Every holiday season, The Nutcracker comes to life on stages across the Garden State. Of course, the classic ballet tells the story of a young girl whose beloved toy nutcracker comes to life, taking her on a magical journey. The tale is told in many ways, and we’re rounding up the best ways to see it in NJ.
The Nutcracker’s enduring popularity is due in part to its universal themes of childhood wonder, imagination, and the spirit of giving, making it a perfect holiday tradition for families. Over the years, numerous adaptations have emerged, with each ballet company offering their own unique interpretation of the original story. These variations reflect diverse artistic visions, ensuring that audiences experience something fresh and exciting with each show. So treat yourself to a variety of performances of this Christmas classic from the list below and celebrate the joy of the holidays with your family.
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Featured Nutcracker Performances
New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker
When: 12/06/2025 at 1:00 PM
Where: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Details: New Jersey Ballet’s beloved annual tradition enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. This show is appropriate for ages 4+, with a run time of 2 hours (including one intermission). New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker is the longest running original professional production in the state. The production debuted in Millburn in 1971. Since then, the company has given approximately 800 performances in theatres throughout New Jersey. Click here for details.
New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker
When: 12/07/2025 at 1:00 PM
Where: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Details: New Jersey Ballet’s beloved annual tradition enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. This show is appropriate for ages 4+, with a run time of 2 hours (including one intermission). New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker is the longest running original professional production in the state. The production debuted in Millburn in 1971. Since then, the company has given approximately 800 performances in theatres throughout New Jersey. Click here for details.
Nimbus Dance: Jersey Nutcracker
When: 12/12/2025 at 7:00 PM
Where: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St, Newark
Details: Get in the holiday spirit with Nimbus Dance’s Jersey Nutcracker. It’s a thrilling, jazzy new vision of Tchaikovsky’s ballet. (With a New Jersey twist!) Audiences of all ages will love the quirky story of two Jersey kids and their city adventure, filled with magic, battles with bullies and rats, stories of friendship, and exquisite dancing. This vibrant reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet swaps snowy Russia for the streets of New Jersey. It blends dazzling dance, humor, and heart, with stunning sets, animated projections, and a story full of local flavor. Click here for details.
North Jersey
New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker
When: 12/06/2025 at 1:00 PMWhere: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Details: New Jersey Ballet’s beloved annual tradition enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. This show is appropriate for ages 4+, with a run time of 2 hours (including one intermission). New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker is the longest running original professional production in the state. The production debuted in Millburn in 1971. Since then, the company has given approximately 800 performances in theatres throughout New Jersey. Click here for details.
New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker
When: 12/07/2025 at 1:00 PMWhere: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Details: New Jersey Ballet’s beloved annual tradition enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. This show is appropriate for ages 4+, with a run time of 2 hours (including one intermission). New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker is the longest running original professional production in the state. The production debuted in Millburn in 1971. Since then, the company has given approximately 800 performances in theatres throughout New Jersey. Click here for details.
Nimbus Dance: Jersey Nutcracker
When: 12/12/2025 at 7:00 PMWhere: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St, Newark
Details: Get in the holiday spirit with Nimbus Dance’s Jersey Nutcracker. It’s a thrilling, jazzy new vision of Tchaikovsky’s ballet. (With a New Jersey twist!) Audiences of all ages will love the quirky story of two Jersey kids and their city adventure, filled with magic, battles with bullies and rats, stories of friendship, and exquisite dancing. This vibrant reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet swaps snowy Russia for the streets of New Jersey. It blends dazzling dance, humor, and heart, with stunning sets, animated projections, and a story full of local flavor. Click here for details.
The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/19/2025 at 7:00 PMWhere: David and Carol Lackland Center, 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown
Details: Step into a world of enchantment with The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet's Nutcracker — where fairy tale stories come alive on stage! An enchanting ballet and holiday favorite, The Nutcracker is a classic production for all ages. Warren County's only non-profit ballet company features professional dancers from around the world along with the student dancers of The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet in this classic production of The Nutcracker. Follow the NJCYB on social media for other special holiday appearances throughout the season! Click here for details.
