Top 10 Nutcracker Performances

There may be no holiday performance more evocative than The Nutcracker. First staged in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892, the ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, adapted through a French retelling by Alexandre Dumas. Set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s luminous score, the story follows a young girl named Marie, called Clara in many modern adaptations, her enchanted nutcracker and their Christmas Eve journey from an ordinary parlor into fantastical realms. Along the way, Marie encounters the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer, the gallant Nutcracker Prince, the ethereal Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy who presides over the Land of Sweets. With opulent costumes, sweeping choreography and lavishly staged sets, The Nutcracker remains a beloved holiday tradition and this season offers no shortage of productions to enjoy.

SHOP THE MERI MERI NUTCRACKER COLLECTION

New York City Ballet – George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

George Balanchine’s elegantly and timelessly choreographed The Nutcracker is a cherished family tradition and one of the most popular holiday performances in the United States. Featuring over 90 dancers, 62 musicians, and 125 children in two alternating casts from the School of American Ballet, it is a truly spectacular show. With magnificent sets, including a one-ton Christmas tree that grows from 12 feet to 41 feet and dazzling costumes designed by Karinska with masks by Lawrence Vlady, this magical adaptation is a spectacle to behold.

Dates: Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
At: David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York NY 10023

New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Photo by Erin Baiano.

Boston Ballet – Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker

A captivating performance choreographed by Mikko Nissinen, featuring sumptuous stage props and lavish costumes. The Boston Ballet presents more than 80 dancers and technically challenging choreography that captures the wonder of Christmas in a show sure to dazzle audiences. On December 5, there will be a sensory-friendly performance designed to welcome guests who are neurodiverse, have sensory sensitivities or need additional accessibility accommodations to enjoy the ballet. Additionally, on December 6 and 13, the theater is offering The Elevated Nutcracker Experience, which includes behind-the-scenes access, the opportunity to meet dancers and take photos and a special VIP lounge.

Dates: Nov 28 – Dec 28, 2025
At: Brown Citizens Bank Opera House, 539 Washington St, Boston MA 02111

Chisako Oga and Artists of Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker, photo by Liza Voll courtesy of Boston Ballet.

Houston Ballet – Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker

Celebrate the holiday season with Stanton Welch’s splendid production featuring vibrant costumes, hundreds of characters and elaborate sets that evoke the sweetness and warmth of Christmastime. Follow Clara, Drosselmeyer and the Nutcracker Prince on a breathtaking journey from the sparkling Land of Snow to the vibrant Kingdom of Sweets and reunite with the Sugar Plum Fairy among the clouds.

Dates: Nov 28 – Dec 28, 2025
At: Brown Theater, Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Avenue, Houston TX 77002

Joffrey Ballet, Chicago – Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker

Set against the backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World Fair, Christopher Wheeldon’s imaginative production follows Marie and the Nutcracker Prince on a whirlwind journey through attractions representing countries from around the globe. Expect a dazzling Golden Statue, the mystique of an Arabian enchantress, vibrant Venetian masked dancers, Chinese dragons and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.  Celebrating 10 years of magic, the performance features spectacular sets and costumes.

Dates: Dec 5 – 28, 2025
At: Lyric Opera House, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago IL 60606

Philadelphia Ballet – George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

Founded in 1963 by Barbara Weisberger, a protégé of George Balanchine, Philadelphia Ballet presents one of the most beloved holiday traditions, George Balanchine’s 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 5 – 31, 2025
At: Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street, Philadelphia PA 19102

Cyair Stephens, Isabella DeBiasio and students of School of Philadelphia Ballet with Artists of Philadelphia Ballet in George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.

San Francisco Ballet – Helgi Tomasson’s The Nutcracker

San Francisco Ballet first staged The Nutcracker in 1944, and it’s been a cherished holiday tradition ever since. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, performed by the Grammy Award–winning San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, the story follows Clara’s magical journey from her Victorian-era San Francisco home through an onstage blizzard to the glittering Crystal Palace, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and a cast of international characters.

On December 28, a Sensory Friendly Performance offers a relaxed, welcoming space where neurodiverse audiences of all ages and abilities can experience the magic in comfort. It’s also an ideal introduction to ballet for children and first-time theatergoers – a truly enchanting experience!

Dates: Dec 5 – 28, 2025
At: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco CA 94102

The Washington Ballet – Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker

Enjoy Septime Webre’s D.C.-themed production featuring dancing cherry blossoms, cardinals and iconic figures like Betsy Ross, Harriet Tubman and George Washington as the Nutcracker. Set against Georgetown, this festive performance mixes dazzling dance with local history.

Dates: Nov 29 – Dec 28, 2025
At: Warner Theatre, Columbia Square, 513 13th St NW, Washington DC 20004

American Ballet Theatre – Alexei Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker

With sets and costumes by Tony-winner Richard Hudson, Alexei Ratmansky’s Nutcracker follows Clara through larger-than-life scenery and glittering costumes. The production features over 100 performers and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.

Dates: Dec 4 – 21, 2025
At: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa CA 92626

Ballet Arizona – Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker

Ballet Arizona returns to Symphony Hall with Ib Andersen’s Nutcracker. Celebrate Clara’s adventures from battling mischievous mice to charming the Sugar Plum Fairy set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed by The Phoenix Symphony.

Dates: Dec 12 – 27, 2025
At: Phoenix Symphony Hall, Phoenix Convention Center, 75 N 2nd Street, Phoenix AZ 85004