Nothing says the holidays quite like the timeless magic of “The Nutcracker” with its recognizable Tchaikovsky score, enchanted toys, battling mice, swirling snowflakes and famed “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” There are so many options in the Bay Area to introduce your children to ballet or continue a family tradition, from epic big city versions to smaller affairs featuring local dance students.
Alameda Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
NOV. 23 AND 24. It’s the 20th year for this beloved production. 2pm. Prices TBA.
Castro Valley Center for the Arts, 19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley
Ballet America’s “Nutcracker”
DEC. 7 AND 8. Students dance all the main roles in this annual performance. See website for details.
Main Theater, Cañada College, Redwood City
Ballet Petit’s “Nutcracker”
DEC. 7. This Hayward classical ballet school presents this holiday favorite. 2 and 7pm. Ticket prices TBA.
Chabot College Performing Arts Complex, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward
Black Diamond Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
DEC. 6-8 AND DEC. 14-15. This 11th annual performance features exciting new choreography, costumes and dazzling cultural dances. There will be a sensory-friendly performance on Dec. 7 at 1pm. $20-36.
El Campanil Theatre, 601 E. Second St. Antioch
blackdiamondballet.org/nutcracker
“Dance-Along Nutcracker”
DEC. 7 AND 8. The San Francisco Pride Band chooses a new theme each year for one-of-a-kind, audience-participation “Nutcracker.” See website for details.
dance-along-nutcracker.sfprideband.org
Diablo Ballet’s “The Nutcracker Suite”
NOV. 15-16. This is a newly expanded version of Julia Adam’s holiday hit, with post-performance events. $30-58, discounts for youth and seniors.
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
diabloballet.org/nutcracker-suite
Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker”
DEC. 21 AND 22. 1pm. See the Oakland Ballet perform this holiday classic, with Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score brought to life by the Oakland Symphony and Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir. Sweet Dreams parties follow at 3:30pm with an additional ticket. 1pm. $34.30 and up.
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland
Marin Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
DEC. 7 AND 8. This production features 125 dancers and elaborate Victorian costumes and sets. Ticket prices TBA.
Marin School of the Arts Theater, 625 Arthur St., Novato
“Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets”
DEC. 7-22. Now in its 16th season, this unique 50-minute version is designed for families with young children. $23.50-59.50.
Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for the Arts and Culture, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, San Francisco
New Ballet’s “The San Jose Nutcracker”
DEC. 14-23. Presented with Symphony San Jose for the first time since 2013, this joyful holiday production transports the well-loved story to turn-of-the-century San Jose, with historical references that highlight the area’s valley setting as a birthplace of innovation. It features New Ballet’s professional dancers and students, and dancers from Los Lupenos Juvenil. “My Very First Nutcracker,” for the youngest audiences, is scheduled at 11am on Dec. 15 and 22. $31.50 and up.
California Theatre,345 First St., San Jose
“The Original San Jose Nutcracker”
DEC. 6-8 AND 13-15. San Jose Dance Theatre and The Cambrian Symphony perform the holiday classic. VIP tickets include a backstage tour and a Candy Kingdom Party. “Once Upon a Nutcracker,” an excerpted version for young audiences, will take place at 10:30am on Dec. 6 ($15). $39.50-115.
Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S. Almaden Blvd, San Jose
Pacific Ballet Academy’s “The Nutcracker”
NOV. 29-DEC. 1. It’s the 33rd annual performance of this dance academy’s “Nutcracker.” A shortened sensory-friendly and children’s show (of Act 2) will take place Nov. 29 at 2pm ($15). $30, children $25.
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
http://pacificballet.org/nutcracker
Ramon Moreno School of Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
DEC. 14 AND 15. This school’s talented dancers bring the magic of the timeless classic to life on stage. $49.87.
Menlo–Atherton Performing Arts Center, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton
ramonmorenoballet.com/nutcracker
San Francisco Ballet “Nutcracker”
DEC. 6-29. Experience the wonder of Helgi Tomasson’s “Nutcracker,” a Bay Area holiday tradition set in 1915 San Francisco, now in its 20th year. A special sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for Dec. 29 at 11am. Children under age 3, including babies, will not be admitted. $35-368.
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
sfballet.org/productions/nutcracker
Valley Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”
DEC. 14-15 AND 20-22. This full production of “The Nutcracker,” accompanied by the Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra, has entertained families for more than 40 years with elaborate sets, skilled dancers and beautiful costumes. $39-49 adults, $25 under age 18, 2 and under FREE.
Bankhead Theatre, 2400 First St., Livermore
Western Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
DEC. 13-15. $40-45. Experience this delightful performance, and then enjoy a post-show Sweet Tea to meet the dancers and take photos. This performance is 1.5 hours with one intermission and is appropriate for all ages (lap passes available for babies 12 months and younger). $42-47.
Mountain View Center for Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View