LONG BEACH NUTCRACKER: AMERICA’S MOST LOVED PRODUCTION

By Gina Valencia

Photos submitted by Long Beach Ballet

Each December, Long Beach transforms into a world of snowflakes, soldiers, and sugar plum fairies when the Long Beach Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker. Now in its 43rd season, the show fills the Terrace Theater with dazzling sets, pyrotechnics, and a live orchestra that brings Tchaikovsky’s score to life. Artistic Director David Wilcox has created what many consider the most spectacular Nutcracker in the country.

Over 200 performers, including international guest artists and students from the Long Beach Ballet Academy, bring the story to life. “It’s the perfect recipe,” David said. “It has all the elements people love -- a live horse, magic tricks, a flying sleigh, floating angels -- and it’s all about timing. Many people tell us it’s the best Nutcracker they’ve ever seen.”

A Holiday Outing

On show day, arrive early. Parking at the Terrace Theater is about $15, and food trucks line up outside with hearty meals and sweets. The front plaza sparkles with a massive Christmas tree and festive decorations perfect for photos. Inside the lobby, pick up a program, check out the holiday trinkets and ballet-themed souvenirs, grab a snack or drink, and take care of the essentials (i.e. bathroom!) before the bell chimes for seating.

My daughter Audrey and I always flip through the program to spot dancers she knows from school or gymnastics. We take photos with the Nutcracker soldier statues before finding our seats. Our excitement builds as the lights dim and the orchestra begins.

Perfection In Motion

Each year, David fine-tunes the production “towards perfection” while keeping its heart intact. His attention to detail shows in every scene and dance. The results speak for themselves: the Long Beach Nutcracker earned Goldstar Entertainment’s National Nutcracker Award for “Best-Loved Nutcracker” in both 2018 and 2019, based on audience surveys.

So, what do audiences love most? “The flying sleigh, the live horse, the battle scene with pyrotechnics, the Russian dance, the Waltz of the Flowers, Mother Ginger,” David listed.

For dancers like Sabrina, a seventh grader at the academy, performing in The Nutcracker is a dream. She joined the Long Beach Ballet two years ago after years in gymnastics, which gave her the strength and discipline to earn the role of the jester in 2023. This year, she’ll appear as one of Clara’s Christmas party friends. “Being in front of an audience, watching the other girls perform, and spending time with them in the green room makes it [even] more special,” Sabrina said.

For families, the Long Beach Nutcracker is more than a performance. It’s a tradition that brings generations together. For newcomers, it’s an unforgettable first experience. Whether it’s your first visit or your eleventh (like mine and Audrey’s), the magic of the Long Beach Nutcracker never fades. It remains a glittering reminder that tradition, when delivered with heart and excellence, never gets old.

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Only 6 shows!

December 13-21, 2025

To purchase tickets online: 

longbeachnutcracker.com/tickets

In-Person: Long Beach Convention Center Box Office, 300 E. Ocean Blvd (box office is off of Seaside Way), Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 10am-2pm

Phone: Long Beach Ballet, 

(562) 426-4112, Hours: 10am-5pm