Top 10 Nutcracker Performances

The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday classic, remains the epitome of Christmas enchantment. Originally adapted from E.T.A. Hoffman's 1816 tale, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," the story follows a young girl’s magical journey with her toy Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score brings to life a world of fantastical realms, heroic battles, and memorable characters like the Nutcracker Prince, Herr Drosselmeyer, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Snow Queen. Here, we present the finest performances of this cherished ballet to experience this holiday season.

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George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, New York City Ballet

Now in its 76th year, George Balanchine’s elegant and timelessly choreographed Nutcracker is a family tradition and one of the most popular in the US. Boosting over 90 dancers and 62 musicians alongside splendid sets and dazzling costumes (designed by Karinska with masks by Lawrence Vlady) this magical adaptation is a spectacle to behold.

Dates: Nov 29, 2024 –Jan 5, 2025.
At: New York City Ballet, David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023. More Info

Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Chicago

Blending the classic tale with the backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World Fair, Christopher Wheeldon, the Tony-award winner, choreographs a memorable and imaginative performance that the whole family will enjoy. In this version, Marie is swept away by the Nutcracker Prince on a whirlwind journey with sprawling attractions represented by countries from around the globe. Features a spectacular set and costumes by Julian Crouch.

Dates: Dec 6 – 28, 2024.
At: Lyric Opera House, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. More Info

Alexander Iziliaev, courtesy of Philadelphia Ballet

Philadelphia Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Founded in 1963 by Barbara Weisberger, a protégé of George Balanchine, Philadelphia Ballet presents one of the most beloved versions of The Nutcracker. Follow Marie on a magical journey from her bedroom to the Land of Sweets, where flowers waltz and snowflakes twirl. With a diverse cast of all ages, this enchanting rendition captures the magic of childhood and cozy Christmas nights. Before the show and during intermission, families can snap holiday photos with the costumed Mouse King.

Dates: Dec 6 – 29, 2024.
At: Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. More Info

Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Celebrate the holiday season with Stanton Welch’s splendid performance, featuring vibrant costumes, hundreds of characters and elaborate sets that evoke the sweetness and warmth of Christmastime. Join Clara, Drosselmeyer and the Prince on a breathtaking adventure through the sparkling Land of Snow to the vibrant Kingdom of Sweets. Reunite with the Sugar Plum Fairy among the clouds, where true magic comes to life.

Dates: Nov 94 – Dec 29, 2024.
At: Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance, 601 Preston Street, Houston, Texas. More Info

Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker

Ballet Arizona returns to Symphony Hall in style with Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker. Celebrate the season with Clara’s wintry adventures, from battling mischievous mice to charming the Sugar Plum Fairy, all set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed by The Phoenix Symphony. Whether it’s your first or 101st time, this magical tradition always enchants and delights!

Dates: Dec 6 – 24, 2024.
At: Phoenix Symphony Hall, Phoenix Convention Center, 75 N 2nd Street, AZ 8500. More Info

The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Celebrate 20 years of Septime Webre’s D.C.-themed Nutcracker, where dancing cherry blossoms, cardinals, and iconic figures like Betsy Ross, Harriet Tubman, and George Washington (as the Nutcracker!) bring the magic to life. Set against the charming streets of Georgetown, this festive performance mixes dazzling dance with D.C. history, making it a holiday tradition you won’t want to miss.

Dates: Nov 30 – Dec 29, 2024.
At: Warner Theatre, Columbia Square, 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC 20004. More Info

Chelsea Penyak, The Nutcracker | City Ballet of San Diego

American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

With sets and costumes designed by Tony-winner Richard Hudson, audiences will be entranced and delighted by this production as it follows the magical journey of Clara through larger-than-life scenery and glittering costumes. Created by renowned choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, this beloved classic features over 100 performers, spectacular sets and costumes by Tony-winner Richard Hudson, all set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.

Dates: Dec 12 – 22, 2024.
At: Concert Hall, California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido. More Info

City Ballet of San Diego’s The Nutcracker

Experience the classic Victorian tale of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Herr Drosselmeyer, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, brought to life with Elizabeth Wistrich’s enchanting choreography and Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Both young and old will be mesmerized by the stunning costumes and grand sets. Let your childhood dreams come alive and transport you to a magical bygone era.

Dates: Dec 20-23, 2024.
At: California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025, USA. More Info

San Francisco Ballet’s The Nutcracker

San Francisco Ballet first staged The Nutcracker in 1944 and it’s become a holiday tradition ever since. This year is the 20th anniversary of Helgi Tomasson’s larger-than-life production. Expect a huge cast of over 150 dancers (fun fact – 1,200 pointe shoes are used during Nutcracker season!) and is an enchanting production full of splendour and delightful sets.

Dates: Dec 6 – 29, 2024.
At: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. More Info

Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker

A captivating performance featuring sumptuous stage props and lavish costumes, the Boston Ballet features over 80 dancers, and some super impressive and technically challenging choreography captures the wonder of Christmas in a show that is sure to dazzle and delight audiences of all ages. The elegant score is performed by The Boston Ballet Orchestra, led by music director Mischa Santora.

Dates: Nov 29 – Dec 29, 2024.
At: Citizens Bank Opera House, 539 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111. More Info