The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/20/2025 at 12:00 PMWhere: David and Carol Lackland Center, 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown
Details: Step into a world of enchantment with The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet's Nutcracker — where fairy tale stories come alive on stage! An enchanting ballet and holiday favorite, The Nutcracker is a classic production for all ages. Warren County's only non-profit ballet company features professional dancers from around the world along with the student dancers of The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet in this classic production of The Nutcracker. Follow the NJCYB on social media for other special holiday appearances throughout the season! Click here for details.
The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/20/2025 at 5:00 PMWhere: David and Carol Lackland Center, 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown
Details: Step into a world of enchantment with The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet's Nutcracker — where fairy tale stories come alive on stage! An enchanting ballet and holiday favorite, The Nutcracker is a classic production for all ages. Warren County's only non-profit ballet company features professional dancers from around the world along with the student dancers of The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet in this classic production of The Nutcracker. Follow the NJCYB on social media for other special holiday appearances throughout the season! Click here for details.
The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/21/2025 at 2:00 PMWhere: David and Carol Lackland Center, 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown
Details: Step into a world of enchantment with The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet's Nutcracker — where fairy tale stories come alive on stage! An enchanting ballet and holiday favorite, The Nutcracker is a classic production for all ages. Warren County's only non-profit ballet company features professional dancers from around the world along with the student dancers of The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet in this classic production of The Nutcracker. Follow the NJCYB on social media for other special holiday appearances throughout the season! Click here for details.
Central Jersey
New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker - A Sensory-Friendly Performance
When: 11/30/2025 at 2:00 PMWhere: Union County Performing Arts Center, UCPAC Mainstage , 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
Details: New Jersey Ballet’s beloved annual tradition enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. This Sensory Friendly Performance is specially adapted for children and adults with autism and other sensory sensitivities. New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker is the longest running original professional production in the state. The production debuted in Millburn in 1971 Click here for details.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Raritan Valley PAC
When: 12/05/2025 at 4:00 PMWhere: Raritan Valley Community College, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg
Details: The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet fuses classical ballet with whimsical puppetry and breathtaking acrobatics. Renowned Vaganova-trained professional ballerinas and dancers from around the world perform alongside local student dancers from Gotta Dance in Somerville. Hand-painted sets and exquisite costumes are another highlight of this theatrical experience. Go back to a simpler time and make memories your family will cherish forever. Celebrate the season with America’s most beloved Nutcracker tradition! Click here for details.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Raritan Valley PAC
When: 12/05/2025 at 8:00 PMWhere: Raritan Valley Community College, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg
Details: The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet fuses classical ballet with whimsical puppetry and breathtaking acrobatics. Renowned Vaganova-trained professional ballerinas and dancers from around the world perform alongside local student dancers from Gotta Dance in Somerville. Hand-painted sets and exquisite costumes are another highlight of this theatrical experience. Go back to a simpler time and make memories your family will cherish forever. Celebrate the season with America’s most beloved Nutcracker tradition! Click here for details.
American Repertory Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/18/2025 at 7:30 PMWhere: State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livington Avenue, New Brunswick
Details: A tradition for sixty years, American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER is one of the longest continuously running productions in the nation and a perfect holiday treat for all ages! With thrilling choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, ARB’s professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. Performances will take place from Thursday, December 18 through Sunday, December 21, 2025. Click here for details.
American Repertory Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/19/2025 at 7:30 PMWhere: State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livington Avenue, New Brunswick
Details: A tradition for sixty years, American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER is one of the longest continuously running productions in the nation and a perfect holiday treat for all ages! With thrilling choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, ARB’s professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. Performances will take place from Thursday, December 18 through Sunday, December 21, 2025. Click here for details.
American Repertory Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/20/2025 at 2:00 PMWhere: State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livington Avenue, New Brunswick
Details: A tradition for sixty years, American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER is one of the longest continuously running productions in the nation and a perfect holiday treat for all ages! With thrilling choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, ARB’s professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. Performances will take place from Thursday, December 18 through Sunday, December 21, 2025. Click here for details.
