Celebrate the season with 12 magical Nutcracker experiences across Los Angeles — from marionette theatre and immersive brunch performances to classic ballet productions for the whole family.

1. Bob Baker’s Nutcracker

10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 29 – Jan. 4, 2026 | Sierra Madre Playhouse

Bob Baker’s Nutcracker, Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s (BBMT) delightful and spellbinding 1969 marionette adaptation of the beloved ballet classic, returns to Sierra Madre Playhouse, bringing joy and merriment to the holidays with 50 performances running from Nov. 29- Jan. 4. The enchanting production – a cherished yuletide tradition for Angelenos of all ages – features more than 100 handcrafted puppets, including original characters from the ballet, such as Clara, the Nutcracker, the Rat King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, along with many of Baker’s own whimsical creations. 

Bob Baker’s Nutcracker is co-presented by Bob Baker Marionette Theater and Sierra Madre Playhouse. More info.

2. American Contemporary Ballet’s The Nutcracker Suite

1 p.m. – 8 p.m. Select dates., Nov. 29 – Dec. 24 | American Contemporary Ballet

The most magical holiday event in Los Angeles has sold out every year since its 2017 premiere. Step into a snowglobe fantasy for all five senses full of enchanting dance, live music and mysterious delights too numerous (and secret!) to mention. Performances sell out quickly – don’t miss the most joyful holiday experience in the city. More info.

3. Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., Dec. 4 – 14 | Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center

Join the holiday magic at this year’s “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker,” featuring two weeks of festive shows at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center from Dec. 4-14. From the enchanting Rainforest, to Bollywood, to China, follow Kara’s journey throughout the extraordinary lands, with a few special guests joining this year! More info.

4. Festival Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Dec. 6 – 24 | Irvine Barclay Theatre

Festival Ballet Theatre’s family-friendly production of “The Nutcracker” features superb colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, which make this age-old tradition sparkle like new. Visit the lobby for the beautiful Nutcracker Boutique. For an additional ticket, enjoy a Pre-Performance Gourmet Tea & Champagne, which include photo opportunities and a party favor. More info.

5. Nutcracker Holiday Brunch

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7 | Beverly Hills Four Seasons

Guests will begin their journey in Culina, indulging in the Four Seasons’ sumptuous holiday brunch, featuring elegant tea sandwiches, artisanal pastries, and Chef Riccardo’s show-stopping Nutcracker Wonderland dessert display. 

From there guests will be transported to the Grand Ballroom, where they will join Clara and a cast of 25 performers from Pasadena Civic Ballet and guest artists from Hollywood Ballet for a dazzling live performance. This breathtaking, abridged 45-minute Nutcracker brings to life all of your nostalgic childhood favorites – from the Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy to the waltzing flowers and mischievous mice – blending timeless ballet artistry with theatrical storytelling in a truly immersive setting.

The performance culminates in a Winter Wonderland Waltz, where guests are invited on stage with the Nutcracker cast to learn the waltz amidst a swirl of falling snow – a grand finale that captures the true spirit and joy of the season. The enchantment continues in The Snow Queen’s Frosted Court, a shimmering winter wonderland featuring three immersive realms inside the Four Seasons’ stunning Weatherly Pavilion, transformed for the season with flowing white chiffon draping and sparkling crystal chandeliers. More info.

6. American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Dec. 6 & Dec. 11 – 21 | Segerstrom Center for the Arts

American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker returns for its 10th year at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. With breathtaking choreography by Alexei Ratmansky and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, this holiday tradition continues to enchant audiences of all ages. If you have little ones, make sure to grab tickets for Segerstrom’s Family Musical Mornings on Dec. 6 featuring “The Nutcracker for Kids.” This special adaptation will use image magnification on the big screen for a closer look at the dancers, plus special activities for kids, including crafts and an instrument “petting zoo” in the lobby before or after the show. More info.

7. World Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker

7 p.m., Dec. 11 – 12 | Alex Theatre

L.A.-based World Ballet Company performs the holiday classic at Alex Theatre in Glendale with shimmering costumes, whimsical hand-painted sets, magic and charm for the whole family to enjoy. More info.

8. Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker

2 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Dec. 12 – 14 | Royce Hall

Journey with young Clara and her beloved Nutcracker as they battle a very memorable Mouse King, and then travel to the Land of Snow and the Palace of the Dolls. LAB stays true to the traditions of the classic holiday story while giving it a unique Southern California twist. From the elegant Spanish-style Hancock Park home to the snowy slopes of Big Bear to the Venice Beach archways, and the moonlit Pacific Ocean, this production is a sunny slice of the Southland. More info.

9. The Long Beach Nutcracker

2 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Dec. 13 – 21 | Long Beach Terrace Theater

The Long Beach Ballet’s Artistic Director David Wilcox has pulled out all the stops for this 43rd production of the classical tale. This production boasts a full symphony orchestra, conducted by Dr. Roger Hickman, a flying sleigh, a real live horse, onstage pyrotechnics, and a cast of over 250. Former Disney designers Elliot Hessayon and Scott Schaffer created the enchanting scenery, Australian artist Adrian Clark designed the detailed costumes, and renowned magician Franz Harary created the special effects. This year, flying sleigh and angels by ZFX Effects, best known for their high-tech Peter Pan productions worldwide. Pyrotechnics by Pyro Spectaculars. More info.

10. Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker

2 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19 – 28 | Dolby Theatre

Journey with young Clara and her beloved Nutcracker as they battle a very memorable Mouse King, and then travel to the Land of Snow and the Palace of the Dolls. LAB stays true to the traditions of the classic holiday story while giving it a unique Southern California twist. From the elegant Spanish-style Hancock Park home to the snowy slopes of Big Bear to the Venice Beach archways, and the moonlit Pacific Ocean, this production is a sunny slice of the Southland. More info.

11. NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

12 p.m. Sat., Dec. 20 | The Wiltern

Give the gift of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet to the whole family. Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international cast that unites world-class talent from renowned ballet capitals across the globe. Featuring choreography by acclaimed Ukrainian choreographer Viktor Davydiuk, the show uniquely blends classical ballet and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. Don’t miss this chance to create memories of a lifetime with friends and family of all ages. More info.

12. Pasadena Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker

2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Dec. 20 and 12 p.m. & 5 p.m., Dec. 21 | San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

Pasadena Dance Theatre invites audiences to rediscover the magic of the holidays with its fresh and imaginative production of The Nutcracker! Under the Artistic Direction of Ashleigh Doede with choreography by Jessamyn Vedro, this year’s staging blends timeless tradition with bold storytelling and theatrical wonder. 

This year’s production unveils updated costumes, reimagined scenes, and inspired twists on familiar roles, celebrating the power of collaboration and global connection. Featuring a cast of more than 50 dancers, including professional guest dancers, including professional guest artists, advanced Conservatory students, and youth performers, highlights the extraordinary range of talent within the Pasadena Dance Theatre community. Leading roles will be performed by acclaimed artists Elise Holmes as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Lester Gonzalez as the Cavalier, alongside returning alumni and Conservatory dancers who embody Pasadena Dance Theatre’s ongoing legacy of excellence. More info.

13. Westside Ballet of Santa Monica’s The Nutcracker

Dec. 5-7 | BroadStage Santa Monica

Once more, New York City Ballet Principals Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia return as the stars of the show during the Thanksgiving weekend, infusing the ballet with their uniquely graceful movements. Peck (Sugar Plum Fairy) and Mejia (Cavalier) previously starred in Westside Ballet’s 2023 and 2024 Nutcracker seasons, bringing world-class artistry to their roles. Peck’s career spans Broadway, Hollywood and television; she recently reached a wide audience starring in the acclaimed Amazon Prime series Étoile. Mejia was promoted to principal dancer with New York City Ballet in 2023 and has performed leading roles in works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, William Forsythe, Alexei Ratmansky, and Christopher Wheeldon. In 2019, Dance Magazine featured him as one of their ’25 To Watch.’ 

The December performances will be headed by Los Angeles Ballet (LAB) company dancer Rony Baseman with Ashley Chung, a developing talent of the joint trainee program between LAB and Westside Ballet.  

The Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra will provide live music to each performance, performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with the grandeur it deserves. The orchestra combines seasoned professionals with emerging musicians launching promising careers. This live orchestral accompaniment elevates the production to world-class status, creating an immersive theatrical experience rarely found outside of major metropolitan opera houses. More info.

For more family-friendly holiday events in L.A., check out our roundup of Holiday Lights, Santa Sightings and Pop-Up Markets and Craft Fairs.