10 Nutcracker DC Area Performances Virginia Maryland

As the holiday season approaches, DC and the surrounding area come alive with performances of The Nutcracker, each putting its own spin on the classic. One of my favorite memories from when my daughter was little is going to The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre with my mom, two years in a row. I share more about that below, 2 new ones for 2026 and some unique versions to see this year!

Nutcracker DC Area 2026 Table of Contents:

DC (2)
Virginia (2)
Maryland (6)
Nutcracker Gift Ideas to Make the Day Special

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Washington DC Nutcracker Performances in 2026

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! Set in 1882 Georgetown.

Unique Features: American Revolution theme with George Washington as The Nutcracker. Set in 1882 Georgetown!

Dates: November 28 through December 27, 2026

Location: Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Cost Range: $49 - $120+

Tickets: The Washington Ballet

National Symphony Orchestra: The Nutcracker & Cinderella

This one is for families who love the music. The orchestra plays Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 and Prokofiev’s Cinderella Suite, with Marie Jacquot conducting and Jorge Federico Osorio on piano. The NSO calls it a perfect holiday concert for the whole family. There are no dancers, so it’s a good first “big concert” for kids who want to hear the score live.

Unique Features: Live symphony performance of the Nutcracker Suite (concert, not a staged ballet)

Dates: November 20–22, 2026 (check the NSO site to see which performance is at which venue)

Location: The NSO’s page for this link lists Schlesinger Hall, 4915 E Campus Dr., Alexandria, VA 22311 as the Kennedy Center is Closed.

Cost Range: See the NSO website for pricing. The NSO notes that ticket prices can change with demand, so buying early locks in the best seats.

Tickets: National Symphony Orchestra

Northern Virginia Nutcracker Performances in 2026

Virginia National Ballet The Nutcracker at Capital One Hall

Dates: December 13, 2026, showing at 5:00 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 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 19–20, 2026, showtime 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! Magical Christmas Ballet at Capital One Hall

This touring production is billed as the largest Nutcracker production in North America, with international dancers, acrobatics, costumes and towering puppets. It’s a big, spectacle-style take on the classic, so it’s a fun pick for kids who love a show with lots to look at. pablocenter

Unique Features: Large-scale touring production with acrobatics and giant puppets

Dates: November 29, 2026 (check the website for showtimes) capitalonehall

Location: Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, VA 22102

Cost Range: See Capital One Hall’s website for pricing

Tickets: Capital One Hall

Nutcracker Performances in Maryland

Ballet Theatre of Maryland The Nutcracker - Family Friendly Party too!

Unique Features: Family-friendly with a "Sugar Plum Party."

Dates: December 12–20, 2026

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 6, 2026 | 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 27 - December 31st, 2026. (Closed Dec. 25)

Cost Range: $15 (under 2 no ticket required)

Locations: Glen Echo Park!

Tickets here!

Ballet Chesapeake: The Nutcracker

Unique Features: Full-length performance and a shortened version for young children.

Dates & Times:
- Friday, December 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM
- Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM
- Sunday, December 13, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Location: Stephens Hall Theatre, Towson University (8000 York Road / 7900 Stephens Ave, Towson, MD 21252)
Price: Tickets start at $15
Website

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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: Friday, December 11 at Strathmore (7:30 PM), plus Saturday, December 12 at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (1:30 PM and 7:30 PM)

Cost Range: From $50

Tickets here!

Greater Annapolis Ballet Nutcracker 2026 Maryland Performances

Hours:

Friday, December 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Event Details:

Venue: Pascal Center for the Performing Arts (Robert E. Kauffman Theater), Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, MD
Cost: Around $30.00 – $40.00

Tickets: Greater Annapolis Ballet

Nutcracker Gift Ideas to Make the Day Special

Nutcracker Doll or Plush Doll: a keepsake from the day, and fun to hug during the second act. My mom gave her granddaughter her own nutcracker before her first performance!
Ballerina music box or jewelry box: a gift that lasts long after the show. Such a sweet heirloom that my daughter still loves.
Nutcracker Coloring Book: great for the car ride or the wait before the curtain.
The Nutcracker Picture Book: read it together before the show so kids know the story.

Tip: Check the venue’s bag policy before you go. At the Warner Theatre, only bags 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller are allowed, and backpacks are not permitted. A small gift bag or a flat keepsake is easier to bring than a big stuffed animal.