Holiday Shows in Southern California – The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol & More

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A Christmas Carol

South Coast Repertory | Costa Mesa
November 30 – December 24, 2028

Feel the joy magic and spirit of Christmas as it fills the theatre — A Christmas Carol live on stage! Join South Coast Repertory for Scrooge’s epic journey in this timeless classic. Bring your family and friends to experience the magic, joy and spirit of Christmas brought to life by heartwarming performances, stunning sets and beautiful costumes. Whether it’s your first time or a cherished tradition make the holiday season unforgettable with A Christmas Carol.

Advisory: Ages 6 and up. Children under the age of 6 will not be admitted. Run Time: Approx. 2 hours including one 15-minute intermission.

Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat

The Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot
La Habra | December 6-15, 2024

Based on the childhood classic, Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat brings everything you loved about the book, directly to the stage!

From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat that they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and the craziest of ideas, he is certainly loads of fun. He turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure… but what will mum find when she gets home?

Run Time: Approx. 45 minutes (no intermission). Great for all ages.

Discounts available for La Habra residents, students, and seniors. Enjoy a sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, December 8.

Studio Fusion presents The Nutcracker

CSULB University Theater | Long Beach
December 7-8, 2024

The Nutcracker, a holiday favorite shared by fans of all ages, comes to life! Studio Fusion’s Nutcracker is the perfect show for the whole family this holiday season!

Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet about a young girl, Clara, who is given a Nutcracker for Christmas by her godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer. But this is no ordinary Nutcracker as Clara learns that very night. After a great battle with the Mouse King, the Nutcracker turns into a Prince. He takes Clara on a magical journey through the Land of the Snow to the Kingdom of the Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy honors the couple with entertainment from around the world.

Don’t miss your chance to see our yearly performance of The Nutcracker, with its blend of dance, storytelling, action and comedy. Our talented staff help dancers bring this classic tale (with a twist) to life!

Festival Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker

Irvine Barclay Theatre | Irvine
December 7-24, 2024

Festival Ballet Theatre’s family-friendly breathtaking production features superb colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, which make this age-old tradition sparkle like new. Be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score as the Sugar Plum Fairy, our heroine Clara, and a cast of hundreds take you on a magical journey to mystical lands.

Nutcracker Tea Party: Make your experience even more magical with the pre-show Nutcracker Tea Party (additional purchase). Enjoy finger sandwiches, petit fours and scones with tea and lemonade. Characters from The Nutcracker ballet will join the party. Photo ops and a party favor for each guest is included.

Rapunzel and her Holiday Wish

Laguna Playhouse | Laguna Beach
December 7-29, 2024

This holiday season, experience the magic of a holiday Panto with the world premiere of Rapunzel and her Holiday Wish! Based on the beloved fairytale, this hair-larious tangled tale undergoes a Holiday Panto makeover! Prepare for a spellbinding journey as Rapunzel tries to escape from her tower with the help of Prince Sebastian, all while learning her true identity. Get set for Laguna’s favorite holiday event, filled with laughter, pop music and of course magic!

What is a holiday panto? A pantomime is a fun, family-friendly theatrical show with music, comedy, and audience participation, often based on fairy tales!

American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

Segerstrom Center for the Arts | Costa Mesa
December 12-22, 2024

SoCal’s favorite holiday tradition returns with American Ballet THeatre’s critically-acclaimed production of The Nutcracker. This dazzling holiday treat features a roster of superstar dancers along with gorgeous sets and costumes.

Follow young Clara on a magical adventure where her nutcracker doll comes to life as a handsome prince. Together, they travel to lands filled with dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, a mouse army and other exotic characters, all brought to vivid life on stage by a cast of over 100 performers.

VIP Sweet Seats: A limited number of exclusive Sweet Seats are available for all The Nutcracker performances! Along with prime Orchestra seating, this ticket also comes with a Segerstrom Center keepsake ornament, a The Nutcracker collectible poster, luxurious Laderach chocolates and a delicious holiday cookie – all in a Segerstrom Center tote bag!

Bob Baker Marionette Theater presents Holiday on Strings
Bob Baker Marionette Theater | Los Angeles
November 16 – January 12, 2025
Join Demetrius Nova Twinklestar (Demi for short) and the Wizard as they embark on a magical tour of the holiday galaxies. On your voyage through the stars, stop at Santa’s Workshop, celebrate the eight days of Hanukkah, dip into the world of Charles Dickens, and more.

Winter Lights Holiday Musical & Lights
Discovery Cube OC | Santa Ana
November 23 – December 23, 2024
This holiday musical brings to life unique characters, including a science fairy and lovable robot fcrafted from a toaster. It’s a heartwarming story, with captivating music, and a theater filled with snow. The Winter Lights Festival also transforms the Cube into a dazzling winter wonderland with a holiday tunnel walkthrough, Brite Lites interactive, snowfall interactive, ice castle play structure, and more.

Anaheim Ballet’s Nutcracker
City National Grove of Anaheim | Anaheim
November 29-30, 2024
Enjoy Anaheim Ballet’s full-length Nutcracker with the Symphony Irvine. The enduring theme remains unchanged – good overcomes evil – but AB’s staging of the family classic is constantly updated, which keeps the production fresh.