American Repertory Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/20/2025 at 7:00 PMWhere: State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livington Avenue, New Brunswick
Details: A tradition for sixty years, American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER is one of the longest continuously running productions in the nation and a perfect holiday treat for all ages! With thrilling choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, ARB’s professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. Performances will take place from Thursday, December 18 through Sunday, December 21, 2025. Click here for details.
American Repertory Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/21/2025 at 1:00 PMWhere: State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livington Avenue, New Brunswick
Details: A tradition for sixty years, American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER is one of the longest continuously running productions in the nation and a perfect holiday treat for all ages! With thrilling choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, ARB’s professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. Performances will take place from Thursday, December 18 through Sunday, December 21, 2025. Click here for details.
American Repertory Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/21/2025 at 5:00 PMWhere: State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livington Avenue, New Brunswick
Details: A tradition for sixty years, American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER is one of the longest continuously running productions in the nation and a perfect holiday treat for all ages! With thrilling choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, ARB’s professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. Performances will take place from Thursday, December 18 through Sunday, December 21, 2025. Click here for details.
Jersey Shore
American Repertory Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/06/2025 at 1:00 PMWhere: Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave, Red Bank
Details: A tradition for sixty years, American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER is one of the longest continuously running productions in the nation and a perfect holiday treat for all ages! With thrilling choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, ARB’s professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. Performances will take place from Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 2025. Click here for details.
American Repertory Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/06/2025 at 6:00 PMWhere: Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave, Red Bank
Details: A tradition for sixty years, American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER is one of the longest continuously running productions in the nation and a perfect holiday treat for all ages! With thrilling choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, ARB’s professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. Performances will take place Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 2025. Click here for details.
American Repertory Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/07/2025 at 1:00 PMWhere: Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave, Red Bank
Details: A tradition for sixty years, American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER is one of the longest continuously running productions in the nation and a perfect holiday treat for all ages! With thrilling choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, ARB’s professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. Performances will take place Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 2025. Click here for details.
Count Basie Center for the Arts Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/12/2025 at 7:00 PMWhere: Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St, Red Bank
Details: Every holiday season, the Company of Dance Arts has brought the magic of The Nutcracker to life, and 2025 marks our 39th Anniversary! Set to Tchaikovsky’s stirring score, soloists from NYC ballet companies join the accomplished local dancers in the most popular ballet of all time. Youngsters as well as the young-at-heart will delight with Clara as she journeys with her Nutcracker through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets to meet the Sugarplum Fairy. Presented by the Company of Dance Arts. Click here for details.
Count Basie Center for the Arts Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/13/2025 at 1:00 PMWhere: Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St, Red Bank
Details: Every holiday season, the Company of Dance Arts has brought the magic of The Nutcracker to life, and 2025 marks our 39th Anniversary! Set to Tchaikovsky’s stirring score, soloists from NYC ballet companies join the accomplished local dancers in the most popular ballet of all time. Youngsters as well as the young-at-heart will delight with Clara as she journeys with her Nutcracker through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets to meet the Sugarplum Fairy. Presented by the Company of Dance Arts. Click here for details.
Grunin Center Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker
When: 12/13/2025 at 1:00 PMWhere: Grunin Center for the Arts, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Details: Join Ballet for Young Audiences as they present another year of this Grunin Center holiday tradition. This child-friendly production of The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, the favorite godchild of Herr Drosselmeyer, a mysterious clockmaker who helps to transport Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to a special realm. A special, condensed version of the ballet, this version is designed for younger audiences and features narration to help young ballet enthusiasts enjoy the performance. Tickets for this performance are on sale now via the Grunin Center website. Click here for details.
Grunin Center Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker
When: 12/13/2025 at 4:00 PMWhere: Grunin Center for the Arts, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Details: Join Ballet for Young Audiences as they present another year of this Grunin Center holiday tradition. This child-friendly production of The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, the favorite godchild of Herr Drosselmeyer, a mysterious clockmaker who helps to transport Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to a special realm. A special, condensed version of the ballet, this version is designed for younger audiences and features narration to help young ballet enthusiasts enjoy the performance. Tickets for this performance are on sale now via the Grunin Center website. Click here for details.
