28 Magical Nutcracker Ballet Performances in and Near Los Angeles for 2026
Updated: 3 hours ago
Is there anything more magical than watching your child's face light up when the snow starts to fall onstage, and the Sugar Plum Fairy tiptoes into view? The Nutcracker has been enchanting families for more than a century, and Southern California has a production for every kind of family, from grand orchestral spectacles to short, narrated shows made for wiggly preschoolers.
We updated our Nutcracker ballet guide for 2026 with every production that has posted dates on its official website, plus local favorites whose schedules are still to be announced. Here is where to see the Nutcracker in and near Los Angeles this holiday season.
How to Pick the Right Nutcracker for Your Family
Little ones (ages 2 to 5): Look for shorter or narrated shows, like Festival Ballet Theatre's 30-minute Narrated Nutcracker or American Contemporary Ballet's 75-minute Nutcracker Suite. A matinee right after lunch beats an evening show past bedtime.
Ages 5 and up: Most full-length productions run about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours with an intermission. Big-stage versions with a live orchestra, like Los Angeles Ballet, Long Beach Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre, are unforgettable first ballets.
Sensory-friendly option: Los Angeles Ballet's Saturday, December 26, 2 PM show at the Dolby Theatre is a sensory-friendly performance.
Nutcracker Ballet Performances in Los Angeles
Royce Hall, UCLA
340 Royce Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Friday to Sunday, December 11 to 13, 2026
Friday 7:30 PM; Saturday 2 and 7:30 PM; Sunday 2 PM
Dolby Theatre
6801 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
Friday, December 18, to Sunday, December 27, 2026 (no shows December 21 or 25)
Most days 2 and 7:30 PM; December 18 at 7:30 PM only; December 24 and 27 at 2 PM only
Los Angeles Ballet sets its Nutcracker on Christmas Eve in 1912 Los Angeles, weaving local history into the classic tale with period costumes and evocative sets. At the Dolby, the LA Ballet Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky's score live. The show runs about two hours plus a 20-minute intermission, and the December 26 matinee is sensory-friendly.
333 S Hope St, CO-150
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Saturday, November 28, to Thursday, December 24, 2026
Saturday and Sunday 2 and 5 PM; Thursday and Friday 8 PM; December 23 at 8 PM; December 24 at 1 PM
ACB's intimate Nutcracker Suite makes you feel like you stepped inside a snow globe, with dancers performing just feet away. At 75 minutes, it is a great fit for kids who might not last through a full-length ballet. Tickets are $75 to $135, and parking in the Bank of America Plaza garage is $20 on weekday evenings and weekends.
The Wiltern
3790 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Saturday, December 19, 2026, at 12, 4, and 8 PM
Pasadena Civic Auditorium
300 E Green St
Pasadena, CA 91101
Friday, December 18, 2026, at 3 and 7 PM
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
14900 La Mirada Blvd
La Mirada, CA 90638
Sunday, December 20, 2026, at 1:30 and 6:30 PM
This touring production features Ukrainian principal dancers, acrobatics, puppetry, and larger-than-life sets. It runs about two hours plus an intermission. Buy tickets through the Wiltern tour page, the Pasadena tour page, or La Mirada Theatre.
Downey Theatre
8435 Firestone Blvd
Downey, CA 90241
Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 6 PM
Alex Theatre
216 N Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA 91203
Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19, 2026, at 7 PM
Fred Kavli Theatre
2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Monday, December 28, 2026, at 7 PM
World Ballet Company's international cast brings colorful sets and costumes to a family-friendly version recommended for ages 2 and up. The show runs 1 hour 40 minutes including a 20-minute intermission. Posted prices range from about $56 to $112 in Downey, $72 to $179 in Glendale, and $66 to $156 in Thousand Oaks, including fees.
Alex Theatre
216 N Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA 91203
Between Tuesday, December 8, and Sunday, December 13, 2026
Showtimes to be announced
This nonprofit company's production uses narration to guide younger audience members through the story, making it an easy, welcoming introduction to ballet. Showtimes and tickets have not been posted yet.
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Thursday, December 10, to Sunday, December 13, 2026
Thursday and Friday 7:30 PM; Saturday 2 and 7:30 PM; Sunday 2 PM
Debbie Allen's joyful reimagining swaps the Land of Sweets for a hot chocolate adventure, blending ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and modern dance. The show runs about 90 minutes and welcomes all ages. The academy's website lists these 2026 dates and says tickets are coming soon.
