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!
Events are listed chronologically; click the title of any event to learn more and purchase tickets.
Colorado School of Dance presents Nutcracker of Parker
Thursday, November 21 through Tuesday, November 26
PACE Center, Parker • $34
Kick off the season and bring your family to the annual holiday tradition, the Nutcracker of Parker! This magical ballet features the famous score of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky alongside the best of the best pointe dancers and community actors, blending a cast of professionals and local dancers from our community.
Denver Academy of Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Saturday, November 23
Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree • $30
The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a girl who receives a nutcracker as a Christmas present. Together they travel to the Land of Sweets.
Colorado Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Saturday, November 30 through Sunday, December 29 ( Sensory friendly performance December 1 at 1pm)
Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver • Tickets start at $50
Embark on a journey into a winter wonderland where the magic of the holidays takes center stage. Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to delight audiences of all ages with this timeless tradition that captures the festive spirit of the season, replete with mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums, and a symphony of swirling snowflakes.
On Pointe School of Dance presents Clara’s Dream: A Retelling of the Nutcracker Ballet
Wednesday, December 4 and Thursday, December 5
PACE Center, Parker • $23
Clara’s Dream, a delightful twist on The Nutcracker, is an all-student dance performance. We’re excited to have all our dancers, from ages three to adults, take the stage to perform our unique version of the classic holiday favorite.
Denver Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker
Thursday, December 12 through Tuesday, December 17
PACE Center, Parker • $29
It's one of the sweetest treats of the holiday season: The Nutcracker, proudly presented by Parker Arts and Denver Ballet Theatre. With brilliant choreography and a beloved score by Tchaikovsky, Parker Arts’ and Denver Ballet Theatre’s production is a festive treat for the entire family!
The Nutcracker of Castle Rock
Thursday, December 19 through Sunday, December 22
Castle View High School, Castle Rock • $20
CRDA is excited to announce our 10th annual production of The Nutcracker of Castle Rock! Join us for this community favorite as we celebrate the magic of the season!
Parker Dance Academy presents The Nutcracker 2024
Friday, December 20 through Saturday, December 21
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!
Summit Dance Academy presents The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 21 through Sunday, December 22
PACE Center, Parker • $31
Kick off your holiday week with this unforgettable celebration of music, dance, and seasonal wonder! Please note that children under 2 years old will not be allowed to attend.
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of event information. However, we recommend checking with the venue to make sure an event is not changed or canceled. Get a FREE kid-friendly calendar for Douglas County, CO, full of festivals, activities, and events delivered right to your inbox when you sign up at highlandsranch.macaronikid.com/subscribe.
