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

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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 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.

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids on Long Island

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Eglevsky Ballet presents special performances of the timeless holiday classic "The Nutcracker." Photo courtesy of the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts

If your child is nuts about The Nutcracker, several top-notch companies perform the holiday favorite right here on Long Island, so ring in the holiday season by taking in a theatrical performance or two. Some of the standout shows this year include the New York Dance Theatre's staging at Hofstra, which features a cast of 80 children. Ballet Long Island's staging, meanwhile, includes select performances of only Act II of the ballet, and the abbreviated runtime is helpful if your kiddos sometimes get squirmy in their seats. 

You can also check out some other great holiday-themed shows hitting Long Island stages this season, like The Happy Elf and Frosty. 

Read on for amazing holiday show options for families on Long Island in 2024. And be sure to check out our events calendar and Holiday Guide for more seasonal family fun.

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other 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.

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 Best Nutcracker Ballets in NYC for Kids

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

We've found more than 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 afterparty. We've also found a preschool-friendly Nutcracker performance starring stunning marionettes and three performances that are completely FREE.

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

Best Winter Vacation Ideas for Families: Affordable Vacation Spots for Kids of All Ages

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Bermuda's gorgeous beaches are the perfect place to unwind. Photo by Mommy Poppins

The days are shorter and colder, and the winter blues are setting in. Why not cure them with a family vacation? While a trip to an all-inclusive resort or one of our warm and sunny winter vacation ideas would be nice, our wallets don't always agree. Luckily, there are plenty of fun and affordable vacation spots that won't break the bank.

Here are 18 low-cost winter vacation ideas for families in the US and abroad. Many of these affordable vacation spots have lower prices and thinner crowds in the winter months, making winter the perfect time to visit—even during February break. For more fun family vacation ideas any time of year, check out our Family Travel Guide.

Where To Find Free Turkeys in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving 2024

Submitted by Matt Matasci on

Many organizations throughout Los Angeles are offering free turkey giveaways this holiday season. Photo by Monstera courtesy of Canva

Looking for free turkeys in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving dinner? We found local organizations that are here to help.

While some are fortunate enough to fill their table with an indulgent dinner spread, many families in the Los Angeles area are struggling to make ends meet. With the ever-increasing cost of living in Los Angeles, families living paycheck-to-paycheck may not be able to afford the costs of an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of organizations in Los Angeles that are easing the burden for families during the holidays by giving away FREE turkeys and Thanksgiving meals.

If you're fortunate enough to have a full pantry and pocketbook, consider donating to one of these exceptional organizations to help others across the city. Find more tips for your Thanksgiving celebrations in our Thanksgiving Guide and fun throughout the holiday season in our Family Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Los Angeles. 

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