  READ MORE

Debbie Allen's Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

Redondo Beach - Thursday - Sunday, December 7 - 10, 2023
Debbie Allen brings her Dance Academy's popular adaptation of the classic dance tale to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The show has become a local holiday classic directed, choreographed by, and starring the unstoppable Ms. Allen. READ MORE

The Nutcracker (San Pedro City Ballet)

San Pedro - Friday - Sunday, December 8 - 10, 2023
This is the San Pedro City Ballet's 30th annual production of the classic holiday season ballet. Encounter mischievous mice, sparkling snowflakes, enchanted Christmas trees, and sugar plum fairies at this artistic performance set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker (Los Angeles Ballet in Redondo Beach)

Redondo Beach - Friday - Sunday, December 15 - 17, 2023
Los Angeles Ballet's production of The Nutcracker returns for another season, with a weekend of performances at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Clara and her Nutcracker journey to the magical Land of Snow, and to the enchanted Palace of the Dolls where all of Clara's favorite companions come to life. READ MORE

The Nutcracker (Long Beach Ballet)

Long Beach - Select dates from December 16 - 23, 2023
Long Beach Ballet presents The Nutcracker, performed with a full symphony orchestra, pyrotechnics, a flying sleigh, a real live horse, and a cast of over 200. This performance was voted the "best loved Nutcracker in the nation" by a Goldstar audience survey. It is crammed full of special effects and dazzling dancers. If you want a Nutcracker experience to remember, David Wilcox's production is the one to attend.  READ MORE
The mouse king is ready to attack! Photo courtesy of Festival Ballet Theatre
The mouse king is ready to attack! Photo courtesy of Festival Ballet Theatre

Nutcracker Ballet Performances in Orange County

Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker in Anaheim with Symphony Irvine

Anaheim - Friday & Saturday, November 24 & 25, 2023
Anaheim Ballet and Symphony Irvine bring the traditional holiday tale of Clara, her dancing nutcracker, waltzing flowers, a towering Christmas tree, and the Mouse King with a full symphony orchestra. READ MORE

Sugar Plum Tea

Mission Viejo - Sunday, November 26, 2023
Enjoy a magical Christmas tea with Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. This tea for all ages includes performances by the ballerinas at the Laguna Dance Theatre, photo opportunities with the cast, craft time, a dessert and beverage bar, and shopping at the Dew Drop Market.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker for Kids

Costa Mesa - Saturday, December 2, 2023
Festival Ballet Theatre and Pacific Symphony offer a condensed version of Tchaikovsky's Christmas ballet that also includes a holiday sing-along and a visit from Santa. It's the perfect first introduction to this timeless holiday classic.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker: Pryntsev Ballet Academy

Laguna Hills - Saturday & Sunday, December 2 & 3, 2023
Pryntsev Dance Academy performs The Nutcracker for ballet fans of all ages. The performance is filled with sweet dreams and Christmas magic.  READ MORE

Casa Nutcracker

San Clemente - Thursday, December 7, 2023
Casa Romantica presents an abridged production of the holiday classic The Nutcracker, with choreography tailored to the intimate Main Salon Theater. READ MORE

Nutcracker: Abridged for Young Audiences

Irvine - Friday, December 8, 2023
Do you want your kids to experience the Christmas magic of the Nutcracker, but are you worried they can't sit through a full production? Festival Ballet Theatre offers an abridged, one-hour version of the classic production for the littlest ballet fans.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker (American Ballet Theatre)

Costa Mesa - Select dates from December 8 - 17, 2023
American Ballet Theatre returns with its critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker, featuring a cast of more than 100 performers, dazzling sets and costumes by Tony-winner Richard Hudson, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed by the Pacific Symphony. READ MORE

Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker

Irvine - Select dates from December 9 - 24, 2023
Festival Ballet Theatre's lavish production of the holiday classic features a cast of 150 dazzling dancers with colorful costumes and dazzling scenery.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker (Laguna Ballet)

Mission Viejo - Thursday - Saturday, December 21 - 23, 2023
Laguna Ballet's annual performance of The Nutcracker features more than 75 OC ballet students and guest artists. Sales go live on November 16, 2023.  READ MORE
Ring in the holidays with The Very Hungry Caterpillar and friends! Photo courtesy of Rockefeller Productions
Ring in the holidays with The Very Hungry Caterpillar and friends! Photo courtesy of Rockefeller Productions

Other Holiday Shows in Los Angeles

A Christmas Carol

Costa Mesa - Select dates from November 25 - December 24, 2023
Ghost of Christmas Past: South Coast Rep returns with its annual production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge says "Bah, humbug!" several times, and they all have a happy Christmas in the end. READ MORE

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show

North Hollywood - Select dates from November 25, 2023 - January 21, 2024
Just in time for the holidays, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and friends are set to make their Los Angeles debut with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show! Performances are Saturdays at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm, and Sundays at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm.  READ MORE

An El Segundo Holiday Concert

El Segundo - Friday, December 1, 2023
El Segundo Concert Band celebrates the holiday season with a free concert featuring festive holiday favorites. READ MORE

A Christmas Carol

Pasadena - Select dates from December 1 - 24, 2023
A Noise Within brings back its popular annual production of the Dickens classic. Production quality is high, with beautiful costumes, fun ghost effects, and a large, talented cast presenting a highly traditional rendition of the Victorian Christmas tale of goodwill to all men. READ MORE

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Hollywood - Wednesday - Sunday, December 6 - 17, 2023
Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale comes to life on stage.  The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. READ MORE

Theatricum Botanicum Holiday Family Faire

Topanga - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Theatricum Botanicum transforms into a Winter Wonderland for the Holiday Family Faire, a holiday marketplace complete with festive food and drink, caroling and singing madrigals, storytelling, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

Holiday Sing-Along

DTLA - Saturday, December 16, 2023
Tune up your Rudolph; Walt Disney Concert Hall wants you to sing along! READ MORE

Nochebuena Christmas Spectacular

Northridge - Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17, 2023
The Soraya's annual Nochebuena celebration returns to celebrate the holiday traditions of Mexico. Performers this year include Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar. READ MORE

Elf in Concert (Peacock Theatre)

DTLA - Sunday, December 17, 2023
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is playing the music from Elf loud for all to hear. Elf is shown a 40-foot movie screen while composer John Debney, creator of the film's heartwarming score, personally conducts a full symphony orchestra performing his music live to picture,  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Bob Baker Marionette Theater
The Broad Stage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center
Palos Verdes Performing Arts Norris Theatre
City National Grove of Anaheim
Casa Romanitca Cultural Center and Gardens
Capistrano Valley High School
El Segundo Performing Arts Center