Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker

A beloved holiday tradition returns to Los Angeles with enchanting performances, plus a festive Nutcracker Tea.

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to start making plans for one of Los Angeles’ most cherished holiday traditions! Los Angeles Ballet (LAB) is bringing back its original production of The Nutcracker, offering audiences of all ages a wonderful opportunity to experience the magic, beauty, and excitement of this timeless holiday classic.

This year’s performances will take place at two iconic Los Angeles venues: Royce Hall at UCLA, December 11–13, 2026, and the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, December 18–27, 2026. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition, introducing little ones to the ballet for the first time, or visiting Los Angeles for the holidays, this is a festive experience not to be missed!

The Nutcracker: A Magical Southern California Holiday Adventure

December 11–13, 2026 | Royce Hall at UCLA
December 18–27, 2026 | Dolby Theatre, Hollywood

Choreographed by Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, with the beloved music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker combines the treasured traditions of the classic holiday story with a distinctly Southern California personality.

Audiences are invited to journey alongside young Clara and her beloved Nutcracker as they battle the unforgettable Mouse King, encounter a magical world of dancing Snowflakes, and travel to the spectacular Palace of the Dolls.

What makes LAB’s production especially delightful are its imaginative California touches. Clara’s story unfolds in an elegant Spanish-style Hancock Park home, surrounded by familiar Southern California beauty, including calla lilies, bougainvillea, and California poppies. The adventure continues through the snowy forests of Big Bear, past the archways of Venice Beach, and toward a breathtaking, moonlit Pacific Ocean.

The result is a beautiful blend of holiday nostalgia and California charm!

Performances at the Dolby Theatre will feature Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Gavriel Heine. The holiday run also includes a Christmas Eve performance, making it a particularly special way to celebrate the season.

An Inclusive Holiday Experience: Sensory Friendly Performance

December 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM
Dolby Theatre, Hollywood

Los Angeles Ballet is also making the magic of The Nutcracker more accessible with a special Sensory Friendly Performance on December 26 at 2:00 PM.

Created for individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, and other cognitive or social challenges, this specially adapted performance offers a more comfortable and welcoming environment for audience members and their families.

Presented in partnership with the Autism Society Los Angeles Chapter, this thoughtful initiative helps ensure that more families can share in the joy and wonder of live ballet.

A Holiday Treat: The Nutcracker Tea at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

November 21 & 22, 2026

Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills

9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210

• Saturday, November 21, 2026: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM

• Sunday, November 22, 2026: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM

The event features festive High Tea, Nutcracker performances, holiday crafts, photo opportunities, and dancing with Clara and her doll friends.

Before the curtain rises on the holiday performances, Los Angeles Ballet invites guests to celebrate the season with its signature Nutcracker Tea, a delightful holiday fundraiser at the elegant Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.

Designed for guests of all ages, this enchanting afternoon combines the pleasures of High Tea with the magic of ballet. Guests can enjoy an assortment of festive sweets and savory treats, a Nutcracker-themed craft, interactive photo opportunities, and a special presentation featuring characters and scenes from LAB’s beloved production.

One of the highlights is an excerpted ballet performance, bringing favorite characters to life. Children will even have the opportunity to dance with Clara and her doll friends!

Beyond the festive fun, Nutcracker Tea serves an important purpose: proceeds provide vital support for Los Angeles Ballet initiatives, including its Outreach and Education Programs.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a memorable holiday experience while supporting the arts and the next generation of ballet lovers.

Purchase tickets for the tea here.

Looking Ahead: Exciting News for Los Angeles Ballet’s 2026–2027 Season

The excitement doesn’t end with the holidays! The New Year brings the continuation of Los Angeles Ballet’s residency at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in January 2027, with returning choreographers Christopher Wheeldon and Ma Cong.

And there’s even more to look forward to in the spring: LAB will present a long-awaited Company premiere of Coppélia, the feel-good storybook ballet filled with romance, humor, and delightful characters.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting season for Los Angeles Ballet, with something wonderful for longtime ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Mark Your Calendars:

Nutcracker Tea
November 21 & 22, 2026
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

The Nutcracker – Royce Hall at UCLA
December 11–13, 2026

The Nutcracker – Dolby Theatre
December 18–27, 2026

Sensory Friendly Performance
December 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM
Dolby Theatre

January 2027
Los Angeles Ballet at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Spring 2027
Company premiere of Coppélia

Whether it’s an elegant afternoon of Nutcracker Tea, a magical evening at the ballet, or an exciting new production in the New Year, Los Angeles Ballet is offering plenty of reasons to celebrate the season.

Make it a holiday tradition, gather family and friends, and experience the magic of Los Angeles Ballet!