The Nutcracker is has been delighting viewers for over 130 years, with a beloved storyline that is remembered throughout history as the holiday season’s ballet. Originally performed in St. Petersburg, Russia, accompanied by the music of Tchaikovsky, the story of a little girl named Clara on Christmas Eve unfolds into a whirlwind adventure, eventually culminating in a battle with the Mouse King.

Here are some local performances of The Nutcracker this holiday season where you can enjoy this beloved holiday tradition. Some have a note about a sensory-friendly showing, but be aware that these fill up early and quickly. Find even more sensory-friendly content in our All Kinds of Kids Guide.

The Philadelphia Ballet

Runs December 5 – 31

Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia

This performance by the Philadelphia Ballet is a classic. Philadelphia Ballet is one of the premier ballet companies in the United States and has received widespread critical acclaim for extraordinary performances of a diverse classical and contemporary repertoire. The sensory-friendly performance is December 26 at noon.

Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet

November 21—23

Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill

 Kick off the holiday season with the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet’s performance of the classic ballet that will transport you to the Land of Sweets! Audience members are invited to take pictures with the cast members after the Saturday performance. Ninety-minute performances are appropriate for children four years old and up. Before and after the show the lobby is a winter wonderland filled with nutcracker gifts ideal for holiday shopping. Tickets available online. There is on-site, free parking.

Philadelphia Dance Theatre

December 19 – 21, various performance times. ** 12/21 at 1pm is a special sensory friendly performance.
Montco Cultural Center Theatre, 1313 Morris Road, Blue Bell

 Philadelphia Dance Theatre first presented its production of The Nutcracker in 1999, and are delighted to continue this holiday tradition each winter. In 2011, PDT premiered a re-fashioned version of the traditional “Nutcracker,” entitled A Philadelphia Nutcracker set in Germantown, Northwest Philadelphia.

Nutcracker Sweets: A Swinging Sugarplum Treat by Ballet 180

December 14, at 1 pm and 4:30 pm

Upper Merion Middle School, 450 Keebler Rd, King Of Prussia

Join Ballet 180 School as they present Nutcracker Sweets: a lively twist on the classic Nutcracker tale that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Swirling snowflakes, tap dancing soldiers, 1940s swing, and beautiful ballet will fill the stage with magical moments as you follow the Sugarplum Fairy on her journey to the Land of the Sweets. This full length production features a cast of 200 dancers ranging from age four to adult, with lead roles performed by the Ballet 180 Student Company and by professional guest artists. The show runs about 90 minutes in length with intermission.

Upper Merion Dance and Gymnastics Center

December 20, 11 am and 2 pm

Upper Merion Middle School, 450 Keebler Rd, King Of Prussia

 The Nutcracker performances will feature dancers of Upper Merion Dance and Gymnastics many dance classes. The performance is child-friendly and kids 10 and under are free.

The Rock School

December 4 – 7

The Miller Theatre, 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia

This inclusive, 60-minute performance, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It’s a joyful holiday experience where all families can feel at home.

The Philadelphia Dance Academy

December 13 and 14
Mandell Theater, Drexel University, 3220 Chestnut St., Philadelphia

 The Philadelphia Dance Academy, now in its 21st season, and its youth performance company, The Philadelphia Youth Ballet, celebrate their 16th annual production of The Nutcracker. The popular ballet that has become a holiday classic throughout the world. Each two-hour performance will feature students of the Philadelphia Youth Ballet, Philadelphia Dance Academy, and professional guest artists.

Brandywine Ballet

Runs December 13 – 22

Emilie K. Asplundh Hall, West Chester University, University Avenue and High Street, West Chester
 

Join the Brandywine Ballet this December for the Holiday Classic, The Nutcracker! Ring in the season with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, and join Clara and her Uncle Drosselmeyer as they battle the Mouse King, travel through a magical forest of dancing snowflakes, and finally enter the Land of Sweets to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy who rewards them with performances by a sweet cast of characters.

International Ballet Classique

December 13 and 14 (sensory friendly performance on December 14 at 11:30 am)
Fred T. Meagher Theater, Neumann University, 1 Neumann Drive, Aston

 IBC is delighted to have 3 full length performances including a sensory-friendly abridged show on December 14th at 11:30. This original Nutcracker production showcases a cast of talented professional Guest Artists as well as a group of award-winning local ballet students.

 

Photographs by Alexander Iziliaev and courtesy of the Pennsylvania Ballet.