Nutcracker Performances in Orange County 2026

(Updated September 2026) Capture the magic of the season with The Nutcracker in Orange County! The holiday season is truly magical in Orange County when sugar-plum fairies swirl and toy soldiers come alive on stage. If you're searching for Nutcracker Performances in Orange County, whether you're looking for a full-length classical gala, or a kid-friendly one-hour version, here are the 2026 Nutcracker performances in OC that families love.

Kids as young as 3 years old can enjoy these Nutcracker performances. It's a great way to expose kids to classical ballet, music and theater at a young age.

🎀 American Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker: ABT Nutcracker (Costa Mesa)

📅 December 10-24, 2026
📍 Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: All ages

Experience one of the most spectacular Nutcracker productions in the nation as American Ballet Theatre returns to Orange County. Clara's magical journey comes to life through breathtaking choreography, a cast of more than 100 performers, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score. With cinematic staging, dazzling sets, and eye-popping costumes, this production is a holiday tradition like no other.

Highlights:
• 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"

🎟️ Tickets & Info: American Ballet Theatre Website

🎀 Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker (Irvine)

📅 December 5-24, 2026
📍 Irvine Barclay Theatre - 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA
👶 Best for: Elementary & middle-school ages

Experience the magic of the holidays with Festival Ballet Theatre's full-length production of The Nutcracker. This cherished annual tradition features exquisite dancing, vibrant scenery, and dazzling costumes that bring Tchaikovsky's timeless score to life. Join Clara, the Nutcracker, and the Sugar Plum Fairy on a journey through enchanted lands. It's a performance the whole family will love.

Highlights:
• Full-length classical Nutcracker production
• Professional principal dancers & talented local youth
• Lavish costumes and beautiful sets
• A beloved Orange County holiday tradition

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Festival Ballet Theatre Website

🎀 Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker (Anaheim)

📅 November 27-28, 2026
🕒 Showtimes: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: All Ages

📍 Digalert Grove of Anaheim
2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA

Anaheim Ballet celebrates the 40th anniversary of its beloved Nutcracker with a magical full-length production accompanied by Symphony Irvine. Follow Clara as her Nutcracker Doll transforms winter into dazzling Candyland scenes filled with waltzing flowers, battling toy soldiers, and mischievous mice. Featuring choreography by Artistic Director Sarma Lapenieks Rosenberg. This performance blends timeless tradition with fresh staging that keeps the classic story vibrant and engaging year after year.

Highlights:
• Live orchestra by Symphony Irvine
• Towering Christmas tree & stunning stage magic
• Updated choreography while honoring tradition
• A cherished OC holiday tradition for families

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker Website

🎀 Coast City Ballet: The Nutcracker (Huntington Beach)

📅 December 19, 2026
🕒 Showtimes: Saturday 7:00 PM & Sunday 2:00 PM
👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: All Ages

📍 Huntington Beach Historic Theater
1905 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA

Coast City Ballet brings holiday magic back to Huntington Beach with its enchanting annual production of The Nutcracker. Follow Clara on a dreamy Christmas adventure filled with a handsome prince, a daring battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice, and a whimsical journey to the Land of Sweets. Featuring talented CCB students, company dancers, and guest artists from across California. This production dazzles with vibrant sets, colorful costumes, and Tchaikovsky's beloved score.

Highlights:
• Live orchestra by Symphony Irvine
• Towering Christmas tree & stunning stage magic
• Updated choreography while honoring tradition
• A cherished OC holiday tradition for families

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Coast City Ballet Website

🎀 Pacific Theatre Ballet: The Nutcracker (Aliso Viejo)

📅 December 2-4, 2026
🕒 Showtimes: 7:00 PM & 3:30 PM
📍 Coast Hills Church - 5 Pursuit, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: All Ages

The resident ballet company of Pacific Ballet Conservatory, proudly presents "The Nutcracker Suite: Clara's Dream." A holiday classic enjoyed by audiences of all ages, come with Clara on her Christmas adventure with the Nutcracker Prince to the Land of Delicious Delights!

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Pacific Theatre Ballet Website

🎀 Tustin Dance Center: The Nutcracker (Downey)

📅 December 18-19, 2026
🕒 Showtimes: 2:00 PM & 6:30 PM
👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: All Ages

📍 Downey Theatre
8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA
(Studio Based in Tustin)

Tustin Dance Center's Dance! To Your Heart's Delight presents its 21st annual production of The Nutcracker, bringing this timeless holiday classic to life with charm, elegance, and festive magic. Set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score, this traditional full-length ballet follows young Clara as she journeys from a joyful Christmas Eve party to a dreamland filled with dancing dolls, a daring battle against the Mouse King, and a whimsical celebration in the Kingdom of Sweets.

Featuring beautifully staged choreography, colorful costumes, and a talented cast of young dancers and performers, this production is a beloved tradition for families across Southern California.

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Tustin Dance Center Website

🎀 Casa Romantica: Casa Nutcracker (San Clemente)

📅 December 3-4, 2026
🕒 Showtimes: 7:00 PM
📍 Casa Romantica Cultural Center
415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA
👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: All Ages

Experience The Nutcracker in one of Orange County's most enchanting settings. Performed by Orange County Ballet Theater, this abridged 80-minute version is specially choreographed for Casa Romantica's intimate Main Salon-making it a magical, up-close holiday experience. This annual tradition features talented dancers from Ballet Academy & Movement and brings Clara's dreamy Christmas Eve adventure to life in a warm, immersive environment.

