The Long Beach Nutcracker
Audience members watch the Long Beach Ballet perform the classic holiday tale with a cast of over 200 accompanied by a full symphony orchestra. The production features grand stage spectacles, including a flying sleigh, a real live horse, onstage pyrotechnics, and special magic effects. Before stepping inside the three-story glass-walled lobby, visitors can take in a color-changing water fountain display on the plaza.
What to Expect
Features a full symphony orchestra, flying sleigh, live horse, and pyrotechnics.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Long Beach Ballet
Food & Drink
Food trucks are available outside the theater for visitors who arrive early.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of spectacular ballet productions
Vibe
Festive and spectacular
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $38.00 – $95.00; special VIP Package also available. – Get tickets
- Hours: Dec 12: 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Dec 13: 2:00pm; Dec 19: 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Dec 20: 2:00pm.
- Parking: Parking is available in a structure for $15 per car.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to enjoy food trucks, merchandise sales, and photo opportunities outside the theater before the performance.
- Select seats online if you want to choose your preferred location, but allow for Ticketmaster’s service fee.
- Buy tickets in person at the Long Beach Convention Center Box Office to avoid additional fees; it is open weekdays and Saturday.
- If driving, use the parking structure and budget $15 per car for event parking.
- Ask about group discounts if attending with at least 10 people, since discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
Special Events & Promotions
- The 44th-anniversary production mixes new surprises with classic entertainment.
- Guest artists Vitor Luiz, Tara Ghassemieh, Maté Szentes and Megan Wilcox dance this season.
- A special VIP Package is sold separately.
- Groups of 10 or more get a discount.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a good pick for people who aren't ballet fans?
Yes. It's a family production with pyrotechnics, magic effects, a flying sleigh and a real live horse. Artistic Director David Wilcox says you can hate ballet and still like this show.
Is the music live?
Yes. The Long Beach Ballet Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky's score, conducted by Roger Hickman. It's one of only two ballet companies in the country that use two harps in their production.
Is there anything to do before the show?
Arrive early for food trucks, merch sales and photo ops. You walk in through the Center's main plaza, past a fountain whose water columns change color.
How can I buy tickets without paying extra fees?
Buy in person at the Long Beach Convention Center Box Office at 330 E. Seaside Way, where there are no added fees. Ticketmaster sells seats online 24 hours a day, but a service fee applies.
Who are the guest artists?
The guest artists are Vitor Luiz, formerly a principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet, and Tara Ghassemieh, the first Iranian-American principal ballerina. They're joined by Maté Szentes and Megan Wilcox.
More Christmas Events Near Long Beach
More Christmas Events near Long Beach
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.