Last updated on March 4th, 2026
Wondering where you can see The Nutcracker in San Diego this holiday season?
The timeless tale of The Nutcracker returns to several beautiful theaters in San Diego this year, offering multiple takes on Clara’s magical journey – perfect for families, kids, and anyone who wants to experience this beautiful holiday ballet performance.
My love for The Nutcracker started as a kid growing up in New York, when my mom would take us to Lincoln Center in NYC every year to see the ballet. As an adult, I’ve taken my own son to see it almost every year here in San Diego, and the performances are always stellar.
Finding the right show on the right date at the right price can be overwhelming, so I’ve done all the research for you. In this article, I’ve gathered all The Nutcracker performance schedules and information in one place to help make your decision easy. Here’s your complete guide to where and when you can catch The Nutcracker this holiday season.
San Diego Nutcracker Ballet Performances 2025
Experience the holiday magic of The Nutcracker at some of Southern California’s top venues this December. From full-scale productions with live orchestras to kid-friendly versions perfect for young audiences, there’s a performance for every family.
1. Golden State Ballet – The Nutcracker
Performed with live accompaniment by the San Diego Symphony, this is San Diego’s largest Nutcracker production. We’ve been to this one several times, and in addition to being a gorgeous production, the theater itself is beautiful. The show runs just over two hours, including intermission. If you are looking for a big, professional production, this is the ballet performance I highly recommend!
Venue: San Diego Civic Theatre
Performance Dates & Times:
- Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 14 at 1 p.m.
- Friday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 21 at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Why Families Love It: A polished, professional staging with full live orchestra, perfect for a magical holiday experience in downtown San Diego.
- San Diego Civic Theatre – 1100 Third Avenue, San Diego
- goldenstateballet.org/nutcracker
2. City Ballet of San Diego – The Nutcracker
This elegant version of the ballet has been awarded “San Diego’s Best Nutcracker” and will be performed with a live orchestra. There are also live carolers in the lobby before each performance adding to the holiday experience.
Venue: California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Performance Dates & Times:
- Saturday, December 20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 21 at 2 p.m.
- Monday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Why Families Love It: With multiple showtimes and a live orchestra, this San Diego Nutcracker production is a community favorite with a high-quality production you’d expect in the city.
- California Center for the Arts – 340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido
- cityballet.org/performances/the-nutcracker
3. NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet (Touring)
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is a touring production, meaning it travels from city to city during the holidays for one incredible performance in each place. The principal dancers, trained at the most prestigious ballet academies around the world, are supported in each performance by a cast of local children.
With lavish costumes, sets, and an incomparable soundtrack (yes, you read that correctly – this San Diego Nutcracker performance does not include a live symphony) this festive ballet is sure to be the highlight of the holiday season.
Venue: Jacobs Music Center
Performance Dates & Times:
- Tuesday, December 16 at 7 p.m.
Why Families Love It: A colorful, theatrical twist on the classic ballet that’s great for kids who enjoy visual spectacle and fantasy elements.
- Jacobs Music Center – 750 B Street, San Diego
- cityballet.org/performances/the-nutcracker
4. World Ballet Company – The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company is a holiday treat packed with twinkling charm, sparkling costumes, and larger-than-life magic. With 40 professional dancers, over 150 hand-sewn costumes, and whimsical hand-painted sets, this beloved ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to life. This is a touring show that will be in San Diego for two performances only.
Venue: Balboa Theatre
Performance Dates & Times:
- Saturday, December 6 at 6 p.m.
- Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m.
Why Families Love It: World Ballet Company comes to San Diego early in December. It’s a great way for your family to kick off to holidays before the season gets busy.
- Balboa Theatre – 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego
- worldballetcompany.com/performances/the-nutcracker
5. San Diego Civic Youth Ballet – The Nutcracker
A charming, community-rooted production featuring local dancers, typically students of the school. San Diego Civic Youth Ballet (SDCYB) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1945, celebrating 80 years as the resident classical ballet school in Balboa Park. Tickets are affordable (around $25), with group and school discounts available. Balboa Park also offers free parking, making this a great choice if you are on a tight budget.
Venue: Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park
Performance Dates & Times:
- December 10-21 (exact times tba and updated)
Why Families Love It: Budget-friendly show performed in Balboa Park, where you can enjoy holiday lights before or after the performance. With its beautiful decorations, Balboa Park is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in San Diego.
- Casa del Prado Theater in Balboa Park – 1800 Village Place, San Diego
- sdcyb.org
6. Southern California Ballet – Nutcracker Field Trip Shows
Southern California Ballet’s Nutcracker Field Trip Shows make the stunning production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker available at an affordable price for school groups, people with disabilities, seniors, and sensory-friendly audiences. Performances are offered during the school day last around 85 minutes, a good deal shorter than the traditional full-length ballet. Includes educational resources for teachers.
Venue: Poway Center for the Performing Arts
Performance Dates & Times:
- Thursday, December 18 at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
- Friday, December 19 at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Why Families Love It: Shorter, daytime show great for students, seniors, and people with disabilities or very short attention spans.
- Poway Center for the Performing Arts – 14598 Espola Road, Poway
- southerncaliforniaballet.org/nutcracker-field-trip-shows
► You can find more performances of The Nutcracker in nearby Orange County in this guide to Christmas in Orange County, California.
Comparison Table
Here is an at-a-glance comparison table with details on where and when The Nutcracker is being performed in San Diego for 2025.
The Nutcracker San Diego – Tips for Families
Here are a few quick tips and important things to keep in mind when choosing and reserving your tickets to The Nutcracker in San Diego.
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Book early – Popular shows (especially Golden State Ballet and City Ballet) often sell out.
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Pick by age – Younger kids may enjoy a shorter version of the ballet; older kids may love the grandeur of Civic Theatre or City Ballet’s orchestra.
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Factor in location – Downtown venues (Civic, Jacobs, Balboa) are great if you are planning to be in the city, while Escondido and Poway are easier options for North County families.
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Arrive early – Parking fills fast, especially in Balboa Park and downtown. Leave yourself ample time to park, get to the theater, and settle in so you don’t feel stressed or rushed.
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Look for extras – Some productions offer school-day matinees, sensory-friendly options, or post-show meet-and-greets.
Final Thoughts: The Nutcracker at Christmastime
Seeing The Nutcracker is a big part of how we celebrate the holidays every year. Even if you are not the biggest ballet fan, seeing The Nutcracker is an experience you will undoubtedly enjoy. Plus, it is a great way to introduce kids to a little culture during the holidays.
From the grandeur of the Civic Theatre to the charm of Casa del Prado, these productions capture the holiday spirit and make unforgettable seasonal memories.
Save These San Diego Nutcracker Performances for Later!
Planning to be in San Diego during the holiday season? Pin the image below for future reference.