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse
320 S Mission Dr
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Saturday, December 19, 2026, at 5:30 PM
Sunday, December 20, 2026, at 12:30 and 5:30 PM
Monday, December 21, 2026, at 12:30 PM
Community Show: Friday, December 18, 2026, at 10 AM
Choreographer Jessamyn Vedro sends Clara on a dreamy world tour, with dances inspired by China, France, Ukraine, Egypt, Scotland, and Spain and a cast of more than 60 dancers. Regular tickets start at $30 and go on sale Friday, October 9, while the morning Community Show is $10 a seat and welcomes school and homeschool groups. Read our Pasadena Dance Theatre Nutcracker family guide for more details.
The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
1310 11th St
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Friday, November 27, 2026, at 7 PM
Saturday and Sunday, November 28 and 29, 2026, at 1 and 5 PM
Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 7 PM (no live orchestra)
Friday, December 4, 2026, at 7 PM
Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, 2026, at 1 and 5 PM
Westside Ballet's traditional Nutcracker returns for its 53rd year, with New York City Ballet principals Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia guesting as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier. A Nutcracker Tea with scones, tea sandwiches, and a behind-the-scenes tour is offered on November 28 and 29 at 3 PM. Tickets go on sale Thursday, October 1.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
9850 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 10 AM and 1 PM
Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 10 AM and 1 PM
This dressy fundraiser tea pairs a festive high tea with performances from The Nutcracker, dancing with Clara and her doll friends, ornament decorating, and a gift bag. It is a splurge, with individual seats at $275, and children can join without a ticket if they stay on a parent's lap. Families who want a special mother-daughter or grandparent outing may find it worth the treat.
Nutcracker Performances in Long Beach and Orange County
Terrace Theater
300 E Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90802
Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 2 and 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 2 PM
Saturday, December 19, 2026, at 2 and 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 20, 2026, at 2 PM
Long Beach Ballet goes big, with a full symphony orchestra and plenty of stage magic. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, and groups of 10 or more get a discount on the Long Beach Nutcracker tickets page.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Thursday, December 10, to Thursday, December 24, 2026
Most evenings at 7 PM; matinees at 12:30 and 2 PM; select Sundays at 5:30 PM; December 24 at noon
ABT's Nutcracker, with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, is one of the most lavish productions in Southern California, from the swirling snowflakes to the grand Sugar Plum pas de deux. It runs about 105 minutes. See the ABT Nutcracker page for cast details.
The Grove of Anaheim
2200 E Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA 92806
Friday, November 27, 2026, at 7 PM
Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 2 and 7 PM
Anaheim Ballet's full-length production is a long-running Orange County tradition, with a towering Christmas tree, waltzing flowers, and a thrilling battle scene. It lands on Thanksgiving weekend, which makes it a festive way to kick off the season.
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Dr
Irvine, CA 92612
Saturday, December 5, to Thursday, December 24, 2026
December 5 at 2 PM; December 6 at 1 PM; December 12, 13, 19, and 20 at 1 and 6 PM; December 21 at 6 PM; December 22 and 23 at 2 PM; December 24 at 11 AM
Festival Ballet Theatre's annual Nutcracker carries audiences through daring battles, dancing snowflakes, and a journey to the Land of Sweets. With plenty of matinees, it is easy to find a time that works around naps and holiday plans. Select performances also offer a Tea Party in the Jade Room an hour before curtain.
Huntington Beach Central Library Theater
7111 Talbert Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 6 PM
Friday, December 11, 2026, at 4:30 and 6 PM
This sweet 30-minute narrated show is made for young children, with storytelling that guides them through Clara's adventure. It is a perfect first ballet for toddlers and preschoolers. Tickets are on Eventbrite.
Mainstage Theater, Golden West College
15744 Goldenwest St
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
December 11 to 13, 2026
December 18 to 20, 2026
December 22 to 24, 2026
Ballet Repertory Theatre marks its 50th anniversary with this Orange County community favorite. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $25 for children under 12, students, and seniors. Daily showtimes were not posted on the official page yet, so call (714) 895-8150 to confirm.
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
615 Town Center Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 10 AM and 11:30 AM
This narrated, kid-sized Nutcracker features dancers from the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School and is recommended for ages 5 and up. Lobby activities start before each show, and everyone needs a ticket. Prices were not posted on the official page yet.
Nutcracker Performances in the Inland Empire, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara
Lewis Family Playhouse
12505 Cultural Center Dr
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, 2026, at 12 and 4 PM
Bridges Auditorium
450 N College Way
Claremont, CA 91711
Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20, 2026, at 12 and 4 PM
Inland Pacific Ballet stays true to Tchaikovsky's classic, from Clara's Christmas Eve party to the sparkling snow forest. The show runs 1 hour 45 minutes plus intermission and is recommended for ages 5 and up. Claremont tickets are coming soon.
