🩰 Nutcracker & more
Nutcracker & holiday shows in SoCal 2026
Curated by Simir Shah
37 spots across Southern California — add your zip or city to sort by what's closest to you
The Nutcracker (Festival Ballet Theatre)
Irvine · Nutcracker
Irvine Barclay Theatre's long-running Nutcracker, with 15 shows including weekday matinees Dec 22–23 and an 11am show on Christmas Eve. Doors open an hour before each show; the box office is (949) 854-4646.
🗓️ Dec 5–24, 2026 · weekend matinees at 1pm or 2pm, many 6pm evenings, Dec 24 at 11am
💵 See site
Choir! Choir! Choir!: Un-Silent Night
Irvine · Holiday concert
An audience sing-along of holiday classics and seasonal pop songs, no singing experience needed. No intermission and it's done by about 6:30pm, which suits families with older kids.
🗓️ Sun Nov 29, 2026 · 5pm (about 80–90 min, no intermission)
💵 See site
The Nutcracker for Kids (Pacific Symphony Family Musical Mornings)
Costa Mesa · Nutcracker
A shorter, narrated Nutcracker danced by students of ABT's Gillespie School with the full Pacific Symphony, recommended for ages 5 and up. Lobby games and coloring start at 9am (10am show) or 12:15pm (11:30 show), and every child needs a ticket.
🗓️ Sat Dec 5, 2026 · 10am and 11:30am
💵 See site
A Christmas Carol (South Coast Repertory)
Costa Mesa · Holiday play
SCR's Dickens adaptation by Jerry Patch, directed by Hisa Takakuwa, is OC's longest-running holiday play. Scrooge's ghosts can startle younger kids, so it plays best for school-age children.
🗓️ Nov 28–Dec 27, 2026
💵 See site
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Orange · Holiday show
Mariachi Garibaldi and Ballet Folklórico del Río Grande tell the story of Mexican Christmas traditions at Chapman University's Musco Center. Pick the Sunday 2pm show for kids; event parking is free if you register your car online.
🗓️ Dec 12–13, 2026 · Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2pm (about 105 min with intermission)
💵 From $33
The Nutcracker (Anaheim Ballet)
Anaheim · Nutcracker
The earliest Nutcracker in OC, playing Thanksgiving weekend at the Grove of Anaheim next to Angel Stadium. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster.
🗓️ Nov 27–28, 2026 · Fri 7pm; Sat 2pm and 7pm
💵 See site
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (La Mirada Theatre)
La Mirada · Nutcracker
A touring Nutcracker with international dancers, giant puppets and acrobatics, on one day only. The box office is 562-944-9801.
🗓️ Sun Dec 20, 2026 · 1:30pm and 6:30pm (about 2 hours plus intermission)
💵 See site
The Nutcracker (Inland Pacific Ballet at Bridges Auditorium)
Claremont · Nutcracker
Inland Pacific Ballet's second weekend, at Pomona College's Bridges Auditorium. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes plus intermission and is recommended for ages 5 and up; buy through official links, since resale prices run well above face value.
🗓️ Dec 19–20, 2026 · 12pm and 4pm both days
💵 See site
The Nutcracker (Long Beach Ballet)
Long Beach · Nutcracker
A big production with a full symphony orchestra in the 3,000-seat Terrace Theater. Food trucks and photo ops open before the show; parking in the structure is $15 per car.
🗓️ Dec 12–20, 2026 · Sat 2pm and 7:30pm; Sun 2pm (two weekends)
💵 See site
The Nutcracker (Inland Pacific Ballet at Lewis Family Playhouse)
Rancho Cucamonga · Nutcracker
The Inland Empire's main professional Nutcracker, runs 1 hour 45 minutes plus intermission and is recommended for ages 5 and up. Buy only through the playhouse box office or official site; the noon show is easiest for younger kids.
🗓️ Dec 5–6, 2026 · 12pm and 4pm both days
💵 See site
Santa's Little Helpers (Lewis Family Playhouse)
Rancho Cucamonga · Holiday show
A family musical about elves at Santa's workshop, aimed at young kids. The box office is (909) 477-2752.
🗓️ Fri Dec 11, 2026 · 6:30pm
💵 See site
Rocky Mountain Christmas: The Music of John Denver
Rancho Cucamonga · Holiday concert
Tribute artist Jim Curry sings songs from John Denver's Christmas TV specials in a 3pm matinee. It's a gentle multigenerational pick for the weekend before Thanksgiving.
