The classic holiday ballet, adapted from E.T.A. Hoffman's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, made its debut in 1892 in St. Petersburg (Russia).
Today, it is one of the most popular productions in the United States, especially during the Christmas season, and some ballet companies earn as much as 40% of their annual revenue from performances of this annual favorite.
Treat your family to one of these upcoming productions or Nutcracker-themed events and create — or continue — a holiday tradition!
Seeing The Nutcracker for the first time? |
If you've never taken your child to see The Nutcracker, I offer these tips:
- Read the story together. A ballet tells a story through dance, not words, so it will help your child to understand what is happening throughout the performance. Arapahoe County Libraries has a variety of child-friendly versions of the story available to borrow.
- Listen to the soundtrack. Although your child will probably recognize the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," most of the other songs will probably be unfamiliar. Play the soundtrack in the background while you are preparing dinner, playing board games, or putting away toys. Find it on Spotify or wherever you listen to music.
- Discuss proper behavior. Talk about good etiquette at a live performance, such as sitting quietly, whispering, and clapping when others are clapping. Although performances of The Nutcracker are generally family-friendly, with lots of children in attendance, it's important to remember that our behavior can affect the enjoyment of other audience members.
Places to see The Nutcracker near Denver |
Colorado Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Saturday, November 25 through Saturday, December 24
Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver • Tickets start at $40
The holiday spirit leaps to life in this treasured family tradition. Featuring breathtaking sets and costumes, Colorado Ballet invites you to follow Clara and her Nutcracker prince on the sweet, snow-dusted adventure only Tchaikovsky could score. See where the story you know by heart takes you this year.
International Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 2 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
The Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver • $35-$50
This production is "Denver's family friendliest show!" Share in the festive holiday party, the exciting battle with the notorious Rat King, and Clara's adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into an enchanting winter wonderland. Enjoy dazzling dancing snowflakes, the sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy, and the international treats of the land of sweets!
Boulder Ballet presents The Nutcracker with the Longmont Symphony
Saturday, December 2 & Sunday, December 3
Vance Brand Civic Auditorium, Longmont • Starting at $19
Sensory-Inclusive Performance: December 2 at 1:00 PM
The magic of the holidays takes center stage in Boulder Ballet's dazzling production of The Nutcracker. The famous story follows Clara on her wonderous journey through the Land of the Sweets. The entire family will be delighted by Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score, inspiring moments that will become cherished memories for years to come.
CU Boulder Thompson Jazz Big Bands: The Nutcracker
Monday, December 4 at 6:30 PM & 9:00 PM
Dazzle, Denver • $15-$20
Directed by John Gunther, CU’s award-winning big band will perform this amazing jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s famous score for “The Nutcracker.” The CU Jazz Ensemble has been recognized as one of the nation’s outstanding big bands.
On Pointe School of Dance presents Clara's Dream
Wednesday, December 6 & Thursday, December 7, at 6:00 PM
PACE Center, Parker • $22
Clara’s Dream is an all-student dance performance based on the classic Nutcracker ballet, in which Clara journeys from her home on Christmas Eve through a Valley of Snow to the stunning Land of Sweets. You will be dazzled by exciting costumes, entertaining choreography, and enthralling music.
Rocky Mountain Ballet Academy presents The Nutcracker 2023
Friday, December 8 through Sunday, December 10
The Elaine Wolf Theatre, Denver • $29-$49
Rocky Mountain Ballet Academy presents the traditional full-length production of The Nutcracker. Children, adults, and the young at heart will enjoy the colorful scenery, magnificent costumes, and sensational dancing. From the warmth of the Stahlbaum home to the magical Land of the Sweets, the dancers are sure to create sweet holiday memories for your family.
Colorado Conservatory of Dance presents The Nutcracker
December 9-10 & December 16-17
Performing Arts Complex at PCS, Federal Heights • $24-$58
Colorado Conservatory of Dance’s production of The Nutcracker boasts gorgeous sets and costumes, stunning choreography, and professional guest artists. Step into a world of enchantment and wonder as CCD presents The Nutcracker like you’ve never seen before.
Denver Ballet Theater presents The Nutcracker
Thursday, December 14 through Tuesday, December 19
PACE Center, Parker • Tickets start at $29
One of the sweetest treats of the holiday season, The Nutcracker, is an enchanting ballet with a feel-good story about the wonder of childhood. With brilliant choreography and a beloved score by Tchaikovsky, Parker Arts and Denver Ballet Theater’s production is a festive treat for the entire family!
Virtuosity Dance Centre presents The Nutcracker
Friday, December 15 at 6:00 PM & Saturday, December 16 at 1:00 PM
Bunker Auditorium, Golden • $18-$26
VDC's The Nutcracker is a wild, unconventional adventure with Clara through Fairyland with Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Acrobatics! With a nod to the tradition we love and a fresh take, VDC's The Nutcracker is fun for the whole family!
The Nutcracker of Castle Rock
Friday, December 16 through Sunday, December 18
Castle View High School, Castle Rock • $20
Experience the magic as you watch this classic story unfold! Follow a young girl who befriends a nutcracker who comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Follow her on her adventure through a snowstorm and into the Land of Sweets! A community tradition, your holiday isn't complete without The Nutcracker Of Castle Rock!
Littleton Youth Ballet and Littleton Ballet Academy present The Nutcracker
Friday, December 15 through Sunday, December 17
Joanna Ramsey Theatre, Westminster • $26-$48
Featuring a cast of over 140 children, pre-professional dancers, and guest artists, this delightful ballet with full backdrops and beautiful costumes will transport you to a simpler time and an enchanting place — where snowflakes dance, nutcrackers turn into princes, and wishes really do come true!
Parker Dance Academy presents The Nutcracker 2023
Friday, December 15 through Sunday, December 17
Ponderosa High School, Parker • $25
With breathtaking costumes, professionally painted sets, and a talent level that is second to none, Parker Dance Academy's production of this holiday classic will bring you all the magic and promise of the Nutcracker tradition!
Ballet Melange presents The Nutcracker
Friday, December 15 through Sunday, December 17
Lakewood Cultural Center, Lakewood • $15-$35
Ballet Melange presents The Nutcracker, a full-length ballet performed in collaboration with Classical Ballet Academy. At the Stahlbaum’s Christmas Eve celebration, Uncle Drosselmeyer's gift of a Nutcracker doll to his niece Masha leads to an enchanted adventure involving first love, victorious battles, and a visit to the Land of the Sweets.
Summit Dance Academy presents The Nutcracker
Friday, December 22 & Saturday, December 23
PACE Center, Parker • Starting at $29
Create memories to last a lifetime as Tchaikovsky’s much-loved music is matched to a story of magic on Christmas Eve, following Clair and her Nutcracker Prince to the Land of Sweets. Featuring guest artists former Colorado Ballet’s Francisco Estevez, Erina Tanaka, Grant McIntosh, and Brandon Welch.
