In December 1892 a two-act ballet called “The Nutcracker” choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Tchaikovsky was performed for the first time at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. Since its debut, the ballet has become a holiday tradition throughout the world. Since then, the classic ballet has undergone many interpretations making it accessible to diverse audiences young and old. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to catch “The Nutcracker” in L.A. this holiday season, from an immersive experience to high tea and more.
Los Angeles Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea at Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills returns Nov. 19 and 20. The annual fundraiser includes an immersive afternoon tea party experience, featuring High Tea sweets and bites, a special performance of scenes from “The Nutcracker,” followed by holiday crafts, photos with Santa, dancing with Clara and her doll friends, hot cocoa and browsing the European Winter Market for holiday gifts. $250 and up. losangelesballet.org
Guests have a few opportunities to catch the full version of Los Angeles Ballet’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” throughout Southern California. The L.A.-themed version of the holiday classic will perform at The Alex Theatre in Glendale Dec. 3-4, at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center Dec. 10-11, at UCLA’s Royce Hall Dec. 16-18 and at the Dolby Theatre in DTLA Dec. 22-24 and 26. $38 and up. losangelesballet.org
Experience The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle select dates Nov. 19 – Dec. 31 at Lighthouse ArtSpace in Hollywood. The timeless holiday tale is brought to life with immersive projections, special effects, magical photo ops and more. $30. immersive-nutcracker.com
Bob Baker’s “Nutcracker” returns to Bob Baker Marionette Theater Nov. 26 through Jan. 8, 2022. Created in 1969, the marionette adaptation of the classic ballet has been preserved and renovated for its 2022 season. $25; free for ages 0-2. bobbakermarionettetheater.com
For a parents night out, Los Angeles Philharmonic presents “The Nutcracker” with Dudamel, leading Tchaikovsky’s original and Duke Ellington’s swinging reimagination of the many colors and drama of the original Dec. 3-4, 14 and 18 at Walt Disney Concert Hall. $97 and up. laphil.com
Inland Pacific Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at two locations this December. Catch the magic at Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga Dec. 3-4 and 10-11, or at Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside Dec. 17-18. $24 and up. ipballet.org
American Ballet Theatre presents holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts Dec. 9-18, featuring dazzling costumes by Tony-Award winner Richard Hudson and choreography by ABT Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky. $29 and up. scfta.org
Join Festival Ballet Theatre for a family-friendly production of “The Nutcracker” at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Featuring colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, the all-ages show will perform Dec. 10 – 11, 17-18 and 20-24. Attendees of The Nutcracker ballet production may purchase tickets to the pre-show Tea Party where adults can sip on a glass of champagne while children will be gathered to listen to the story of The Nutcracker and be visited by some of the characters from the ballet. The sit-down tea includes finger sandwiches, sweet treats, tea and lemonade. $45 – $70. festivalballet.org
The Long Beach Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” for the 40th year at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center from Dec. 16-23. This annual holiday tradition features a full symphony orchestra, flying sleigh, real live horse and on-stage pyrotechnics for a memorable evening for the whole family. $34- $125. longbeachnutcracker.com