🗓️ Sat Nov 21, 2026 · 3pm
💵 See site
The Hot Sardines Holiday Stomp
Rancho Cucamonga · Holiday concert
A jazz band plays holiday standards from films like White Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life. The Sunday 2pm start works well with kids.
🗓️ Sun Dec 20, 2026 · 2pm
💵 See site
Feast of Lights (University of Redlands)
Redlands · Holiday concert
The university's long-running Christmas music pageant moves this year to First Presbyterian Church of Redlands while Memorial Chapel is under repair. Only 800 tickets are sold across both shows (Eventbrite), so book early.
🗓️ Sun Dec 6, 2026 · 4pm and 7pm
💵 See site
The Nutcracker (City Ballet of San Diego)
Escondido · Nutcracker
City Ballet's full-length Nutcracker in the Concert Hall at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Code FBSNUT gets two free tickets with two regular-price ones at the Dec 19 and Dec 22 7:30pm shows.
🗓️ Dec 19–23, 2026 · Sat 2pm and 7:30pm; Sun 2pm; Tue 2pm and 7:30pm; Wed 2pm
💵 See site; Family Four Pack (buy 2, get 2 free) Dec 19 and 22 at 7:30pm
A Christmas Carol (A Noise Within)
Pasadena · Holiday play
Recommended for ages 5 and up; babies and toddlers are not admitted. The Nov 29 relaxed performance is set up for kids with autism or sensory needs, and a downloadable Family Guide is on the show page.
🗓️ Nov 28–Dec 24, 2026 · Relaxed Performance Nov 29 at 11am
💵 See site; Pay What You Choose $10 or $20 on Dec 3
Holiday Sing-Along (LA Phil at Walt Disney Concert Hall)
Los Angeles · Holiday concert
The audience sings carols with a choir, a jazz combo and the hall's pipe organ, hosted by Melissa Peterman. Ages 2 and up are allowed; the hall suggests arriving an hour early, and Metro stops at Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill.
🗓️ Sat Dec 19, 2026 · 11:30am and 2:30pm (about 1.5–2 hours)
💵 From $39
Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (Debbie Allen Dance Academy)
Redondo Beach · Nutcracker
Debbie Allen's Nutcracker retelling travels the world through hip-hop, flamenco, jazz and ballet, with a big youth cast. Public shows run about 90 minutes at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, and tickets are sold on Eventbrite.
🗓️ Dec 10–13, 2026 · Thu–Fri 7:30pm; Sat 2pm and 7:30pm; Sun 2pm (about 90 min)
💵 See site
Holiday Candlelight (Pasadena Symphony and POPS)
Pasadena · Holiday concert
Holiday carols by candlelight at All Saints Church, with the Los Angeles Children's Chorus. The orchestra says these concerts sell out, so book early; the Saturday 4pm show is easiest with kids.
🗓️ Dec 11–12, 2026 · Fri 7pm; Sat 4pm and 7pm
💵 See site
The Nutcracker (Los Angeles Ballet at the Dolby Theatre)
Hollywood · Nutcracker
Fourteen shows with the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra, including a Christmas Eve matinee and shows after Christmas. It runs 2 hours plus a 20-minute intermission; Metro B Line Hollywood/Highland stops under the theater.
🗓️ Dec 18–27, 2026 · most days 2pm and 7:30pm; Dec 24 2pm only; no show Dec 21 or 25
💵 See site
Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker (Los Angeles Ballet)
Hollywood · Nutcracker
One adapted performance at the Dolby Theatre for kids with autism, sensory sensitivities or other cognitive or social challenges, and their families. LA Ballet's sensory-friendly page lists the adjustments.
🗓️ Sat Dec 26, 2026 · 2pm
💵 See site
The Nutcracker (Los Angeles Ballet at Royce Hall)
Los Angeles · Nutcracker
LA Ballet's Westside weekend at UCLA's Royce Hall, before the company moves to the Dolby. The show runs 2 hours plus a 20-minute intermission.
🗓️ Dec 11–13, 2026 · Fri 7:30pm; Sat 2pm and 7:30pm; Sun 2pm
💵 See site
The Nutcracker (Westside Ballet of Santa Monica)
Santa Monica · Nutcracker
The 53rd annual Westside Ballet Nutcracker at the Broad Stage, mostly with live orchestra. A Nutcracker Tea runs at 3pm on Nov 28 and 29, and shows usually sell out.
