Where to See The Nutcracker This Holiday Season

There are few holiday traditions as timeless or as magical as a trip to see The Nutcracker. For more than a century, this ballet has enchanted audiences across the world, turning theaters into glittering wonderlands of snowflakes, toy soldiers, and sugar-plum dreams. Families dress in their holiday best, children’s eyes widen at the sight of a growing Christmas tree on stage, and the unforgettable score sweeps audiences away. It’s the perfect blend of music, movement, and magic—an experience that captures the very heart of the holiday season.

Across the United States, The Nutcracker is performed by hundreds of professional and regional ballet companies every year, each adding its own creative flair to the beloved story. Whether it’s the David H. Koch Theater in New York City, the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, or the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., these productions transform local stages into dreamlike worlds. Even if you’ve seen it before, no two Nutcrackers are exactly alike—each offers a new vision, from lavish costumes and reimagined choreography to local touches that make the show uniquely meaningful.

This year, some of the country’s top ballet companies are bringing The Nutcracker to life once again, and there’s never been a better time to make it part of your family’s holiday plans. Below, we’ve highlighted five standout productions of The Nutcracker for 2025, each offering a memorable experience in a different corner of the country.

New York City Ballet: The Nutcracker

In New York City, no holiday is complete without George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, performed by the New York City Ballet at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center. Since its premiere in 1954, this production has set the gold standard for holiday ballet in America. Each season, more than 150 performers, including 90 dancers, 62 musicians, and over 100 children from the School of American Ballet, bring Balanchine’s choreography to life. The moment the Christmas tree begins to grow on stage, the audience knows they’re in for something special.

The 2025 run begins November 28 and continues through January 4, 2026, with performances nearly every day through the holiday season. The show’s breathtaking sets and costumes, paired with the New York City Ballet’s technical excellence, make this production an unforgettable experience for both first-time visitors and lifelong fans. Because it’s one of the most in-demand holiday events in the country, tickets tend to sell out, especially for weekend performances and during Christmas week.

Philadelphia Ballet: The Nutcracker

If you’re in the mid-Atlantic, the Philadelphia Ballet offers its own dazzling take on Balanchine’s iconic choreography at the Academy of Music, one of America’s most beautiful theaters. Running December 5 through 31, this production captures the heart of the season with its stunning sets, intricate costumes, and exquisite dancing. The performance opens with the familiar Christmas Eve party scene, moves into the epic battle with the Mouse King, and then transports audiences to the Land of Sweets, where waltzing flowers, dancing candy canes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy reign supreme.

Each performance features live music from the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra. The result is an immersive experience that fills the hall with both visual and musical brilliance. For many Philadelphia families, attending this Nutcracker is an annual tradition that spans generations.

The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker

In the nation’s capital, The Washington Ballet adds its own hometown flair to The Nutcracker, making it one of the most distinctive productions in the country. Choreographed by Septime Webre, this version reimagines the story in a setting rich in Washington, D.C., history and culture, complete with cherry blossoms, George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker, and local touches that delight audiences every year.

The 2025 production runs November 29 through December 28 at the Warner Theatre, a historic venue that perfectly complements the ballet’s whimsical elegance. With more than 350 dancers and students from The Washington School of Ballet, it’s a whole community affair that captures the capital’s holiday spirit. Audiences especially love the local references and the spectacular snow scene that fills the theater with swirling flakes. Families from across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. make the trip downtown each year to take part in this beloved tradition.

Boston Ballet: The Nutcracker

Up in New England, Boston Ballet delivers one of the country’s grandest Nutcracker productions, choreographed by Mikko Nissinen and staged at the elegant Citizens Bank Opera House. Running from November 28 to December 28, 2025, this lavish production features over 300 handmade costumes, dazzling sets, and some of the most accomplished ballet dancers in the U.S. It’s been hailed by The Boston Globe as “the gold standard” for its combination of technical precision and childlike wonder.

This Nutcracker begins with a warm, candlelit party scene that draws the audience into Clara’s world, followed by the iconic snow-covered forest and the glittering Land of Sweets. The Boston Ballet’s orchestra performs Tchaikovsky’s full score live, and the company’s artistry ensures every performance feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re a lifelong dance lover or a family looking for an unforgettable holiday night out, this production is a perfect choice.

Seeing The Nutcracker Across The U.S.

Beyond New York and Philadelphia, George Balanchine’s choreography continues to define The Nutcracker tradition nationwide. Ballet companies in Atlanta, Miami, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Kansas City, and San Francisco all perform adaptations inspired by his legendary work. From the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s cinematic staging in Seattle to Miami City Ballet’s tropical twist on Balanchine’s classic choreography, audiences coast to coast experience the enduring magic of his vision each December.

Each production brings its own local artistry to the story, but Balanchine’s influence, with its seamless storytelling, charming humor, and emphasis on musical precision, remains the unifying thread. His version set the standard for American Nutcrackers decades ago, and it continues to shape the holiday landscape today. Performances begin as early as Thanksgiving weekend and extend into early January in many cities, giving families multiple opportunities to attend. No matter which city you call home, you can find a Balanchine-inspired performance near you.

Plan Your Holiday Experience Today

From coast to coast, tickets for The Nutcracker are among the most sought-after each holiday season. Performances often sell out weeks in advance, especially for weekends and Christmas-week shows.

This holiday season, give yourself and those you love the gift of live performance. Experience The Nutcracker in all its wonder, and watch the magic unfold before your eyes. Visit BoxOfficeTicketSales.com today to find The Nutcracker in your city and make this holiday one you’ll remember for years to come.