The Nutcracker by Los Angeles Ballet
Audiences join Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they battle the Mouse King and travel through the Land of Snow to the Palace of the Dolls. The production infuses the traditional story with Southern California landmarks, setting scenes across a Spanish-style Hancock Park mansion, Big Bear, the Venice Beach arches, and the Pacific Ocean. Performances at the Dolby Theatre feature Tchaikovsky's iconic score played live by the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra.
What to Expect
Sets the classic holiday tale against iconic Southern California landmarks.
Event Details
Duration
2 hours plus a 20-minute intermission.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Hollywood
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Los Angeles Ballet
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of classic holiday ballet
Vibe
Magical and theatrical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Standard: $44–$163; Senior (Age 60+), Student, Military, and Child (Under 12): $40–$147, depending on seating section. Prices include a $6.00 service charge. – Get tickets
- Hours: December 11: 7:30 pm; December 12: 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm; December 13: 2:00 pm; December 18: 7:30 pm; December 19: 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm; December 20: 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm; December 22: 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm; December 23: 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm; December 24: 2:00 pm; December 26: 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm; December 27: 2:00 pm. The sensory-friendly performance is December 26 at 2:00 pm.
- Accessibility: The December 26 matinee is a sensory-friendly performance for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other cognitive or social challenges.
Tips & Advice
- Pick a Dolby Theatre date if you want live music, because the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra plays the score at those performances.
- Book the December 26 matinee for anyone with sensory sensitivities, since that performance is adapted to make it more comfortable for them and their families.
- Choose the senior, student, military or child ticket type when it applies, because those seats cost less than standard tickets.
- Buy everyone's seats in one order to sit together, keeping in mind that each order is capped at 8 seats.
- Allow roughly two and a half hours, because the ballet runs two hours and has a 20-minute intermission.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sensory-friendly matinee on December 26 for people with autism or sensory sensitivities and their families.
- Dolby Theatre performances feature the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra playing live, and they continue after Christmas Day.
- Annual Nutcracker Tea on November 21 and 22, ticketed separately.
- Reduced pricing for seniors 60+, students, military and children under 12.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
It runs about two hours, plus a 20-minute intermission.
Is there a sensory-friendly performance?
Yes. The December 26 matinee is adapted to be more comfortable for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other cognitive or social challenges, and their families.
Is the music played live?
At the Dolby Theatre performances, the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky's score live.
What makes this Nutcracker different?
It is set in Southern California. Scenes move from a Spanish-style Hancock Park mansion to the slopes of Big Bear, the Venice Beach arches and the moonlit Pacific. The choreography is by LAB founders Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary.
Are there reduced ticket prices?
Yes. Seniors 60 and over, students, military and children under 12 pay less than standard prices. You can buy up to 8 seats per order.
More Christmas Events Near Los Angeles
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