Sitting on my couch yesterday, staring at the decorative Halloween bats that are still decking my halls and need to come down before Thanksgiving, I wondered where 2025 went. Similar to all the years, I’m not quite sure, but I do know that it flew faster than the sun is setting these days.
To ease the pain of daylight savings time making 5:30pm feeling like zero dark thirty, I’m here to remind you that it is officially NUTCRACKER SEASON.
That’s right, folks…T’is. The. SEASON. In a matter of weeks, you’ll be hanging twinkle lights, buying all the holiday gifts, eating all the cookies, and thinking of your hopes and dreams for 2026 (!!!!). As we’ve established above, it’s going to go FAST. So don’t forget to stop, breathe, and take in some of the magic.
Up at the top of my “Make the Magic Happen” list is to take my family to The Nutcracker.
Since I’m all up on here suggesting you add one more thing to your to-do list and go see this beloved show, I’ve decided to be helpful in doing the research and listing out some great places to do so.
Behold…
Where to See the Nutcracker:
The Nutcracker by Festival Ballet Virginia
Richard J. Ernst Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA
December 5th – 7th
This inspiring non-profit/pre-professional dance company puts on a Nutcracker show of top-notch performance and production value. They also have sweet treats, special perks for scout troops, and a unique holiday shop offering handmade items and other special gifts for sale in the lobby area. Tickets are going fast, so don’t delay.. With a price point of $20-$33, it’s hard to beat! You can buy your tickets HERE, and use code DCMOMS25NUT for $2 off per ticket. Don’t forget to also follow Festival Ballet Virginia on FB and IG to see behind the scenes and news about other upcoming shows.
The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker
The Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC</span
November 29th – December 28th
For a true Washington, DC experience, check out the Washington Ballet as they feature a George Washington Nutcracker along with other nods to DC’s rich history. Featured at Warner Theatre, the show spans through December and has a ticket price point of $150-$480. Tickets can be bought HERE.
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Capital One Hall in Tysons, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA & Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Ln, Bethesda, MD
November 30th: Capital One Hall in Tysons & December 7th: Strathmore, Bethesda
Experience this unique version of The Nutcracker with renowned ballerinas, acrobatics, and larger than life puppets. The price point is $49-$165, and tickets can be purchased HERE.
Other Great Places to See the Nutcracker in the Washington, DC Area
Ballet Embody
Carroll Community College Theater, 1601 Washington Rd., Westminster, MD
December 9-10, Tickets: $15-45
Ballet Theatre of Maryland
Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St., Annapolis, MD
December 2, 9-17, Tickets: $40-60
Maryland Youth Ballet’s The Mini-Nut and The Nutcracker
Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD
Mini-Nut: December 2, 3, & 9, Tickets: $22-30
Nutcracker: December 15-17 & 21-23, Tickets: $28-42
Metropolitan School of the Arts
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 E. Campus Dr., Alexandria, VA
December 9-10, Tickets: $33-35
Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet
Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, VA
December 3, Tickets: $34-104
Ravel Dance Company Presents The Nutcracker
Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, VA
December 9, Tickets: $49-75
The Puppet Co.
The Puppet Co. Playhouse, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD
November 24-December 31, 2023, Tickets: $15 per person (under age 2 FREE)
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Strathmore Music Center, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD
December 19-22, Tickets: $28 – $68
The Rockville Civic Ballet
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, MD
December 2-10, Tickets: $13-17
Virginia National Ballet
Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, VA
December 22, Tickets: $39-79
Ballet West – The Nutcracker
The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC
No longer here, but good to note for next year! November 24-26, Tickets: $49.00 – $219.00
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms at Your Living Room
Can’t make it out of the house to watch the show in real life this year? I get it! And I’ve got your back. Cozy up in PJs, make some hot cocoa, and stream The Nutcracker presented by American Ballet Theatre/Misty Copeland. Check out how to stream it HERE.
As a backstage ballet mama again this year, I’ll be watching one showing behind the scenes. Whichever way you go here, you can’t lose. Wherever you decide to watch the magic of The Nutcracker, sit back, relax, enjoy the show, and have a wonderful holiday!
Don’t forget Virginia Ballet Company’s annual performances on Dec. 28-29 in Annandale, Va. VBC’s Nutcracker is the second-longest running Nutcracker in the country, and has been staged annually for more than 70 years!
One more excellent Nutcracker performance to add:
The Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet’s 2023 performances of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker: their accomplished students and guest artists have been working hard, and it will be a wonderful show! Perfect to set the holiday mood for family members of all ages – and features some excellent dancing.
Where: Meridian High School – 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA 22043
When: Saturday December 9 at 7:30 pm / Sunday December 10 at 2 pm
Tickets: https://www.kintzmejiaballet.org/performances.html
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