Schedule
HostsWays to Give
HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsEventsOn DemandOur StoryOur TeamWays to Give Become a Sponsor
How to ListenVisit Help CenterContact Us

Find Us on Social Media:

Logo image

Find Us on Social Media:

Download Our Mobile App:

google play icon

About

HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsOn DemandOur StoryOur Team

Community

EventsWays to Give Become a SponsorPressDiversity StatementCareersAnnual EEO ReportDigital Accessibility

Help

Visit Help CenterContact UsHow to Listen

©2025 Classical California

Sweepstakes RulesFCC ComplianceLocal Public FilesCPB ComplianceAnnual EEO ReportPrivacy PolicyCode of Integrity

articles / Christmas

Our Comprehensive SoCal Guide to Seeing Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker”

ChristmasNutcrackerPop Culture


Christmas is around the corner and the tickets for Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular Nutcracker are already on sale (and they are selling fast). Even with all the frenzied shopping, shiny decorations, and family gatherings, and Secret Santa gift exchanges, the winter season isn’t really complete until you’ve seen this beloved ballet at least once! To help you navigate the multitude of offerings, KUSC has listed some of the best upcoming Nutcrackers in the Southern California area.

Los Angeles County:

Los Angeles Ballet
Dates: Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 7-8, 13-15, 20-24, & 28-29
Cost: $36-104
Where: Performances are at Cerritos Center, The Alex Theatre, Royce Hall at UCLA, The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and The Dolby Theatre where they will be accompanied by the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra.
Learn more at losangelesballet.org

Westside Ballet at The Broad Stage
Dates: Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8
Cost: $45
Where: The Broad Stage
1310 11th St.
Santa Monica
Learn more at westsideballet.com

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
Dates: Dec. 21 & 22
Cost: $40 & up
Where: The Wiltern
3790 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles
Learn more at nutcracker.com

Pasadena Dance Theatre
Dates: Dec. 14-15 & 21-23
Cost: $50 & up
Where: San Gabriel Mission Playhouse
320 S. Mission Dr.
Pasadena
Learn more at pasadenadance.org

Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
Dates: Dec. 5-8
Cost: $40-$110
Where: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Redondo Beach
Learn more at thehotchocolatenutcracker.com

Inland Pacific Ballet
Dates: Dec. 20-21
Cost: $25 & up
Where: Bridges Auditorium
450 N College Way
Claremont
Learn more at ipballet.org

Red Chair Children’s Production
Dates: Dec. 14-15
Cost: $15 & up
Where: Alex Theatre
216 N Brand Blvd.
Glendale
Learn more at redchairproductions.org

Marat Daukayev School of Ballet
Dates: Dec. 7-8 & 14-15
Cost: TBA
Where: The Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA
5151 State University Dr.
Los Angeles
Learn more at luckmanarts.org

Long Beach Ballet
Dates: Dec. 14-15 & 20-22
Cost: $34 & up
Where: Long Beach Terrace Theater
300 E. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach
Learn more at longbeachnutcracker.com

Bob Baker’s Marionette Theatre
Dates: Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 6, 8, 13-23, 27-29
Cost: $20
Where: The Pasadena Playhouse
39 S El Molino Ave
Pasadena
Learn more at pasadenaplayhouse.org

Orange County:

American Ballet Theatre
Dates: Dec. 13-15 & 18-22
Cost: $29 & up
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr
Costa Mesa
Learn more at abt.org

Festival Ballet Theatre
Dates: Dec. 5, 7-8, 13-15 & 20-24
Cost: $45 to $90
Where: Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Dr.
Irvine
Learn more at festivalballet.org

San Bernardino County:

Inland Pacific Ballet
Dates: Nov. 30-Dec. 1 & Dec. 7-8
Cost: $25 & up
Where: Lewis Family Playhouse
12505 Cultural Center Dr
Rancho Cucamonga
Learn more at ipballet.org

Riverside County:

Inland Pacific Ballet
Dates: Dec. 14-15
Cost: $25 & up
Where: Fox Performing Arts Center
3801 Mission Inn Avenue
Riverside
Learn more at ipballet.org

Central & Coast:

Santa Barbara Ballet’s Nutcracker
Dates: Dec. 14-15
Cost: $25 to $50
Where: The Arlington Theatre
1317 State St
Santa Barbara
Learn more at santabarbarafestivalballet.com

Civic Ballet of SLO
Dates: Dec. 13-15
Cost: Adult: $40 to $64
Student: $24 to $46
Where: Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo
1 Grand Ave
San Luis Obispo
Learn more at civicballetslo.org

ChristmasNutcrackerPop Culture
Written by:
Anna Gandolfi
Anna Gandolfi
Published on 12.11.2019
Loading...

MORE LIKE THIS

The Secret Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s Mysterious Celesta in “The Nutcracker”

The Secret Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s Mysterious Celesta in “The Nutcracker”

Explore the history of the celesta, a unique instrument used in Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker and Harry Potter's theme. Discover how it went from obscurity to symphony staple.

12/23/2024
‘Sugar Plum on the Run’ Musical Holiday Story

‘Sugar Plum on the Run’ Musical Holiday Story

"Sugar Plum on the Run" is a new musical story by Lior Rosner, featuring variations on Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and narration by Jeremy Irons.

12/18/2019
The Sugar Plum Fairy in the City of Angels

The Sugar Plum Fairy in the City of Angels

In 2013, Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil performed Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. The recording, recently released, is now KUSC's album of the week.

04/01/2019
A Mashup for the Holiday Season…

A Mashup for the Holiday Season…

Explore the holiday classics: The Nutcracker, Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Handel’s Messiah. Learn their history and how they became seasonal favorites.

03/27/2019
‘Unsilent Night’ – Caroling With Boomboxes

‘Unsilent Night’ – Caroling With Boomboxes

"Unsilent Night", a unique concert played by the audience on boomboxes and smartphones, is happening this Saturday at Mission Dolores Park, San Francisco.

03/27/2019
Nutcrackers, Messiahs, and More, Oh My!

Nutcrackers, Messiahs, and More, Oh My!

Explore the holiday season's classical music performances, from Dance-Along Nutcracker to Messiah concerts. Discover kid-friendly shows and traditional productions in various locations.

03/27/2019