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 the best-ranked professional ballet Nutcracker performances for the 2022 holiday season.
Magical Christmas Ballet
November and December, 2022
A professional American/Ukranian/Russian ballet company that has become a holiday institution. It changed its name in solidarity with 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 9 to 18, 2022, NYC and 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 25 to December 31, 2022
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 25 to December 31, 2022
A New England holiday tradition. The Boston Ballet is ranked as one of the best in the U.S. It was formed in 1963 with a focus on classical ballet.
Philadelphia Ballet
December 9 to 25, 2022
A leading ballet company that is one of eight companies licensed to perform the Ballanchine Nutcracker choreography. It was formed in 1963.
Miami City Ballet
December 16 to 30, 2022
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 16 to 23, 2022, 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 9 to 24, 2022
A highly respected professional ballet company which was formed in 1986.
Joffrey Ballet
December 3 to 27, 2022, Chicago
The Joffrey is ranked as one of the top ballet companies in the world, performing both contemporary and classical dance.
Cincinnati Ballet
December 1 to 24, 2022
An annual Ohio tradition by the professional ballet company formed in 1958.
Houston Ballet
November 25 to December 27, 2022
Founded in 1955, the professional ballet company has risen to be one of the best in the U.S.
Colorado Ballet
November 26 to December 24, 2022, Denver
A Colorado holiday tradition, the company was formed in 1961 and performs both contemporary dance and classical ballet.
San Francisco Ballet
December 8 to 27, 2022
Founded in 1933, it is described as part of the ‘triumvirate’ of the great classical American companies along with the American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet.
Los Angeles Ballet
December 3 to 26, 2022
Has become a Los Angeles holiday tradition. The company was formed in 2004.
Pacific Northwest Ballet
November 25 to December 27, 2022, Seattle
It is ranked as one of the best ballet companies in the U.S. It is one of eight companies licensed to perform the Ballanchine Nutcracker choreography.
