American Repertory Ballet's The Nutcracker (New Brunswick & Trenton)
This classic performance of the Nutcracker includes a case of over 100 performers from the American Repertory Ballet and the Princeton Ballet School.  Recommended for ages 4 and up.
December 11 at 1pm and 4:30pm in Trenton.  Tickets $24-39. 
December 18 & 19 at 1pm and 4:30pm in New Brunswick.  Tickets are $32-57.
 

New Jersey Ballet's 40th Anniversary Nutcracker (Morristown)
Special effects, live orchestra, outstanding ballet performance... this production of the Nutcracker has it all and is a performance you will want to come back to year and after year. December 17 at 7:30 pm, December 18 & 19 at 1 pm & 6 pm, December 22 & 23 at 7:30 pm, December 24 at 1 pm, December 26 at 1 pm & 6 pm. Tickets are $19-$59.

The New Jersey Youth Ballet's Nutcracker Ballet (West Windsor)
Get rid of the fidgets before they even start!  This hour long performance is just the perfect length for kids and both narration and dance bring to life dolls, mice, toy soldiers, snowflake dances, and the whole Nutcracker story. December 17 at 7:30pm, December 18 & 19 at 1pm and 4pm.  Tickets are $12.
 

Company of Dance Arts' Nutcracker Ballet (Red Bank)
This timeless performance is by both local dancers and guests from NYC ballet companies for an unforgettable holiday experience.  December 11 & 12 at 2:30pm and 7pm.  Tickets are $15 to $35.


The Nutcracker at the Garden State Discovery Museum (Cherry Hill)
Want to take your tot to see the Nutcracker but aren't sure if they are ready?  This is the perfect "starter" performance.  The Garden State Discovery museum hosts the Voorhees Ballet Theatre to perform scenes from The Nutcracker. Even better, the performance is free with admission to the museum so if it proves to be too much, there is still plenty of fun to be had exploring the museum.  December 18 at 1pm.  $10.95 museum admission for adults and kids 12 months and up.

For other cool holiday venues, see our Holiday Guide.