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The Nutcracker Ballet and More Holiday Shows for Philly Families

The Philadelphia Ballet performs George Balanchine's holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Ballet performs George Balanchine's holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia.
11/10/24 - By Kristen Sullivan

Catching a performance of The Nutcracker ballet is a seasonal tradition for many Philly families, who have plenty of options to watch the Sugar Plum Fairy and company dance across the stage. This time of year brings lots of familiar and festive shows to the theater, and taking the kids to see these stories brought to life is one of the best holiday and Christmas events to enjoy.

Aside from The Nutcracker, family favorites like A Christmas Carol and Elf the Musical return to delight audiences. Families will find different variations of classic shows that appeal to both younger generations and shorter attention spans. Peruse our comprehensive list of performances and choose one that will add some theatrical magic to your holiday season.

For more holiday fun, check out our list of 30 Must-Do Christmas Activities or our Holiday Guide.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Kick off the holiday season with Roxey Ballet's The Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the ballet
Kick off the holiday season with Roxey Ballet's The Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the ballet

The Nutcracker Performances

The Nutcracker presented by the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet

Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24, 2024
Drexel Hill
Presented by the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, this beloved holiday tradition has been captivating audiences for over 30 years, offering a magical experience for families. With professional guest artists and talented local dancers, it’s a chance to enjoy world-class ballet at an affordable price. READ MORE

Roxey Ballet's Nutcracker

Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, December 8, 2024
Ewing
At Roxey Ballet's annual performance of the holiday classic The Nutcracker, Clara and her friends take audiences on an enchanting voyage to meet magical mice, giant rats, marching soldiers, swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Ballet presented by The Philadelphia Dance Academy

Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15, 2024
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Dance Academy performs the classic holiday show, The Nutcracker Ballet, at Mandell Theater located on the campus of Drexel University. The story of sweet Clara and her toy nutcracker is sure to entertain families and get everyone in the holiday spirit. READ MORE

Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Select dates from Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 29, 2024
Philadelphia
For years, families have been enjoying George Balanchine's Nutcracker at the Academy of Music. Make this a tradition in your family this season by attending one of the many performances available. READ MORE

Wilmington Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker

Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 15, 2024
Wilmington
Wilmington Ballet's The Nutcracker features world-class principal dancers from the Dance Theater of Harlem. Audiences can expect a full orchestra and chorus, an enchanting snow scene, and a one-horse open sleigh. READ MORE

The Nutcracker presented by the Brandywine Ballet

Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 15, 2024
West Chester
With the help of the Brandywine Ballet, return to the magical "Land of Sweets" as Clara and her beloved nutcracker journey to an enchanted place full of toy soldiers, mice, and magic at Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall. READ MORE

The Nutcracker presented by The Schuylkill Valley Regional Dance Company

Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15, 2024
Bryn Mawr
The Schuylkill Valley Regional Dance Company presents its 50th Anniversary of The Nutcracker in Goodhart Hall at Bryn Mawr College. Audiences venture into Clara's magical dream on Christmas Eve when she helps The Nutcracker in his adventures in the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets. READ MORE

More Holiday and Christmas Shows

AMT's Christmas Show: Winter Wonderland

Select dates now through Thursday, December 29, 2024
Lancaster
Embrace the spirit of the holidays with AMT's critically acclaimed Christmas Show which has become a family tradition for many. Guests can expect a live orchestra, amazing vocals, and extraordinary stage and scenery. This year's show is entitled Winter Wonderland. READ MORE

Frosty & Rudolph

Saturdays, November 9 through November 23, 2024
Lambertville
Get ready for the holiday season with Frosty the Snowman on his adventure to the North Pole, as he strives to reunite Rudolph with his reindeer friends. Along the way, join all the reindeer, Mrs. Claus, and some razzle-dazzle penguins. READ MORE

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Walnut Street Theater

Select dates from Friday, December 6 through Saturday, December 21, 2024
Philadelphia
Based on the story by Charles Dickens, adapted by Bill Van Horn. On one remarkable Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who show him the past, present—and possible future. READ MORE

A Christmas Carol, Live!

Wednesday, December 11, 2o24
Wilmington
This heartwarming one-man show is performed by Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, who depicts 26 characters himself in this classic tale at Winterthur. Advanced tickets are recommended.   READ MORE

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Select Dates Tuesday, November 26 through Sunday, December 1, 2o24
Philadelphia
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. READ MORE

Elf the Musical – Walnut Street Theater

Select Dates Tuesday, November 19 through Sunday, December 29, 2024
Philadelphia
Based on the beloved movie starring Will Ferrell and Zoey Deschanel, this show first premiered on Broadway in 2010 and has since been inducted into the canon of classic Christmas shows. READ MORE

The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert - The Kimmel Center

Wednesday, December 18 and Thursday, December 19, 2024
Philadelphia
So good it's often been named the best film adaptation of Charles Dickens's festive masterpiece ever, no holiday season is complete without a viewing of The Muppet Christmas Carol, and there's no better way to experience it than in this Live to Screen concert edition, played by your local Symphony. READ MORE

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