The best Christmas shows and ‘Nutcrackers’ in Los Angeles

American Ballet Theatre is returning to Southern California with its production of The Nutcracker, brought to life by a cast of over 100 performers. The show will feature larger-than-life scenery, a Christmas tree and sets and costumes designed by Tony Award-winner Richard Hudson (the visionary behind the sets of Disney’s The Lion King). You don’t want to miss it!

Even the grumpiest of list-makers at yuletide has to include a production of Dickens’s most beloved tale of becoming a better person. Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott direct this production, with costumes by the imaginative Angela Balogh Calin, starring Elliott and his fellow resident artists of A Noise Within theater company—all ranking among L.A.’s best classical actors—staged in ANW’s spacious house with perfect sightlines from every seat, even for the kids.

Long Beach Ballet’s The Nutcracker is one of the only area productions of the holiday classic that includes not only a live full orchestra, but a horse, flying sleigh and pyrotechnics. Sure, the story may be the same, but this production pulls out all the stops to entertain audiences year after year. Arrive early to take full advantage of the photo ops, food trucks, and merch.

Mexican folk dance company Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles is taking the stage once again for a mariachi-infused holiday performance at the Soraya in Northridge. Billed as “Happy Holidays—L.A. style,” the three shows will also feature the musical sounds of L.A.’s Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar.

The American Contemporary Ballet returns to the holiday stage with their fantastical take on the tale from author E.T.A. Hoffmann. Experience the seasonal classic on a snow-shrouded stage set within an immersive space on the 28th floor of DTLA’s Two California Plaza. The production includes live musicians performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, as well as an artist reception following the show.

Take your Christmas movie binge-watching up a notch and reserve a seat to the upcoming special screening of Home Alone at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Los Angeles Philharmonic is bringing the cult classic to life and performing John Williams’s score live to picture in an immersive experience, conducted by David Newman. 

Relive your childhood theatergoing experiences this Christmas with Uncle Drosselmeyer, Clara and her beloved Nutcracker at the L.A. Ballet. The timeless show will travel all over L.A. for the holiday season, with classic pirouettes and Mouse King battles for all L.A. County to see. You can check it out in Pasadena, Redondo Beach and Westwood, plus in Hollywood backed by an orchestra (a rarity among Nutcracker performances).

The beloved Bob Baker Marionette Theater brings its annual holiday production back to its Highland Park home. From just after Thanksgiving through the beginning of the year, you can see the charming play and its 100-plus handmade puppets on most weekends and, around Christmas, select weekdays—all with a post-show ice cream party. For a sensory-friendly version of the show, book tickets for December 9 at 10:30am. 

Follow Kara as she drifts from New York to globetrotting lands with a hot chocolate-filled Nutcracker in this Debbie Allen Dance Academy reimagining of the ballet. Select matinee performances of the jazz, modern dance, hip-hop and ballet show include the option to add on the Fairy Queen Tea ($45), a pre-performance tea party that includes photos with cast members, a hot cocoa bar, and storytelling with Debbie Allen.

Not to be confused with the show titled Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol—though the talents involved are equally stellar—here we have the chance to see the story up close. David Melville displays his classically trained, beautifully polished craft to recreate the famous writer as he tells his classic tale of Christmastime redemption; Melville also performs the many iconic characters, all in the intimacy of Independent Shakespeare Company’s indoor theater space.

Get ready for the ultimate holiday treat with Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Max the Dog narrates the story of the Grinch, who hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the festive-loving Whos in Whoville, featuring beloved hits like “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” The 2023 production, directed by Matt August, choreographed by Bob Richard and inspired by the original choreography of Tony Award-winner Jack O’Brien, is a fresh take on this timeless tale.

Strike the harp and join the chorus with the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Holiday Sing-Along at Walt Disney Hall. The seasonal program offers two performances hosted by Melissa Peterman with your favorite holiday hits brought to life by a choir, a jazz combo and the massive pipe organ. A festive sing-along of holiday classics by the Angeles Chorale will include provided lyric sheets—just in case you forget how many fa-la-la-las are in “Deck the Halls.”

Gather your friends and family for L.A.'s grand holiday extravaganza at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, featuring over 20 choirs, music ensembles, and dance troupes. This free three-hour show celebrates the city's multicultural holiday traditions, with performances ranging from an all-female mariachi ensemble to a Korean dance troupe. Doors open at 2:30 pm, and guests can come and go as they please. The best part? No reservations, no tickets, and free parking at the Dorothy Chandler. If you can’t make it out, the concert is also accessible via a live stream on PBS SoCal.

A performing arts staple of Los Angeles for over 40 years now, the GMCLA brings holiday cheer in its annual holiday musical extravaganza while raising awareness for important LGBTQ+ issues. This year, the chorus performs a cinema-themed show at the at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills—expect a cappella of all kinds, plus a guest appearance by Wayne Brady.

Don something festive this December and head over to Royce Hall to listen to Christmas and Hanukkah classics. The 180-member Angel City Chorale, famous for its mish-mash of classical, pop, world, contemporary and gospel genres, is putting on “Holiday Homecoming,” its annual holiday concert. So get ready to hear a whole lot of fa-la-la-la-las at the holiday tradition.