American Ballet Theatre The Nutcracker

American Ballet Theatre returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for its 11th holiday season in Costa Mesa, bringing Alexei Ratmansky's acclaimed version of The Nutcracker back to Segerstrom Hall. It has become a cherished December ritual for Orange County families, and this year's run stretches from December 10 through Christmas Eve.

The story follows Clara, who receives a nutcracker doll at her family's Christmas party and drifts into a dream where it becomes a prince. Together they journey through a wintry world of swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and a squeaky mouse army, all danced by a cast of more than 100 performers. Richard Hudson's lavish sets and costumes and Pacific Symphony's live performance of Tchaikovsky's famous score make the whole production feel grand.

Families looking to splurge can book VIP Sweet Seats, which pair prime Orchestra seating with a keepsake ornament, a collectible poster, chocolates and a holiday cookie packed in a tote bag. Matinees on weekends and on December 23 and 24 make it easier to plan around naps and early bedtimes.

Segerstrom Center requires a ticket for every guest regardless of age, and babies in arms are not admitted. The Center encourages parents to consider whether younger children are ready to sit quietly through a full-length ballet.

📅 Dates & Times

Thursday, December 10, 2026 through Thursday, December 24, 2026

Thursday, December 10: 7:00 PM

Friday, December 11: 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 12: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 13: 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM

Tuesday, December 15: 7:00 PM

Wednesday, December 16: 7:00 PM

Thursday, December 17: 7:00 PM

Friday, December 18: 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 19: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 20: 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM

Tuesday, December 22: 7:00 PM

Wednesday, December 23: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Thursday, December 24: 12:00 PM

📍 Venue

Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts

600 Town Center Dr.

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

👨🏻‍👩🏻‍👦🏻‍👦🏻 Age Requirement

Every guest must have a ticket regardless of age, and babies in arms are not permitted.

The ballet is best suited to children who can sit through a full-length performance, typically school age and up.

🎟️ Tickets/Price

This is a ticketed event; prices vary by performance and seating section.

VIP Sweet Seats packages are available for every performance.

Every patron needs a ticket, regardless of age.

BUY THE NUTCRACKER TICKETS

🍔 Food

Please check the website for more information.

🚙 Parking

Please check the website for more information.

🌐 Website Link

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

🧭 Directions

Click on the “Google” map for directions.

📢 Disclaimer

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