The Nutcracker Ballet has become an American holiday tradition. This treasured classic is a magical and spectacular show for the whole family. With Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, it offers a wonderful experience of dance, music, artistic costumes, and theatrical set design.
Below are many of the best ranked professional ballet Nutcracker performances for the 2024 holiday season.
Magical Christmas Ballet
November and December, 2024
A professional American/Ukranian/Russian ballet company that has become a holiday institution. It changed its name in solidarity with the Ukraine from the Moscow Ballet. It holds Nutcracker performances in 47 U.S. cities, including Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, St. Louis, New Orleans, and others.
American Ballet Theatre
December 12 to 22, 2024, Casa Mesa, CA
Recognized by Congress as America’s premiere ballet company and ranked as one of the top professional ballet companies in the world. Formed in New York City in 1940, its focus is on classical ballet. It is one of eight ballet companies licensed to perform the George Ballanchine Nutcracker choreography.
New York City Ballet
November 29 to January 4, 2024
The iconic ballet company was by founded by George Ballanchine with Jerome Robbins in 1948. It is ranked as one of the top professional ballet companies in the world.
Boston Ballet
November 29 to December 29, 2024
The Nutcracker has become an annual New England holiday tradition. The Boston Ballet is ranked as one of the best in the U.S. The professional company was formed in 1963 with a focus on classical ballet.
Philadelphia Ballet
December 6 to 29, 2024
A leading professional ballet company that is one of eight companies licensed to perform the Ballanchine Nutcracker choreography. It was formed in 1963.
Miami City Ballet
December 13 to 24, 2024
Formed in 1985, the Miami City Ballet is ranked as one of the top professional ballet companies in the U.S., performing both contemporary and classical dance. It is one of eight companies licensed to perform the Ballanchine Nutcracker choreography.
Alabama Ballet
December 13 to 23, 2024, Birmingham
Founded in 1981, the Alabama Ballet has risen to be ranked as one of the top professional ballet companies in the U.S., performing both contemporary and classical dance. It is one of eight companies licensed to perform the Ballanchine Nutcracker choreography.
Nashville Ballet
December 6 to 26, 2024
A highly respected professional ballet company which was formed in 1986.
Joffrey Ballet
December 6 to 28, 2024, Chicago
The Joffrey is ranked as one of the top professional ballet companies in the world, performing both contemporary and classical dance since its formation in 1965.
Charlotte Ballet
December 6 to 22, 2024
The professional ballet company was formed in 1970.
Houston Ballet
November 29 to December 29, 2024
Founded in 1955, the professional ballet company has risen to be one of the best in the U.S.
Colorado Ballet
November 30 to December 29, 2024, Denver
The Nutcracker is a Colorado holiday tradition, the professional company was formed in 1961 and performs both contemporary dance and classical ballet.
San Francisco Ballet
December 6 to 29, 2024
Founded in 1933, it is described as part of the ‘triumvirate’ of the great classical American professional companies along with the American Ballet Theatre, NY and the New York City Ballet.
Los Angeles Ballet
December 6 to 28, 2024
The Nutcracker has become a Los Angeles holiday tradition. The professional company was formed in 2004 with a focus on classical ballet.
Pacific Northwest Ballet
November 29 to December 28, 2024, Seattle
Formed in 1972, the Pacific Northwest Ballet is ranked as one of the best professional companies in the U.S. It is one of eight companies licensed to perform the Ballanchine Nutcracker choreography.
Ballet Arizona
December 6 to 24, 2024, Phoenix
It is one of a few companies licensed to perform the Ballanchine Nutcracker choreography. The professional company was formed in 1986.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
December 6 to 27. 2024
The professional ballet was formed in 1969.
Atlanta Ballet
December 8 to 26, 2024
The professional ballet company was formed in 1929. It is one of a few companies licensed to perform the Ballanchine Nutcracker choreography.
Cincinnati Ballet
December 19 to 20, 2024
An annual Ohio tradition by the highly acclaimed professional ballet company formed in 1958.
Orlando Ballet
December 6 to 27, 2024
The Nutcracker has become an annual tradition. The professional ballet company was formed in 1974.
Texas Ballet Theatre
November 29 to December 29, Dallas and Fort Worth
The professional ballet was formed in 1961.
St. Louis Ballet
November 30 to December 23, 2024
The professional ballet was formed in 1975.