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Casa Nutcracker Website

🎀 Ballet Etudes: The Nutcracker (Huntington Beach)

📅 December 5, 6 & 12, 2026
🕒 Showtimes: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: All Ages

📍 Huntington Beach Historic Theater
1905 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA

Ballet Etudes brings the magic of The Nutcracker to life with a full-length, professional-quality production featuring over 100 talented young dancers from across Orange County. Audiences will be swept away by Tchaikovsky's iconic score, gorgeous costumes, snowfall effects, and enchanting choreography. Families attending the 2:00 PM performances can enjoy a special educational presentation 30 minutes before curtain, plus a chance to meet characters for photos after the show.

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Ballet Etudes Nutcracker Website

🎀 Yorba Linda Academy of Dance: The Nutcracker (Placentia & Yorba Linda)

📅 December 19, 2026
🕒 Showtimes: 5:30 PM
📍 PYLUSD Performing Arts Center
1651 Valencia Ave, Placentia, CA 92870
👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: All Ages

After defeating the Mouse King, Clara and the Nutcracker Prince are whisked away to the enchanting Land of Sweets, a glittering kingdom ruled by the graceful Sugar Plum Fairy. The fairy welcomes them and listens to the story of their adventures. To honor their courage, she calls upon the sweets of her land to perform a grand celebration. The audience is treated to colorful dances of Clara's favorite sweets such as Toffee, Hot Chocolate, Lollipops, Gingerbread and more! Each dance brings a different flavor and culture to life through music and movement. The act concludes with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier performing a magnificent pas de deux, ending the dreamlike journey full of holiday magic!

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Yorba Linda Academy of Dance Nutcracker Website

🎀 Nutcracker for Kids at Segerstrom Concert Hall (Costa Mesa)

📅 December 5, 2026
📍 Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
⏱️ Runtime: 1 hour
👶 Best for: Ages 5-11, family-friendly

Celebrate the holiday season with a beloved classic designed especially for young audiences! The Nutcracker for Kids is a narrated adaptation of Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet, featuring dazzling dancers from the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School. Journey to the Land of Sweets alongside Clara. She will encounter the mischievous Mouse King, the heroic Nutcracker, and the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. This engaging and delightful experience is the perfect way to introduce children to the magic of ballet and the joy of the holiday season!

Lobby Activities
Enjoy concert-themed activities in the concert hall lobby, including hands-on games, coloring stations, and festive photo opportunities for kids and families. Lobby activities begin:

• 9:00 AM for 10:00 AM concertgoers
• 12:15 PM for 11:30 AM concertgoers

Pacific Symphony's Family Musical Mornings concerts are for the whole family (recommended ages 5+). All concert attendees need a ticket for entry regardless of age.

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Nutcracker for Kids at the Segerstrom Website

🎀 Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker - Abridged Matinee for Young Audiences (Irvine)

📅 December 4, 2026 - 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
👶 Best for: Elementary & middle-school ages

📍 Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA

• One-hour, narrated Nutcracker performance designed for young audiences
• Features Festival Ballet Theatre company dancers and SoCal youth performers
• A magical introduction to classical ballet and orchestral music
• Beautiful sets, costumes, and storytelling children can easily follow

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Festival Ballet Theatre Website

🎀 Festival Ballet Theatre: Narrated Nutcracker for Kids & Families (Huntington Beach)

📅 December 11-12, 2026
🕒 Times Vary
📍 Huntington Beach Central Library Theatre
7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA
👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Kids & Families

Festival Ballet Theatre presents a charming 45-minute narrated performance of The Nutcracker, created especially for young audiences. This shortened, engaging version helps children follow the story as they meet Clara, the Nutcracker, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. With beautiful costumes, classical music, and a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, it's the perfect introduction to ballet for little ones.

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Narrated Nutcracker for Kids & Families Website

🎀 Ballet Etudes: Nutcracker for Kids (Huntington Beach)

📅 December 19-20, 2026
🕒 Showtimes: 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM
📍 Huntington Beach Central Library Theatre
7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA
👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Kids

Ballet Etudes presents a delightful one-hour Nutcracker performance designed especially for young audiences. Kids will enjoy seeing Clara, her prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy come to life in a charming, family-friendly ballet. This youth-produced show features professional guest artists, beautiful costumes, and Tchaikovsky's classic score. Proceeds support the Friends of the Children's Library, making this festive performance meaningful as well as magical.

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Huntington Beach Central Library Website

🫖 Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party (Huntington Beach)

📅 November 1, 2026
🕒 Time: 12:00-2:00PM
👶 Best for: Kids & families

📍 Senior Center in Central Park
18041 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, CA

• Nutcracker-themed tea service with treats and goodies
• Meet-and-greet and photos with Nutcracker characters
• Live performance by the Sugar Plum Fairy
• Crafts, games, face painting, prizes & more
• Highly popular annual event - tickets usually sell out

🎟️ Tickets & Info: Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party Website