Are you ready to see The Nutcracker this holiday season? If you’re anything like me, you’re wondering where the heck 2024 went. The 2023 holiday season might as well have been last week.
But alas, here we are.
As you prepare to deck the halls, buy all the gifts, eat all the cookies, and think about your hopes for 2025 (what???!!!!), don’t forget to stop and breathe so that you can take in some of the magic.
One of the ways I’ve done this with my own kids over the years is exposing them to the arts. What better way to do that than by watching the Nutcracker.
Since we’re all strapped for time these days, I’m helping you out by sharing some research I’ve done as to where the best places are to watch this timeless classic.
Where to See the Nutcracker:
The Nutcracker by Festival Ballet Virginia
Richard J. Ernst Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA
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 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 have gone so fast, but there are still some left. With a price point of $22-$30, it’s hard to beat! Follow Festival Ballet Virginia on FB and IG to find promo codes for discounted tickets, too! You can buy your tickets HERE for Dec 20-21.
The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker
The Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC
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 $62-$292. Tickets can be bought HERE Nov 30-Dec 29.
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Capital One Hall in Tysons, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA
Experience the Nutcracker with the talented international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. With acrobatics and larger than life puppets, this is a gem. The price point is $55-$140, and tickets can be purchased HERE for Dec 1.
Other Great Places to See the Nutcracker in the Washington, DC Area
Ballet Embody
Carroll Community College Theater, 1601 Washington Rd., Westminster, MD
December 14-15, 21, Tickets: $20-45
Ballet Theatre of Maryland
Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St., Annapolis, MD
December 14-22, Tickets: $57-68
Maryland Youth Ballet’s The Mini-Nut and The Nutcracker
Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD
Mini-Nut: December 7-8, Tickets: $25-35
Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Montgomery College, Rockville, MD
Nutcracker: December 20-23, 26 Tickets: $32-45
Metropolitan School of the Arts
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 E. Campus Dr., Alexandria, VA
Nutshell (Mini Nutcracker) December 1, Tickets: $17
Nutcracker: December 14-15, Tickets: $29-31
The Puppet Co.
The Puppet Co. Playhouse, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD
November 29-December 31, 2023, Tickets: $15 per person (under age 2 FREE)
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC
December 20-22, Tickets: $50 – $251
The Rockville Civic Ballet
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, MD
December 6-7, 13-14 Tickets: $13-17
Virginia National Ballet
Hylton Performing Arts Center
November 29, Tickets: $35-60
Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, VA
December 21, Tickets: $39-89
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 and the Four Realms. Watch as a young girl is transported into a magical world of gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice. Check out how to stream it HERE.
As a backstage ballet mama this year, I’ll be watching one showing behind the scenes. Wherever you decide to watch the beloved 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