Bob Baker’s Nutcracker
Sierra Madre Playhouse | Sierra Madre
November 30 – January 5, 2024
Enjoy a marionette adaptation of the ballet classic. It’s Bob’s most beloved holiday show since its opening in 1969. This show features handcrafted marionettes, including all the characters from the beloved story: Clara and the Nutcracker, the Sugarplum Fairy, the Mouse King, and many more.

Yuletide Cinemaland
Heritage Square Museum | Los Angeles
November 30 – December 23, 2024
Join Street Food Cinema for an immersive holiday experience featuring Victorian holiday home tours, food trucks, vendors, Santa appearances, photo ops, and holiday films under the stars. See the full movie schedule online.

Narrated Nutcracker for Children & Families
Central Library | Huntington Beach
December 5 & 13, 2024
Festival Ballet Theatre’s lavish 45-minute, narrated rendition of The Nutcracker is specially designed to introduce young children to the beauty of classical ballet and music.

Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center | Redondo Beach
December 5-8, 2024
Debbie Allen has taken the ballet classic and given it fresh, new context with lively characters, new music, diverse choreography, aerial arts, and state-of-the-art projection to create an immersive theater experience for all ages. Pre-performance events include Fairy Queen Tea before each matinee. Enjoy catered tea, hot cocoa bar, meet and greets, storytelling, themed photo ops, and giveaway.

A Christmas Carol
Rose Center Theater | Westminster
December 6-8 & 20-22, 2024
A Broadway-style musical adaptation brings to life the unforgettable story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man forced to confront his past, present, and future by a trio of ghostly visitations.

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
Chance Theater | Anaheim
December 6-22, 2024
Ooh, la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited. After selling some of her old gowns and accessories, she has enough money to buy a brand-new sparkly tree topper. She simply cannot wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, does Christmas still stand a chance of being splendiferous? Pay-What-You-Can preview shows available.

Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Dolby Theatre | Hollywood
December 6-28, 2024
LAB stays true to the traditions of the classic holiday story while giving it a unique Southern California twist.

Merry-Achi Christmas
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts | Cerritos
December 6-8, 2024
The beloved Merry-Achi Christmas returns to Cerritos, bringing a vibrant Mexican holiday celebration filled with festive music, dance, and joy. Enjoy the nation’s premier Sol de México de José Hernández, alongside America’s first all-female Mariachi, Reyna de Los Angeles, and Folklorico Revolución.

Pacific Symphony’s The Nutcracker for Kids (SOLD OUT)
Segerstrom Center for the Arts | Costa Mesa
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Experience The Nutcracker for Kids! with Pacific Symphony and American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School. This vibrant reimagining features Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, dazzling dance, and colorful costumes, with big-screen magnification for an up-close view. Enjoy pre-show activities, including crafts, photos, and S.T.E.A.M. stations.

The Nutcracker
Downey Theatre | Downey
December 7-8, 2024
Dance to Your Heart’s Delight presents their annual production of The Nutcracker. They’ll be performing their classical rendition of this magical ballet to a live orchestra.

A Christmas Carol
Long Beach Playhouse | Long Beach
December 7-22, 2024
Holiday favorite A Christmas Carol returns in a fast-paced, theatrical retelling of Dickens’ classic tale. Follow Scrooge’s journey with the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as he discovers the true joy of generosity and holiday cheer. The theatre does not admit children under the age of 5.

Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular
The Soraya | Northridge
December 7-8, 2024
This vibrant holiday show returns with vocalist Camila Fernández, granddaughter of legendary Vicente Fernández. Enjoy a Mariachi-infused holiday performance that celebrates Mexico’s many vibrant regions. This year, Mariachi Pueblo Viejo joins Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles to bring music, dance, and traditional costumes to life.

Aloha Everywhere Concert Series: Kalani Pe’a Holiday Show
Downey Theatre | Downey
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Join the sensational 3x Grammy winner, Kalani Pe’a for a Hawaiian Christmas Show.

Long Beach Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Long Beach Terrace Theater | Long Beach
December 14-15 & 20-22, 2024
The Long Beach Ballet continues to host its annual holiday tradition of presenting The Nutcracker. This production boasts a full symphony orchestra, a flying sleigh, a real live horse, on-stage pyrotechnics, and a cast of over 200.

Cirque Dreams: Holidaze Show
Fox Performing Arts Center | Riverside
December 17-18, 2024
A holiday spectacular that wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry. Marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats and extravagant theatrical production.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Wiltern Theatre | Los Angeles
December 20-21, 2024
Experience the international cast performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets, and hand-crafted sets and costumes.

Navidad en Mexico
La Mirada Theatre | La Mirada
Saturday, December 21, 2024
This vibrant production celebrates Mexico’s festive Christmas traditions and folklore through music, song and dance. With a live mariachi band and costumes, this show invites you to embark on a journey through the many regions of Mexico to experience Navidad en Mexico!

World Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker
La Mirada Theatre | La Mirada
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Experience the excitement of the World Ballet in this family-friendly performance, featuring Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music, over 150 radiant hand-crafted costumes, lavish hand-painted sets, and a diverse cast of 40 professional ballet dancers.

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts | Cerritos
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Celebrate the holidays with the entire family in this mind-blowing spectacle featuring jaw-dropping talents, mentalism, and magic acts from acclaimed illusionists. The show has shattered box office records across the globe.

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