Whether you’re a fan of toe shoes or can’t tell a tutu from a toucan, The Nutcracker is sure to win you over (and is the perfect introduction to ballet for children). The holiday classic receives stagings across the Front Range, from small dance school recitals to full-blown, big-budget productions with live orchestra and all the trimmings.
But no matter the dance troupe, Nutcracker dazzles audiences with glittering snowflakes, shimmering sugarplums, the thrilling battle between the Mouse King and the oh-so-handsome Prince and more, all to Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary score. Spend a little or spend a little bit more, the choice is yours. (We’ve noted any discounts.) Here are some productions in 2026 to check out:
Leah Mc Fadden in Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker / Image by Amanda Tipton Photography
Colorado Ballet
November 28 to December 27. Largest production in the state, with Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. The real deal, with a full professional production with company dancers and local children. Features full sets and costumes. Tickets: $40 and up. Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
Dance Conservatory of Denver
November 27 to 29. “The Children’s Nutcracker” is performed by children ages 3 to 17 and is geared towards an audience of all ages. Enjoy a less formal, but magical, rendition of this holiday classic. Tickets: $50. Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 Allison Pkwy., Lakewood.
Boulder Ballet
November 27 to 29. One of Colorado’s major productions of the holiday tradition, with a cast of more than 80 dancers including the professional company and charming young student dancers, the Boulder Philharmonic, spectacular scenery and special effects. Tickets: $39 and up. Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St. (CU Boulder campus).
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
November 28. Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet is a fully-produced national tour of the Christmas favorite with 40 dancers, amazing acrobatics, 10-foot-tall puppets and stunning sets and costumes. Features and extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian principal artists. Tickets: $49 to $165 (plus taxes). Paramount Theater, 1621 Glenarm Pl., Denver.
Belliston Ballet
November 28 & 29. The production presents students from throughout the Denver-Metro area. Ranging in age from 8 to 18, each student will invest over 250 hours of training and rehearsal in preparation for this year’s performance. The average age of performers is 12 years old. Tickets: $34 to $48. Shows at the Newman Center at the University of Denver.
Abigayle Crampton as Clara in Ballet Ariel’s Nutcracker
Ballet Ariel
December 11 to 13. A fresh and imaginative vision to the beloved holiday classic. Audiences enjoy cherished favorites such as the “Waltz of the Snowflakes” and the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” alongside original and creative choreography, beautiful costumes and sets, and imaginative storytelling. Tickets: $44 to $68. Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Pkwy., Lakewood.
January 2 & 3. Tickets: $36.50 to $56.50. Parsons Theatre at the Northglenn Recreation Center, 1 E. Memorial Pkwy. Northglenn.
Parker Arts & Denver Ballet Theatre
December 10 to 15. Full-length professional performance with professional backdrops and sets. Tickets: $32 to $37. PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker.
Littleton Youth Ballet / Candidlycreated photo
Littleton Youth Ballet
December 18 to 20. Features a cast of more than 160 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. Performances at the Joanna Ramsey Theatre at Westminster High School. Tickets: $31.50 to $53.50. Joanna Ramsey Theatre, 6933 Raleigh St, Westminster.
Centennial State Ballet
December 18 to 20. Features Longmont pre-professional and academy students as well as guest artists with live orchestra accompaniment. Tickets: $30 to 32. Longmont Performing Arts Center, 513 Main St., Longmont.