The holiday season is upon us and as the calendar fills up with shopping, baking and decorating, one occasion that has become an annual tradition for many families is going to see The Nutcracker. We’re fortunate to have a very diverse and active dance community in the Puget Sound area. Like fine wines and delicate chocolates, ballet companies have different and unique approaches to their study of dance, and these philosophies have a profound effect on the staging, style, setting and performance of their Nutcracker productions.
Below is a sneak peek to our guide of Nutcracker performances.
Duvall Performing Arts | December 12-21, 2025 | matinee and evening performances Friday-Sunday | Cedarcrest High School Theater, 29000 NE 150th St., Duvall | $27-$32 | All ages | You are invited to join Clara on a magical and mysterious journey in this newly reimagined 90-minute dance performance. You’ll be dazzled by beautiful choreography, stunning costumes and sets, and the enchanting music of Tchaikovsky. Nutcracker performances by Duvall Performing Arts showcase talented local dancers from across the Snoqualmie Valley, ages 5–18, alongside adult performers from Cascade Community Theatre. Guests can enjoy festive Nutcracker-themed treats at intermission and capture memories at holiday photo backdrops before or after the show. Celebrate the season with this timeless tradition full of whimsy, humor, and heart.
International Ballet Theatre | December 5-23, 2025 | Matinee and evening performances Friday-Sunday | Meydenbauer Theatre, 11100 NE 6th St., Bellevue | $45-$65 | All ages | Exquisite costumes, sets, and the International Ballet Theatre’s talented dancers are the reason that families return to see IBT’s classical rendition of “The Nutcracker” year after year. With its roots in the traditional constructs of Russian ballet philosophy, this performance is staged according to the original choreography as it was first performed at the Mariinsky Theatre in 1892. This production features a cast of 80 talented young people, experienced professional dancers, and visual performance artists who bring the story of The Nutcracker to life. Attend the opening night performance of IBT’s Nutcracker and enjoy $12 off each ticket (valid for online ticket purchases only). The program length is 1 hour 50 minutes with 15 15-minute intermission.
Pacific Northwest Ballet | November 28 – December 28, 2025 | matinee and evening performances | McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., Seattle | Tickets starting at $35 | Recommended ages 5+ | Prepare to be dazzled when the curtain goes up on George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”, performed by Pacific Northwest Ballet. “The Nutcracker” experience features a picture-perfect lobby, Tchaikovsky’s classic score (played brilliantly by the PNB Orchestra), gorgeous costumes and scenery, impressive performances, and so much more! “The Nutcracker” will feature dancers in a full-length, two-hour performance, certain to bring Clara’s dreams to life for a new generation of fans. PNB also makes the tradition of “The Nutcracker” more than just a performance with special themed nights. Enchanted Lobby on November 28, 29, and 30, where you will get to experience a winter wonderland in the lobby. It will feature photo-ops with Snowflake characters, pop-up magic shows, and sweet treats for all in the Lobby. There will be other themed nights for the 2025 season, learn more here. A sensory-friendly performance will be held at 2:00 p.m. on December 12.
Tacoma City Ballet | December 13-21, 2025 | weekend matinee and evening performances | Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma | Tickets starting at $33 (Tickets required for all guests, including infants) | All ages | Celebrate the 70th anniversary season of “The Nutcracker” with Tacoma City Ballet. Located in the magnificent Pantages Theater, accompanied by the Tacoma City Ballet Orchestra, this is a performance to remember. Enjoy an afternoon of sheer delight with the whole family, and make a scrumptious holiday memory that will last a lifetime. A perfect holiday gift! This special Nutcracker is worth a weekend trip to downtown Tacoma.
