Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker

Festival Ballet Theatre brings its traditional, full-length production of The Nutcracker back to the Irvine Barclay Theatre for a December run packed with holiday magic. Tchaikovsky's famous score carries Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy on a journey through enchanted lands. Colorful sets and glittering costumes make the story pop for young audiences. For many Orange County families, this ballet is a cherished yearly tradition.

Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla choreographs and directs the show, which pairs Festival Ballet Theatre's professional dancers with talented young performers from across Southern California. Star guest artists from major companies join select performances, including dancers from the Joffrey Ballet, Houston Ballet and New York City Ballet's Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia. Kids who take dance classes will love seeing performers close to their own age on stage.

For an extra-special outing, a Nutcracker Tea Party takes place in the theater's Jade Room one hour before select performances. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, petit fours, scones, tea and lemonade, plus photo moments with characters like Clara and a party favor for every guest. Tea Party spots are limited and require a performance ticket, so families should book early.

📅 Dates & Times

Saturday, December 5 – Thursday, December 24, 2026

Saturday, December 5: 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 6: 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 12: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 13: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 19: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 20: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Monday, December 21: 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 22: 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 23: 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 24: 11:00 a.m.

Doors open one hour before each performance.

📍 Venue

Irvine Barclay Theatre

4242 Campus Drive

Irvine, CA 92612

👨🏻‍👩🏻‍👦🏻‍👦🏻 Age Requirement

All ages are welcome.

The full-length ballet is best enjoyed by kids ages 4 and up who can sit through a two-act performance.

🎟️ Tickets/Price

Reserved seating: $50–$75

The Nutcracker Tea Party is an add-on for performance ticket holders, available at an additional cost while spots last.

Ticket office: (949) 854-4646.

GET TICKETS FOR FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE'S THE NUTCRACKER

🍔 Food

An optional Nutcracker Tea Party in the Jade Room, one hour before select performances, includes gourmet finger sandwiches, petit fours, scones, tea and lemonade, with champagne for adults (additional cost).

🚙 Parking

Parking is managed by UC Irvine. Guests can pre-pay for parking online through UCI's park-by-plate system before the show.

🌐 Website Link

Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker at Irvine Barclay Theatre

🧭 Directions

Click on the “Google” map for directions.

📢 Disclaimer

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