The first bars of Tchaikovsky's musical score signal the holiday season for many and there is no shortage of chances for you and yours to enjoy the annual tradition of "The Nutcracker" here in San Diego.
First seen in the U.S. in 1944 in San Francisco, the holiday ballet didn't truly become a hit until it was performed in New York City 10 years later.
Now, families in nearly every city across the U.S. can travel to the beautiful Land of Sweets ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy.
We've put together a list of “The Nutcracker” performances throughout San Diego:
Encinitas Ballet
Encinitas Ballet will be bringing the traditional "Story of The Nutcracker" ballet to the North County. Only one show will be offered on Sunday, Dec. 2nd. Tickets range from $17-30. To view more information or buy tickets visit their website.
California Ballet
Local
California Ballet’s glittering production of "The Nutcracker" will leap onto the stage at the San Diego Civic Theater in December. Guests will be able to meet Sugar Plum, Clara and The Prince in the Grand Salon after the 1:00, 2:00 and 5:30 performances. The show will start on Dec.14 - 23. Tickets range from $91-$21.
California Ballet is also offering toddler-friendly performances for children under 4. Tickets range from $46- $31 for adults and $34- $22 for children. Two shows will be offered on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21.
To view more information or buy tickets visit their website.
Moscow Ballet
Coming from around the world Moscow Ballet’s spectacular performance of "The Great Russian Nutcracker" will be performing at the San Diego Symphony Hall. Forty world-class Russian artists will be bringing this classic story to life with two performances on Dec. 20. Tickets range from $89-$29. To view more information or to purchase tickets visit their website.
San Diego Ballet
San Diego Ballet will also be performing "The Nutcracker" at Symphony Hall. The weekend of Dec. 29th come to see the international cast of over 100 colorfully costumed dancers. Tickets are on sale now at the Jacobs Music Center Ticket Office (619)235-0804.
For ticket information visit their website.
City Ballet
City Ballet will make you feel the magic of the holidays with their performance of "The Nutracker." City Ballet will be performing on weekends in the Spreckels Theatre starting Dec. 7-Dec. 23. Ticket prices range from $25- $89. To view ticket information, visit their website.
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet
The enchanted land of falling snow, waltzing flowers, and toy soldiers will be making their way to Balboa Park. The San Diego Civic Youth Ballet will be performing "The Nutcracker" in Casa del Prado Theater from Dec. 14- Dec. 23. Tickets range from $12-18. For more information visit their website.
West Coast Ballet
The family-oriented performance will capture your heart. West Coast Ballet Theater will bring "The Nutcracker" to the Center for the Arts Escondido Dec.22-23. Tickets range from $21-42. For more information visit their website.
On Nov. 1, the feature film "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms" will be released by Walt Disney Pictures offering yet another way for families to enjoy the story of the young girl's Christmas Eve adventure.
Chula Vista Ballet
Kick off the holidays by going to see The Nutcracker presented by Taeko Nishino’s Chula Vista Ballet. Performing one day only grab your tickets to see Clara when she visits the Beautiful Land of Sweets. Performances are on Nov. 17 at 2p.m. and 6p.m. at the Chapman Theatre in Eastlake Highschool. Tickets are $25 per person and $35 for VIP. It is recommended to arrive early for the best seat selection. For more information visit their website.
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