A cherished holiday tradition, the Nutcracker in Orange County brings timeless ballet, orchestral music, and dazzling stagecraft to local theaters, community arts centers, and world-class performance venues. From full professional productions to student showcases that spotlight young talent, each performance captures the magic of Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score. Explore our curated list of dates, locations, and ticket links to experience one of the most beloved holiday performances of all time.
🎀 American Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker: ABT Nutcracker (Costa Mesa)
📅 December 11–21, 2025
👨👩👧 Best for: All ages
📍 Segerstrom Center for the Arts 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA
ABT’s world-renowned dancers
• Massive cast and stunning production design
• Snowflakes, toy soldiers, mischievous mice & a towering Christmas tree
• Praised by The OC Register as “colorful, cinematic… filled with spectacle and humor”
🎀 Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker (Irvine)
📅 December 6–24, 2025
👶 Best for: Elementary & middle-school ages
📍 Irvine Barclay Theatre 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA
• Full-length classical Nutcracker production
• Professional principal dancers & talented local youth
• Lavish costumes and beautiful sets
• A beloved Orange County holiday tradition
🎀 Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker (Anaheim)
📅 November 28–29, 2025
🕒 Showtimes: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
👨👩👧 Best for: All Ages
📍 City National Grove of Anaheim 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA
• Live orchestra by Symphony Irvine
• Towering Christmas tree & stunning stage magic
• Updated choreography while honoring tradition
• A cherished OC holiday tradition for families
🎀 Coast City Ballet: The Nutcracker (Huntington Beach)
📅 December 20–21, 2025
🕒 Showtimes: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
👨👩👧 Best for: All Ages
📍 Huntington Beach Historic Theater
1905 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA
• Live orchestra by Symphony Irvine
• Towering Christmas tree & stunning stage magic
• Updated choreography while honoring tradition
• A cherished OC holiday tradition for families
🎀 Pacific Theatre Ballet: The Nutcracker (Aliso Viejo)
📅 December 5–7, 2025
🕒 Showtimes: 7:00 PM & 3:30 PM
👨👩👧 Best for: All Ages
📍 Coast Hills Church 5 Pursuit, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
🎀 Tustin Dance Center: The Nutcracker (Downey)
📅 December 20–21, 2025
🕒 Showtimes: 2:00 PM & 6:30 PM
👨👩👧 Best for: All Ages
📍 Downey Theatre 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA (Studio Based in Tustin)
🎀 Casa Romantica: Casa Nutcracker (San Clemente)
📅 December 4–5, 2025
🕒 Showtimes: 7:00 PM
👨👩👧 Best for: All Ages
📍 Casa Romantica Cultural Center
415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA
🎀 Ballet Etudes: The Nutcracker (Huntington Beach)
📅 December 6, 7 & 14, 2025
🕒 Showtimes: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
👨👩👧 Best for: All Ages
📍 Huntington Beach High School Theater
1905 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA
🎀 Nutcracker For Kids At Segerstrom Concert Hall (Costa Mesa)
📅 December 6, 2025
⏱️ Runtime: 1 hour
👶 Best for: Ages 5-11, family-friendly
📍 Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA
🎀 Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker - Abridged Matinee For Young Audiences (Irvine)
📅 December 5, 2025 — 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
👶 Best for: Elementary & middle-school ages
📍 Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA
🎀 Festival Ballet Theatre: Narrated Nutcracker For Kids & Families (Huntington Beach)
📅 December 11–12, 2025
🕒 Times Vary
👨👩👧 Best for: Kids & Families
📍 Huntington Beach Central Library Theatre
7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA