There’s nothing like watching your child’s face when the Christmas tree starts to grow. If seeing The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition in your house, or this is the year you’re trying it for the first time, Philadelphia has plenty of choices. You can go big with the full production on Broad Street. You can also go small with a studio show in University City, Manayunk or even your local library. It’s one of our favorite outings in the Philadelphia Family Holiday Guide, where you’ll find light shows, Santa visits and more ways to celebrate the season around the city.

A quick word for parents of preschoolers: the full-length ballet is long, and the tickets aren’t cheap. Studio productions are often the smarter first Nutcracker. The shows are shorter and the tickets cost less. The audience is full of grandparents and siblings cheering on their dancers, so no one minds a wiggly four-year-old. Several productions this year also offer sensory-friendly performances, and we’ve marked those below.

Many performances require tickets in advance, and the popular ones sell out, so book early. For even more ideas, browse our Philly Family curated events calendar, where you’ll find fun things to do with your family every day of the week. Want the best family events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly High Five newsletter and we’ll help you make room for play all season long.

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The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music

For the full experience, with a live orchestra, a sparkling theater and a cast of more than 200 dancers, this is the one.

Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Center City

December 4 – 31
Academy of Music
240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia

Philadelphia Ballet’s 59th annual production is the one many Philly families grew up with. It has a live orchestra, more than 170 young dancers from area ballet schools and a Christmas tree that grows right in front of you. The story follows Marie and her Nutcracker Prince through the snow to the Land of Sweets. It all happens in the gilded Academy of Music on the Avenue of the Arts, a treat for kids all on its own. Tickets start at $29, and opening night (Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.) is just $10.

Sensory-friendly performance: Saturday, Dec. 26 at noon. Sound is lowered, lighting is adjusted and there’s a quiet area for breaks. Kids can move, talk or step out as they need to. An audio-described performance is offered Friday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m.

Philly Family Tip: The show runs about two hours and eight minutes with a 20-minute intermission. Children under 3 aren’t admitted. If your family has an ACCESS card, ask about discounted tickets through the box office. The noon matinees are the sweet spot for younger kids, since you’re home before the late-afternoon meltdown window.

Studio Nutcracker Performances in Philadelphia (Shorter Shows, Friendlier Prices)

Studio and youth company productions are a great fit for young kids. The shows are shorter and the tickets cost less. You also get the fun of watching local kids live out their Sugar Plum dreams.

The Rock School for Dance Education: The Enchanted Nutcracker, Center City

December 5 – 6
Miller Theater
250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia

The Rock School’s version was made with young audiences in mind. It has light narration to help little ones follow along, falling snow, dancing flowers and a new animated backdrop this year. Shows are Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Tickets start at just $10, and groups of 10 or more save 20%.

Sensory-friendly performance: Every show is designed with a sensory-friendly feel. Sound levels are lower, transitions are gentle and the house stays softly lit, with no sudden blackouts or strobe effects. Every performance welcomes whatever reactions your child has.

Philly Family Tip: If you live on the Main Line, The Rock School also performs at Goodhart Hall in Bryn Mawr (150 N. Merion Avenue) on December 12 and 13.

The Philadelphia Dance Academy: The Nutcracker, University City

December 12 – 13
Mandell Theater at Drexel University
3220 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia

The Old City studio and its youth company, The Philadelphia Youth Ballet, bring their family-friendly Nutcracker to University City for six performances. Two casts of student dancers share the stage, with shows at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. both days. The show runs about 90 minutes, and tickets are $30 to $45.

Philly Family Tip: These shows sell out quickly, so buy early. The 10:30 a.m. show works well around little ones’ naps. The Philadelphia Dance Academy is a proud member of our Philly Family Community.

Chocolate Ballerina Company: The Nutcracker Dipped in Chocolate, University City

December 19 – 20
Mandell Theater at Drexel University
3220 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia

Now in its sixth year, this production from Mt. Airy native Chanel Holland-Pierre has become a must-see. Clara and the Nutcracker still make their journey, but this time it celebrates Black culture and African heritage. Tchaikovsky shares the stage with house, gospel and music from across the African diaspora. The company was founded so young dancers of color can see themselves on stage, and audiences leave inspired. Tickets start around $34 on Eventbrite.

Funny and Fresh Takes on The Nutcracker in Philly

If your crew likes giggles more than tutus, these two shows give the classic a very Philly sense of humor.

The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble: The Tapcracker, Center City

December 12 – 13
Suzanne Roberts Theatre
480 S. Broad Street

Trade the pointe shoes for tap shoes! Philadelphia’s all-women tap company brings back its 10th annual Tapcracker, and this time the story moves to Paris. Rats have taken over the city, toy soldiers guard the Eiffel Tower and mice cause chaos in the Metro, all set to Duke Ellington’s jazzy take on Tchaikovsky. More than 40 tap dancers from across the region fill the stage, and kids love hearing every step. Shows are Saturday at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $65.

Philly Family Tip: The Saturday 11 a.m. show is the best bet for younger kids, but children under 3 aren’t admitted, and every guest needs a ticket. Sales are final, so double-check your date before you buy.

One-Man Nutcracker by Chris Davis, Rittenhouse

December 9 – January 10
The Proscenium at The Drake
302 S. Hicks Street, Philadelphia

What happens when one guy plays every part in The Nutcracker? Chris Davis takes on Marie, Fritz, Drosselmeyer, the mice and even the Sugar Plum Fairy in his own retelling of the original story and the ballet. This is its fourth year at The Drake, and it’s become a holiday tradition for families who like their ballet with a big side of laughs. At about an hour, it’s easy to fit into a busy December weekend.

Philly Family Tip: The show is recommended for ages 7 and up. Most weekend and holiday-week shows are at noon, which makes them easy to pair with lunch in Rittenhouse. There are no shows December 14, 15, 21, 25, 28 or 31, so check the calendar before you promise anyone a date. Tickets can’t be refunded.

ContempraDANCE Theatre: A Nutty Winter Spectacular, Manayunk

Sunday, December 13, 3 p.m.
Venice Island Performing Arts Center
7 Lock Street, Philadelphia

This show features excerpts from Philly Nutt, the long-running comedy spoof of The Nutcracker, and it’s packed with hometown jokes. Betsy Ann Belle, Liberty Belle’s younger sister, meets the City Hall Dolls, Hip Hoppin’ Santa and the Snow King on her way through the “Kingdom of Prussia.” At the end, the audience gets to judge the Contempra youth dancers, which kids love. Reserved seats are $35, and groups of 15 or more get a discount.

Nutcracker Shows Just Outside Philadelphia

Both of these are a short drive from the city, and both are worth the trip, whether you head to Delaware County or Montgomery County.

Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet: The Nutcracker, Delaware County

November 20 – 22
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Philadelphia

Want to get your Nutcracker in before the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone? The Narberth ballet school has been staging this production for more than 30 years. Dancers from Philadelphia Ballet perform alongside local students, so you get professional-level dancing at a studio-show price. Shows are Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 to $25, and the show runs about 90 minutes. The fun starts in the lobby, which is decorated as a winter wonderland, and a Nutcracker boutique sells holiday treasures.

Philly Family Tip: Go on Saturday if you can. After those shows, kids can take photos with the cast. Parking is free.

Philadelphia Dance Theatre: A Philadelphia Nutcracker, Montgomery County

December 4 – 6
Montco Cultural Center at Montgomery County Community College
Blue Bell

This one is a love letter to Northwest Philly. The Germantown-based company sets the story in the Victorian era, with backdrops of real storefronts and homes from Germantown, Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill. The party scene happens at the Thomas Mansion on Wissahickon Avenue. The snow scene takes place on Tommy’s Hill, the Northwest’s favorite sledding spot in Fairmount Park. Kids from those neighborhoods love spotting places they know. The show runs 1 hour and 35 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.

Sensory-friendly performance: Sunday at 1 p.m. This 50-minute version has no intermission and is designed for people with autism, sensory sensitivities or other disabilities, and their families. House lights stay low but on, startling moments are softened, and talking, moving and fidget toys are all welcome. Quiet spaces are available, and social stories are shared ahead of time.

Philly Family Tip: Parking is free, and you enter the lot from Morris Road.

Free Nutcracker Story Times at Philadelphia Libraries

Not sure your little one is ready for a theater seat? Start with a story time. These Free Library of Philadelphia programs are a gentle, low-pressure first taste of the ballet.

Nutcracker Story Time with The Rock School, Bella Vista

Saturday, November 28, 11 a.m.
Charles Santore Library
932 S. 7th Street, Philadelphia

Rock School educator Jessica Kilpatrick tells the Nutcracker story through movement, and kids dance along.

Dance Me a Story: The Nutcracker, Point Breeze

Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m.
Queen Memorial Library
1201 S. 23rd Street, Philadelphia

This is the same interactive story time with The Rock School. Expect listening, moving and plenty of twirling.

The Nutcracker with The Philadelphia Dance Academy, Logan Square

Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m.
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia

Philadelphia Dance Academy students perform excerpts from the ballet. It’s short, sweet and right in the city, and everyone from toddlers to grandparents is welcome.

Tips for Taking Kids to The Nutcracker

A little prep at home makes a big difference once the curtain goes up.

• Read the story first. Kids who know about Marie (or Clara), the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy stay engaged much longer.
• Play the music at home. Put on the Tchaikovsky score during breakfast the week before. When “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” starts, they’ll light up.
• Pick a matinee. Morning and early afternoon shows fit nap and bedtime schedules better.
• Choose aisle seats. You can slip out for a bathroom trip or a break without climbing over anyone.
• Dress up if they want to. Plenty of little ones wear tutus, velvet dresses and bow ties. It’s part of the fun.
• Start small. A studio show or library story time is a great test run before the Academy of Music.

More Nutcracker Performances Around Philadelphia

Even more Nutcracker shows from our events calendar are listed below. If your studio is performing this season, consider joining Philadelphia Family as a Member for priority coverage and submit your event here.

Lead photo courtesy of the Rock School for Dance