Dancers of all ages and abilities, from little children to professional ballet artists, participate in “The Nutcracker,” making it a popular holiday event for every generation.
The Russian-born ballet, based on an 1816 German fairy tale, is about Clara, a young girl who receives a Nutcracker doll from her Uncle Drosselmeyer for Christmas. On a dream adventure, the Nutcracker comes to life and joins Clara on a journey to the Land of Sweets, where she encounters the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier, a battle led by the Mice King, Mother Ginger and an array of colorful characters.
More than a dozen “Nutcracker” productions are being presented locally this fall. But for those seekng a different option, this month also offers BalletCenter Studios’ delightfully different take on the tale, and “The Snow Queen,” an enchanting show supporting Ukrainian dancers, is coming up at the San Diego Civic Theatre. Here are 19 shows, broken up by month and listed in alphabetical order.
NOVEMBER
BalletCenter Studios will present “Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier” Nov. 28 and 29 at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre in San Diego. (Trystan Loucado)
BalletCenter Studios
In “Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier,” an imaginative take on the traditional holiday classic, Clara is an orphan who journeys from boarding house battles to the Land of Snow Queens, searching for the meaning of family. The warm-hearted story was conceived by director Michelle Noblejas-Bartolomei and former principal dancer Trystan Merrick. 7 p.m. Nov. 28; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. $32-$63. balletcenterstudios.com
Classical Arts Entertainment
Renowned ballet artists from a dozen countries perform the holiday classic with stunning sets and sparkling costumes. 2 p.m. Nov. 30. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $54-$114. 800-988-4253, artcenter.org
4 S Dance Academy
The North County-based company’s ninth annual “Nutcracker” brings together Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, guest artists, and professionally choreographed dancers. Together, they bring Clara’s journey to the Land of Sweets to life, with epic battles and dances with snowflakes. 7 p.m. Nov. 21; 1 p.m. Nov. 22. Poway Center for the Performing Arts, Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. $30-$50. 858-748-0505, 4sdanceacademy.com
Grand Kyiv Ballet will present its “Snow Queen” ballet on Nov. 26 at the San Diego Civic Theatre. (Grand Kyiv Ballet)
Grand Kyiv Ballet
After the married principal dancers of the National Opera of Ukraine lost their home in the war, they launched a touring company staffed with international and Ukrainian ballet dancers. “The Snow Queen” is a family-friendly, holiday alternative to “The Nutcracker” with hand-sewn costumes, elaborate sets and skillful dance artists. 7 p.m. Nov. 26. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $40-$171.55. 619-615-4180, sandiegotheatres.org
New West Ballet
Mark Erickson’s “The Nutcracker Ballet” brings beautiful costumes, sets and dancing to the stage, to tell an enchanting tale of young Clara’s first crush. 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 29; 3 p.m. Nov. 30. Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. $40-$50. 858-748-0505, newwestballet.com/nutcracker25
DECEMBER
American Ballet Theatre’s “Nutcracker” will be presented Dec. 11-Dec. 21 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. (Cheryl Mann)
American Ballet Theatre
The ABT returns to Southern California, celebrating its 10th season at the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa. Alexei Ratmansky choreographed the “Nutcracker” extravaganza, with local ABT Gillespie School students, costumes by Tony Award-winning designer Richard Hudson and live music by the Pacific Symphony. Opens Dec. 11 and runs through Dec. 21. 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 11:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Segerstrom Center, 600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa. $79 (including processing fee) and up. 714-556-2787, scfta.org
“An Irish Christmas” will be presented Dec. 21 at the Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego. (Kerry Irish Productions)
“An Irish Christmas”
Kerry Irish Productions presents this holiday concert that combines Irish holiday music and carols with Irish dancing featuring dancers from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Celtic Wings. 2:30 p.m. Dec. 21. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $46.35-$101.15. sandiegotheatres.org
City Ballet of San Diego
Carolers sing holiday songs in the lobby before the Victorian-era, full-length ballet, choreographed by Elizabeth Wistrich. The City Ballet orchestra, directed by John Nettles, performs the Tchaikovsky score for this Tommy Award-winning production known for its superb dance artists. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and Dec. 23; 2 p.m. Dec. 21; 7:30 p.m. Dec 22. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $63.60-$142.80. 800-988-4253, cityballet.org
Encinitas Ballet Academy