Fred Kavli Theatre
2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Wednesday, December 30, 2026, at 7 PM
Ukraine's Grand Kyiv Ballet returns with its holiday production, and this year its only California Nutcracker stop is Thousand Oaks. It is a lovely post-Christmas outing while kids are still on winter break.
Fred Kavli Theatre
2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Friday, December 18, 2026, at 7 PM
Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20, 2026, at 2 and 7 PM
Now in its 28th season, this production features New York City Ballet guest artists alongside a large local cast, with opulent sets and costumes. It is not recommended for children under 2, and everyone needs a ticket. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster or the box office at 805-449-2787.
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way
Oxnard, CA 93030
Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 3 PM
Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 2 PM
Ventura County Ballet's 28th annual Nutcracker is performed with a live orchestra. Tickets are sold online only through Eventbrite, and prices were not listed on the company's page yet.
The Granada Theatre
1214 State St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Friday, December 18, 2026, at 6 PM
Saturday, December 19, 2026, at 2 and 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 20, 2026, at 2 PM
Planning a holiday getaway to Santa Barbara? State Street Ballet's elegant production at the historic Granada Theatre makes a festive centerpiece for the trip.
Arlington Theatre
1317 State St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 2:30 and 7 PM
Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 1:30 PM
This beloved local tradition pairs guest artists from major ballet companies with local dancers in the elegant Arlington Theatre. Showtimes are listed on the Arlington Theatre calendar, and tickets are sold through AXS.
Nutcracker Favorites With 2026 Dates to Be Announced
These productions have not posted their 2026 schedules yet. Check back, because many announce in early fall.
South Bay
Dates and times to be announced.
Formerly South Bay Ballet, this company's Nutcracker is a holiday favorite for South Bay families, mixing seasoned performers with talented young dancers.
Dates and times to be announced.
Naatucracker reimagines the story through Bharata Natyam, the classical Indian dance form known for expressive hand gestures and storytelling. It is a fresh, cultural twist on the holiday classic.
Dates and times to be announced.
Degas Dance Studio's youthful production pairs traditional choreography with digital backdrops, a fun way to introduce younger kids to ballet.
Dates and times to be announced.
Bob Baker's marionette version brings Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy to life with large-scale puppets. See our Sierra Madre Playhouse holiday shows guide for updates.
Dates and times to be announced.
This large community production is a local tradition, with more than a hundred performers bringing Clara's journey to life.
Orange County
Dates and times to be announced.
Pre-professional dancers ages 5 to 18 perform a slightly abbreviated version of the classic, an inspiring show for kids who dream of dancing themselves.
Tips for Taking Kids to the Nutcracker
Read the story first. Kids enjoy the ballet more when they know who Clara, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy are before the curtain rises.
Choose a matinee and arrive early. You will have time for restroom breaks, snacks, and photos in front of the lobby tree.
Dress up. Many families make it a tradition to wear their holiday best, and little dancers love wearing a tutu or tiara.
Make a day of it. Pair your show with holiday lights or a visit with Santa. See our Christmas and holiday events for LA families and best places to take pictures with Santa.
Takeaway
Whether your family wants a grand orchestral production at the Dolby or Segerstrom, an intimate snow-globe experience downtown, or a 30-minute narrated show for toddlers, there is a Nutcracker in Southern California for you in 2026. Popular performances sell out, especially weekend matinees near Christmas, so pick your favorite and grab tickets early.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nutcracker in Los Angeles
1. When is the Los Angeles Ballet Nutcracker in 2026?
Los Angeles Ballet performs at Royce Hall December 11 to 13 and at the Dolby Theatre December 18 to 27, 2026, with no shows December 21 or 25.
2. What is the best Nutcracker for toddlers in Los Angeles?
Short shows work best. Festival Ballet Theatre's Narrated Nutcracker in Huntington Beach runs 30 minutes, and ACB's Nutcracker Suite runs 75 minutes. World Ballet Company recommends its show for ages 2 and up.
3. How long is the Nutcracker ballet?
Full-length productions usually run about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, including an intermission. ABT's version runs about 105 minutes.
4. Is there a sensory-friendly Nutcracker in LA?
Yes. Los Angeles Ballet's December 26, 2026, 2 PM performance at the Dolby Theatre is sensory-friendly.
5. Are there Nutcracker performances on Christmas Eve?
Yes. American Contemporary Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Festival Ballet Theatre, and Los Angeles Ballet all have performances on December 24, 2026.
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