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.
Dec 11 – Dec 27, 2026 All ages
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Plan Your Visit
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.
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.
Neighborhood
Hollywood
Accessibility
The December 26 matinee is a sensory-friendly performance for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other cognitive or social challenges.
Location
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.
Links & Contact
Run by Los Angeles Ballet
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
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.
Browse Christmas in Los Angeles
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.