Choreographers Sayat and Olga Asatrya present their annual ballet featuring former student and Youth America Grand Prix-winner Annalise Bedrosian starring as the Sugar Plum Fairy with former Mariinsky Ballet Theatre professional Alexander Saveliev. 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 13. at San Dieguito High School Performing Arts Center, 800 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas. $40-$60. 760-632-4947, encinitasballet.com
Golden State Ballet
Choreographed by artistic director Raul Salamanca, the downtown production includes spectacular sets, elaborate costumes, and professional dancers and students from the award-winning academy. John Stubbs conducts a live orchestra from the San Diego Symphony. Recommended for ages 3 and up. No refunds. Limited late seating. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13; 1 p.m. Dec. 14; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $58.40-$199.75. Youth discounts available. goldenstateballet.org
Performing Arts Workshop
This popular all-ages dance school, home to Ballet Collective San Diego, will stage its annual “Nutcracker” with a cast of 50, including professionals, students and teachers. Natalie Matsurra stars as the Sugar Plum Fairy. 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 21. Light Box Theater, 2590 Truxton Road, Suite 205, Liberty Station, Point Loma. $40, general; $30, children 3-12. dancepaw.com
San Diego Symphony will present the annual Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert on Jan. 1, 2026, at Jacobs Music Center in San Diego. (Chris Lee)
Salute to Vienna New Years Concert
San Diego Symphony will persent the annual visit of the Salute to Vienna concert in its 30th anniversary tour. The program features music by the Strauss Symphony of America, featuring San Diego Symphony members, vocal soloists and dancers from San Diego Ballet performing Viennese waltzes. 2:30 p.m. Jan. 1. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $80-$132. sandiegosymphony.org
San Diego Ballet
The San Diego Ballet has a residency with the San Diego Museum of Art, and its season productions are inspired by works of art. The theme of this year’s “Nutcracker” is illusionism because it brings a magical world to life with ballerinas, fairies and flying snowflakes. 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 20; 1 p.m. Dec. 21. The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon. The times stated on the Ticketmaster and The Magnolia site are one hour before showtime. $59-$135. Group discount. 619-294-7378, sandiegoballet.org
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet
Celebrate the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s 80th Anniversary Season with a trip to the Enchanted Land of Sweets. Danika Pramik-Holdaway directs the students of the Balboa Park-based company in the annual “Nutcracker” production. 7 pm. Dec. 12; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13; 2 p.m. Dec. 14; 7 p.m. Dec. 19; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 21. Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park $27. 619-259-0220, sdcyb.org
Southern California Ballet
Now in its 35th year, SCB’s “Nutcracker” will feature more than 100 dancers of all ages, inclduing professional guest artists from around the world. 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 20; 1 p.m. Dec. 21. Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. $40-$70, discounts for students, seniors and military. 858-748-0505, powaycenter.com
The Dance Academy Del Mar
Dancers ages 3 to 18, trained in The Royal Academy of Dance ballet education program, perform in the school’s “Nutcracker” program. Guest artists perform in the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 6. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $48-$78. 800-988-4253, artcenter.org
West Coast Ballet Theater and San Elijo Dance and Music Academy
The Civic Youth Orchestra accompanies this full-scale production, complete with falling snow. Professional guest artists and talented ballet students perform the story of Clara. 2 p.m. Dec. 13-14. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $57.60-$105. 800-988-4253, artcenter.org
West Coast Dance Complex
Clara journeys through a shimmering Land of Snow and into the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets in this “Nutcracker” production, performed by pre-professionals from the Carmel Valley-based school. Live music by the Winecreek Ensemble Orchestra accompanies the show. 6 p.m. Dec. 7. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $66-$84. 800-988-4253, artcenter.org
Dancers from World Ballet Company perform the Arabian Dance in the company’s “The Nutcracker” production, which plays in December in both San Diego and Escondido. (World Ballet Company)
World Ballet Company
The touring organization that brought “The Great Gatsby” to San Diego is staging its “Nutcracker” at two venues. With a cast of 40 international dancers, World Ballet is known for its skillful international cast, opulent sets and bejeweled costumes. 6 p.m. Dec. 6; 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $57.65-$121.40. 619-615-4180, sandiegotheatres.org; 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $60-$138. 800-988-4253, artcenter.org