🗓️ Nov 27–Dec 6, 2026 · Fri 7pm; Sat–Sun 1pm and 5pm; Thu Dec 3 7pm (no live orchestra)
💵 See site
A Christmas Carol (Cygnet Theatre)
San Diego · Holiday play
Cygnet's musical Dickens adaptation runs about 2 hours with intermission at The Joan in Liberty Station. Kids under 5 are not admitted, and the theater warns of strobe, fog, loud noises and images that may frighten young children.
🗓️ Nov 24–Dec 24, 2026 · Wed–Fri 7pm; Sat 2pm and 7pm; Sun 2pm
💵 See site; lower-priced previews Nov 24–28
Cygnet's A Magical Holiday
San Diego · Holiday show
A 90-minute singing and dancing revue of holiday classics in The Joan's smaller Dottie Studio Theater, billed as suitable for all ages. Kids under 5 are not admitted; Wednesday 2pm matinees run Dec 9–23.
🗓️ Dec 2–24, 2026 · 2pm and 7pm shows; Dec 24 2pm only (90 min with intermission)
💵 See site; lower-priced previews Dec 2–5
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe)
San Diego · Holiday show
A 1 hour 20 minute musical with no intermission in Balboa Park. Children under 3 are only allowed at the 10:30am shows, with a free lap ticket from Ticket Services (619-234-5623); a Spanish-language version, ¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad!, plays Nov 19–22.
🗓️ Nov 4–Dec 31, 2026 · 10:30am all-ages shows; sensory-friendly Sat Dec 12 at 10am
💵 See site
The Nutcracker (San Diego Civic Youth Ballet)
San Diego · Nutcracker
A youth-company Nutcracker in Balboa Park's Casa del Prado Theater, one of the best-value options. It runs 1.5–2 hours with one intermission; kids under 2 can sit on a lap for free.
🗓️ Dec 9–20, 2026 · Fri 7pm; Sat 2pm and 7pm; Sun 2pm
💵 $30
The Nutcracker (Golden State Ballet with the San Diego Symphony)
San Diego · Nutcracker
Downtown's Civic Theatre Nutcracker with the San Diego Symphony playing live. Every person needs their own ticket, including babies, and doors open an hour before the show.
🗓️ Dec 17–23, 2026 · evenings 5:30pm or 7:30pm; matinees Dec 19, 20, 22 and 23
💵 See site
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (Jacobs Music Center)
San Diego · Nutcracker
A one-night stop of the touring Nutcracker with international dancers. It's a rental at the symphony's hall, and the San Diego Symphony does not perform; tickets are on Ticketmaster.
🗓️ Tue Dec 15, 2026 · 7pm
💵 See site
The Nutcracker (San Diego Ballet)
El Cajon · Nutcracker
San Diego Ballet's family-friendly Nutcracker at The Magnolia in downtown El Cajon, a handy East County option. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster.
🗓️ Dec 19–20, 2026 · Sat 1pm and 5pm; Sun 1pm
💵 See site
A Christmas Carol – On Air! (Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center)
Simi Valley · Holiday play
A comedy version of Dickens staged as a 1949 live radio broadcast with live sound effects and vintage commercials, lighter than a ghost-heavy Carol. Pick a 2pm matinee; evening shows start at 8pm.
🗓️ Nov 28–Dec 20, 2026 · Fri–Sat 8pm; Sat–Sun 2pm matinees
💵 $37 adults, $32 seniors/students, $27 children (+$3 fee)
The Nutcracker (Ventura County Ballet)
Oxnard · Nutcracker
Ventura County's main Nutcracker at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, matinees only. Tickets are sold online only through Eventbrite; they can't be refunded but can be transferred.
🗓️ Dec 5–6, 2026 · Sat 3pm; Sun 2pm
💵 See site
Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker (Ventura County Ballet)
Oxnard · Nutcracker
A shorter, modified Nutcracker with house lights low but on, softer recorded music, quiet zones and freedom to move or leave. Devices with headphones are welcome; questions go to info@venturacountyballet.com.
🗓️ Sat Dec 5, 2026 · 11am
💵 $5 child / $10 adult (+Eventbrite fees)
Dickens' A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story (Rubicon Theatre)
Ventura · Holiday play
Rubicon's staging plays up the ghost story, so it suits older kids more than preschoolers. Check the theater's Know Before You Go page or call 805-667-2900 about age guidance.
