As the holiday season approaches, Washington, D.C., and its surrounding areas come alive with the magical performances of "The Nutcracker," each offering a unique twist on the classic ballet. My mother, daughter and I have loved going to the Washington Ballet's Nutcracker 2 years in a row so I share about that below. And this year, there are so many other unique interpretations of the Nutcracker!
Nutcracker DC Table of Contents:
Haha, thanks AI for this compilation of DC and Nutcracker :)
Washington DC Nutcracker Performances in 2024
Our Favorite Nutcracker in DC - The Washington Ballet Nutcracker Ballet
This is our favorite as the costumes, sets and theme are just wonderful! Also my daughter loved that she could have popcorn and cotton candy during the performances! The Washington Ballet presents a remarkable American Revolution-themed performance, transforming The Nutcracker into none other than George Washington himself, a fitting tribute in the nation's capital. King George is the Rat King is perfect!
Unique Features: American Revolution theme with George Washington as The Nutcracker.
Dates: November 30 - December 29, 2024.
Location: Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Cost Range: $49 - $120+
Tickets: The Washington Ballet
The Kennedy Center Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
Full of warmth and holiday cheer, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® returns in a whimsical production from Philadelphia Ballet (formerly Pennsylvania Ballet). Marvel at the magic of swirling snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and enchanted toys.
Dates: Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, 2024
Location: The Kennedy Center
Cost Range: $50 - $213
Tickets: The Kennedy Center
Northern Virginia Nutcracker Performances in 2024
Virginia National Ballet The Nutcracker at Capital One Hall
Dates:
- SATURDAY, DEC 21, 2024 DOORS: 12:00PM - BUY TICKETS
- SATURDAY, DEC 21, 2024 DOORS: 5:00PM
Tickets: Tickets start at $39
VNB’s annual performances of The Nutcracker are very popular at Capital One Hall in Tysons. Our professional productions feature world class dancing, great choreography, and beautiful sets, costumes, and special effects. VNB is thrilled to perform the 12th annual Nutcracker in 2024 at Capital One Hall, featuring beautiful new sets, costumes, and choreography!
PERFORMANCE DURATION: 2 HOURS
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra with the Fairfax Ballet Company The Nutcracker
Unique Features: Located on George Mason University Campus.
Dates: December 21 and 22 at 4 PM.
Location: Center for the Arts at George Mason University: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax
Cost Range: From $54
Tickets: Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
Nutcracker Performances in Maryland
Ballet Theatre of Maryland The Nutcracker - Family Friendly Party too!
Unique Features: Family-friendly with a "Sugar Plum Party."
Dates:
- November 24, 2024 - Coppermine Pantherplex
- December 14-22, 2024 - Maryland Hall
Location: Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St, Annapolis, MD 21401
Cost Range: From $74
Tickets:Ballet Theatre of Maryland
Bethesda Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Unique Features: International cast including artists from Ukraine, Tokyo, Italy, and Russia.
Dates: November 30, 2024 at 1 and 5 PM at The Strathmore
Cost Range: From $31 to $80
Location: The Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Tickets: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
The Puppet Co. The Nutcracker
Unique Features: Join the Puppet Co. for our 35th annual The Nutcracker! This time honored seasonal celebration includes Tchaikovsky's familiar story of Clara and her prince, with some Puppet Co. nursery rhyme spin.
Dates: November 26, 2024 - December 31, 2024 (Closed Dec. 25)
Cost Range: $15 (under 2 no ticket required)
Locations: Glen Echo Park!
Ballet Chesapeake: The Nutcracker
Unique Features: Full-length performance and a shortened version for young children.
Dates: December 14 and 15, 16 and 20, 21 and 22, 2024.
Price: Tickets start at $15
Locations: The Children's Theatre of Annapolis
Bonus! I believe most of these previews and story times are free!
Saturday, November 30: Severna Park Library 1:30pm
Sunday, December 1: Grand Illumination Story Time/Mini Preview
- 4:00pm Cocoa with Clara inside Zachary's Jeweler's Annapolis
- 4:30 Performance outside
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall – Westfield Annapolis Mall Story Time/Mini Preview
- Wednesday, November 20 – 6:00pm
- Sunday, December 8 – 2:00pm
And check out these 16 Things To Do in Annapolis with Kids!
Cirque Nutcracker with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Unique Features: The most anticipated event of the holiday season returns! The sensational Troupe Vertigo will join the BSO to present a new and exciting rendition of Tchaikovsky’s beloved The Nutcracker, complete with jaw-dropping acrobatics and astonishing choreography.
Dates: December 13, 14 and 15, 2024
Locations: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost Range: From $15 - $65
Greater Annapolis Ballet Nutcracker 2024 Maryland Performances
Full Nutcracker Performances - $25:
- Friday, 12/13 @ 7:30PM
- Saturday, 12/14 @ 4:00PM
- Sunday 12/15 @ 12:00PM
Clara's Dream Performance (A shortened version of the Holiday classic! Perfect for a younger audience!) - $15:
- Saturday, 12/14 @12:00PM
Location: Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St, Annapolis, MD 21401
Tickets: Greater Annapolis Ballet
And check out these other 2024 Christmas and Holiday Activities beyond the Nutcracker!
- Top 32 Best Holiday Light Displays in DC, Virginia in Maryland - all the dates, prices, and ticket info
- 50 Free Holiday Activities in DC, VA and MD
- Enchant DC Review and 5 Ways to Save
- 10 Best Holiday Spots in Washington DC (Indoor and Outdoor)
- National Christmas Tree Tips
- PYO Christmas Tree in Maryland
- 3 Free Holiday Lights in Burke, Virginia
