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 2025
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 29 - December 28, 2025
Location: Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Cost Range: $49 - $120+
Tickets: The Washington Ballet
The Kennedy Center Cincinnati Ballet
Full of warmth and holiday cheer, returns in a whimsical production from Cincinnati Ballet. Marvel at the magic of swirling snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and enchanted toys.
Dates: November 26 - 30, 2025
Location: The Kennedy Center
Cost Range: $50 - $213
Tickets: The Kennedy Center
Northern Virginia Nutcracker Performances in 2025
Virginia National Ballet The Nutcracker at Capital One Hall
Dates: Friday December 19 at 1 PM and 6 PM.
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 2025 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 20, 2025 - December 21, 2025
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 23, 2025 at Coppermine Pantherplex
- December 13-21, 2025 at 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: Sun, December 7, 2025 | 2 & 6pm
Cost Range: From $31 to $180
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 28th - December 31st, 2025 (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 13 and 14, 15, 19, 20 and 21.
Price: Tickets start at $15
Locations: The Children's Theatre of Annapolis
Bonus! I believe most of these previews and story times are free!
Grand Illumination/ Storytime/Mini Preview
- Sunday, November 30 - Zachary’s Jeweler’s Annapolis City Dock Limited Solos
Parents will need to help put out the travel floor, Drosslemeyer will be dressed in costume to hand out flyers. Any other parents may join them!
3:15 Arrive at Zachary’s to dress – hair and makeup should already be done
4:00 Storytime in store with Clara
4:30 Performance outside
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 12 and 13, 2025
Locations: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost Range: From $15 - $65
Greater Annapolis Ballet Nutcracker 2025 Maryland Performances
Full Nutcracker Performances - $25:
with all-new choreography by Artistic Director Nicole Kelsch
November 23, 2025 at Coppermine Pantherplex
December 13-21, 2025 at Maryland Hall
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 2025 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
