Best Places to See The Nutcracker Ballet Around the USA

Celebrate the holidays in style this year and transport your family to the magical world of The Nutcracker. This quintessential ballet plays every year around Christmastime and for many families, the show is a holiday staple. 

One of the most famous ballets in history, The Nutcracker is performed across the US by ballet companies who put their own twists on the timeless story. From touring companies such as the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet and the Hip Hop Nutcracker, to local companies in Miami or Houston, these are magical Nutcracker shows that your whole family will enjoy.

Make this an annual holiday tradition. Here are some of SheBuysTravel’s favorite and unique Nutcracker shows around the USA. 

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Miami City Ballet – Miami and West Palm Beach, FL

Miami’s version of the family friendly ballet combines local culture with the classic story of The Nutcracker Ballet. This version retains the magic of George Balanchine’s choreography and power of Tchaikovsky’s timeless score while bringing the artistic influence of Isabel and Ruben Toledo. The Toledos are Cuban American artists; she is a fashion designer, and he is an illustrator.

The production takes inspiration from the vibrancy and culture of the Miami area. According to Ruben Toledo, “The story’s links between the mystical human imagination, the language of dreams and the 2 power of transformation influenced our designs, and allowed us to imagine worlds of moonlit landscapes, frozen wonders, and a light-filled Caribbean paradise, reflecting our Cuban heritage.”

Performance Dates: The performances will run at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts from December 16 – 24 before running at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach from December 28 – 30.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If we do make a trip to Miami, the InterContinental Miami is on my list of places to check out.  Also on my list, I’m certainly going to see more of the culture at Calle Ocho. It’s not only SheBuysTravel recommended, but a hot spot that the Toledo’s have been spotted at.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Touring Nationwide

Hip Hop Nutcracker is a spin on the classic Nutcracker ballet with hip-hop choreography, an on-stage DJ, an electric violin AND the well-loved traditional Tchaikovsky score. Its story is set on Broadway and the streets of New York City. Maria-Clara is still rescued by the Nutcracker (a vendor selling nuts) before waking up in a dream state on New Year’s Day 1984.

Performance Dates: This is truly a touring event. The show will visit California, Washington, Oregon and Idaho on the West Coast; Florida and North Carolina in the Southeast; Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio in the central US; and Vermont, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland and Connecticut in the Northeast. 

SheBuysTravel Tip: With so many places to see the Hip Hop Nutcracker, use the SheBuysTravel rules on how to find the best airline tickets and let price be your guide. The city with the best airline ticket prices — or the quickest drive time — wins. Check our fly or drive guide to figure out which would be best for you.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet – Touring the United States

The NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is back for its 30th anniversary tour. This ballet features an international cast, led by renowned Ukrainian artists. The team is also made up of dancers and puppeteers from across the US, Japan, France, Italy, Turkey, the Czech Republic and South Africa. New this year, the show will also feature a brand-new flock of doves created by South African puppeteer Roger Titely. These doves represent peace and harmony, two values integral to the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet. 

Performance Dates: The ballet will touch much of the US with dates in 22 states. Check here for ticket dates in your city.

The Nutcracker, Houston Ballet – Houston, TX

The Houston Ballet presents Stanton Welch’s choreography in its version of the Nutcracker. Children are a central focus of the performance as the story opens with Clara addressing her toys; a change from the traditional party on Christmas Eve of most stories. The performance has a mix of traditional and contemporary elements. The Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince are present along with a trip to the Kingdom of Sweets.

Performance Dates: The performances will be held November 25 to December 27 at the Wortham Center’s Brown Theater.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Once you’re in Houston, there are so many places to visit and things to see. I’m all about checking out this extreme Houston adventure.

Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition or Nutcracker ballet experience? Where is your favorite place to see the Nutcracker? Tell us more about your favorite experiences.