Count Basie Center for the Arts Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/13/2025 at 5:00 PMWhere: Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St, Red Bank
Details: Every holiday season, the Company of Dance Arts has brought the magic of The Nutcracker to life, and 2025 marks our 39th Anniversary! Set to Tchaikovsky’s stirring score, soloists from NYC ballet companies join the accomplished local dancers in the most popular ballet of all time. Youngsters as well as the young-at-heart will delight with Clara as she journeys with her Nutcracker through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets to meet the Sugarplum Fairy. Presented by the Company of Dance Arts. Click here for details.
Count Basie Center for the Arts Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/14/2025 at 1:00 PMWhere: Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St, Red Bank
Details: Every holiday season, the Company of Dance Arts has brought the magic of The Nutcracker to life, and 2025 marks our 39th Anniversary! Set to Tchaikovsky’s stirring score, soloists from NYC ballet companies join the accomplished local dancers in the most popular ballet of all time. Youngsters as well as the young-at-heart will delight with Clara as she journeys with her Nutcracker through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets to meet the Sugarplum Fairy. Presented by the Company of Dance Arts. Click here for details.
Atlantic City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: 12/14/2025 at 5:00 PMWhere: Caesars Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Ave. , Caesars Training Room, Atlantic City
Details: The Nutcracker, one of ballet’s treasured classics, tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Embarking on a wondrous journey through the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets, Clara encounters many unforgettable and timeless characters. Young and old alike will experience the many magical moments, of this beloved holiday ballet. There’s no better way to spend the holidays with family and friends than by sharing Atlantic City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. Click here for details.
South Jersey
South Jersey Ballet Theatre Presents "The Nutcracker"
When: 12/12/2025 at 7:30 PMWhere: Voorhees Middle School, 1000 Holly Oak Drive, Voorhees
Details: South Jersey Ballet Theatre’s version of The Nutcracker includes professionals from the company along with students from the South Jersey Ballet School. There will be four different performances beginning Friday, December 12. The performances on December 12 and 13 (4:30 pm show only) feature a Girl Scout Meet & Greet after the show. Don’t miss the dancing, the music, and the holiday magic—buy your tickets today at www.southjerseyballet.com. Click here for details.
South Jersey Ballet Theatre Presents "The Nutcracker"
When: 12/13/2025 at 1:00 PMWhere: Voorhees Middle School, 1000 Holly Oak Drive, Voorhees
Details: South Jersey Ballet Theatre’s version of The Nutcracker includes professionals from the company along with students from the South Jersey Ballet School. There will be four different performances beginning Friday, December 12. The performances on December 12 and 13 (4:30 pm show only) feature a Girl Scout Meet & Greet after the show. Don’t miss the dancing, the music, and the holiday magic—buy your tickets today at www.southjerseyballet.com. Click here for details.
South Jersey Ballet Theatre Presents "The Nutcracker"
When: 12/13/2025 at 4:30 PMWhere: Voorhees Middle School, 1000 Holly Oak Drive, Voorhees
Details: South Jersey Ballet Theatre’s version of The Nutcracker includes professionals from the company along with students from the South Jersey Ballet School. There will be four different performances beginning Friday, December 12. The performances on December 12 and 13 (4:30 pm show only) feature a Girl Scout Meet & Greet after the show. Don’t miss the dancing, the music, and the holiday magic—buy your tickets today at www.southjerseyballet.com. Click here for details.
South Jersey Ballet Theatre Presents "The Nutcracker"
When: 12/14/2025 at 2:30 PMWhere: Voorhees Middle School, 1000 Holly Oak Drive, Voorhees
Details: South Jersey Ballet Theatre’s version of The Nutcracker includes professionals from the company along with students from the South Jersey Ballet School. There will be four different performances beginning Friday, December 12. The performances on December 12 and 13 (4:30 pm show only) feature a Girl Scout Meet & Greet after the show. Don’t miss the dancing, the music, and the holiday magic—buy your tickets today at www.southjerseyballet.com. Click here for details.
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