🗓️ Dec 2–24, 2026
💵 See site
Rudolph (State Street Ballet Academy)
Santa Barbara · Holiday show
A ballet of the misfit-reindeer story danced by State Street Ballet students at the Lobero Theatre, shorter and cheaper than a full Nutcracker. Buy at the box office to skip the $3 per-ticket fee.
🗓️ Dec 5–6, 2026 · Sat 6:30pm; Sun 2pm
💵 $19 student, $27 senior, $32 reserved (+$3 online fee)
The Christmas Revels: A Victorian Celebration of the Winter Solstice
Santa Barbara · Holiday show
Santa Barbara Revels sets carols, dancing, a mummers' play and a ghostly melodrama in a Victorian music hall, with a chorus of all ages, at the Lobero. Ask the box office (805-963-0761) about the family pack.
🗓️ Dec 19–20, 2026 · Sat 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Sun 2:30pm
💵 $26–$86; student, child and family-pack discounts
The Nutcracker (State Street Ballet)
Santa Barbara · Nutcracker
Santa Barbara's professional Nutcracker at the Granada Theatre, with more than 100 young dancers from the State Street Ballet Academy. The Friday 6pm show is an early evening option for school nights.
🗓️ Dec 18–20, 2026 · Fri 6pm; Sat 2pm and 7:30pm; Sun 2pm
💵 See site
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About prices:most ballet and theater pages don't print face value, so those listings say "See site" rather than quoting resale prices. Buy from the company or venue link on each card.
Frequently asked questions
When does Nutcracker season start in Southern California in 2026?
The first is Anaheim Ballet at the Grove of Anaheim, Nov 27–28 (Thanksgiving weekend). Westside Ballet in Santa Monica opens the same night (Nov 27). Most others run between Dec 5 and Dec 27.
Are there sensory-friendly Nutcracker performances?
Yes. Ventura County Ballet has a shorter sensory-friendly show on Sat Dec 5 at 11am in Oxnard ($5 kids / $10 adults). It keeps the lights low but on, uses softer recorded music and has quiet zones. Los Angeles Ballet has one at the Dolby Theatre on Sat Dec 26 at 2pm. The Old Globe's Grinch has a sensory-friendly show on Dec 12 at 10am, and A Noise Within's A Christmas Carol has a relaxed performance on Nov 29 at 11am.
What's the cheapest Nutcracker?
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet charges $30 a ticket at Casa del Prado Theater in Balboa Park (Dec 9–20), and kids under 2 sit on a lap for free. Ventura County Ballet's sensory-friendly show is $5–$10. In Santa Barbara, State Street Ballet Academy's Rudolph is a shorter ballet from $19.
How long is the Nutcracker, and is it OK for young kids?
Full productions run about 2 hours with intermission. LA Ballet lists 2 hours plus a 20-minute intermission, and Inland Pacific Ballet lists 1 hour 45 minutes plus intermission and recommends ages 5+. For younger kids, Pacific Symphony's Nutcracker for Kids (Dec 5, Costa Mesa) is a shorter narrated version for ages 5 and up.
Do babies need a ticket?
It depends on the venue. Golden State Ballet at the San Diego Civic Theatre and Pacific Symphony say everyone needs a ticket. SD Civic Youth Ballet lets kids under 2 sit on a lap. The Old Globe's Grinch admits under-3s only at 10:30am shows, with a free lap ticket.
Which A Christmas Carol is best for kids?
Simi Valley's "A Christmas Carol – On Air!" is a light radio-show comedy with a $27 child price. A Noise Within (Pasadena) recommends ages 5+. Cygnet (San Diego) doesn't admit kids under 5 and warns of frightening images. Rubicon's Ventura version is billed as "A Ghost Story". South Coast Repertory's runs Nov 28–Dec 27 in Costa Mesa.
Is there a Nutcracker on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Festival Ballet Theatre plays Irvine Barclay Theatre at 11am on Dec 24. Los Angeles Ballet plays the Dolby at 2pm on Dec 24 and again Dec 26–27.
Are there holiday sing-alongs for families?
The LA Phil's Holiday Sing-Along is Sat Dec 19 at Walt Disney Concert Hall (11:30am and 2:30pm, from $39, ages 2+). Choir! Choir! Choir!'s Un-Silent Night is Sun Nov 29 at 5pm at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.