Whether it’s your first performance or you’re savoring the nostalgia of scenes you’ve watched dozens of times, seeing The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that spans generations. There’s no better way to spend a festive weekend than revisiting Clara’s story and soaking in the magic of Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet. This year, consider starting a new tradition: take a friend, grandchild, or loved one to experience it for the very first time. Below are all the places in and around Douglas County where you can catch a performance of The Nutcracker this season — but don’t wait, tickets typically sell out!
Nutcracker of Parker
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Nov. 20 – 25 | $44/$40/$36 | PACE Center
Kick off the season by bringing your family to the annual holiday tradition, the Nutcracker of Parker! This magical ballet features the famous score of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky along side the best of the best pointe dancers and community actors, blending a cast of both professionals and local dancers from our community. Presented by Colorado School of Dance, this is Parker’s longest running, mainstage professional Nutcracker Ballet, since 2003.
Clara’s Dream: A Re-Telling of the Nutcracker Ballet
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Dec. 3 – 4 | $23 | PACE Center, Parker
Clara’s Dream, a delightful twist on The Nutcracker, is an all-student dance performance. We’re excited to have all our dancers, from ages three to adults, take the stage to perform our unique version of the classic holiday favorite. Join us at the PACE Center as we come together to celebrate the joy and magic of the holiday season with The Dance Connection.
Parker Arts and Denver Ballet Theatre
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Dec. 11 – 16 | $34/$29 | PACE Center, Parker
With brilliant choreography and a beloved score by Tchaikovsky, Parker Arts’ and Denver Ballet Theatre’s production is a festive treat for the entire family!
Tempo School of Performing Arts presents The Nutcracker
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Dec. 18 | $17 – $24 | Douglas County High School
Join us for the 3rd Annual performance of Tempo School of Performing Arts’ The Nutcracker!
Nutcracker of Castle Rock presented by Castle Rock Dance Academy
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Dec. 18 – 21 | $18 – $22 | Castle View High School
Experience the magic as you watch this classic story unfold! Join us as we follow a young girl who befriends a nutcracker who comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Follow her on her adventure through a snowstorm and into the Land of Sweets! A community tradition, this holiday isn’t complete without The Nutcracker of Castle Rock!
Littleton Youth Ballet
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Dec. 19 – 21 | $31 – $53 | Littleton Ballet Academy
Featuring a cast of over 140 children, pre-professional dancers, and guest artists, this delightful ballet (with full backdrops and beautiful costumes) will transport you to a simpler time and an enchanting place, where snowflakes dance, nutcrackers turn into princes and wishes really do come true!
Summit Dance Academy
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Dec. 20 – 21 | $37/$31 | PACE Center
Join us for a spectacular evening featuring guest performers, including former Houston Ballet artists in the roles of the Sugarplum Fairy and Cavalier, alongside Grant McIntosh as the Nutcracker Prince and Daniel Ojeda as Drosselmeyer.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, but be sure to check the event’s website for changes or cancellations.
View the complete list of holiday events happening throughout Douglas County.
