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200+ Holiday Events in Orange County (Updated 2019)

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Christmas is coming and holiday events abound in Orange County!  From seeing Gingerbread Houses at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, to attending a Nutcracker performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, to strolling through luminaria-lit paths at Heritage Hill Historical Park’s Candlelight Walk in Lake Forest, there is a special holiday event for everyone.  So, here is a list of over 200+ Christmas Events in Orange County just for you!  Merry Christmas!

Celebrate the holiday season by attending any one of these 200 Christmas Events in Orange County, California. From holiday boat parades to the best Christmas light displays to children's holiday activities, SoCal Field Trips has got you covered!

Christmas Boat Parades in Orange County

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, Dana Point (Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14)

Boat parade by water’s edge at 7:30 pm.  100 boaters compete in the categories of style, intricacy and outlandishness.  Past years’ entries have featured towering light displays and inflatable snowmen riding motorcycles and planes. In 2008, one boater even outfitted his craft with rotating wooden attachments that gave the appearance of dolphins swimming alongside.  Free to attend.

Quick Link: Discount Tickets for Dana Point Christmas Boat Parade of Lights with Davey’s Locker Ships

Huntington Harbor Boat Parade, Huntington Beach (Dec. 14 & 15)

A “Rock and Roll Fantasty” is this year’s theme which means decorators will have a wide list of songs and start to choose from. Besides the fun and excitement, they have 16 trophies to award in categories ranging from ‘Most Religious’ to ‘Best Commercial Entry’.  Free to attend.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Newport Beach (Dec. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23)

The Christmas Boat Parade is one of the oldest and most popular holiday traditions in southern California and even the nation.  In 1908, a gondola and eight canoes decked out in Japanese lanterns started the tradition, which has grown into a spectacle expected to draw more than a million viewers over its five nights.  The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. with boats leaving from Bay Island, making their way around the harbor, and returning at 9 p.m.  In all there are just under registered 100 boats taking part in the contests.  Free to attend.

Quick Links: Discount Tickets for Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade with Newport Landing Cruises or Discount Tickets for Newport Beach Light Displays with Newport Landing Cruises

Christmas Shows in Orange County

The Nutcracker presented by The Ballet Etudes, Belle Terra, Huntington Beach (Nov. 3)

Come see Clara, the Nutcracker, Rat King, Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen perform as Ballet Etudes presents excerpts from The Nutcracker. Children from Huntington Academy of Dance will also perform their holiday dances.  Free.

A Christmas Carol, Camino Real Playhouse, San Juan Capistrano (Nov. 30 – Dec. 15)

Another in the opening, Charles Dickens himself is introduced to the audience, ready to present one of his famed readings of a new script, A Christmas Carol, to his guests. The story unfolds behind him, and soon Dickens is weaving in and out of the action, observing, performing small roles, interpolating short passages of rich narrative never heard in other versions. This holiday treat is a version that will transport you! Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is adapted by John Jakes.  Get discount tickets here.

A Christmas Carol, South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa (Nov. 30 – Dec. 24)

Nineteenth-century London comes to life when your family joins the SCR family for the holidays. Recapture the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas with this timeless Dickens classic and all your favorite characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come—and, as always, Hal Landon Jr. as everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge.  Ticketed.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa (Dec. 1)

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 30 years! Grammy® Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series which introduced the distinctive Mannheim sound to all of America.  The spirit of the season comes alive in this joyous holiday show, which includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Don’t miss this ultimate holiday tradition from the Number One Christmas music artist in history!  Ticketed.

Peter Pan and Tinkerbell: A Pirates Christmas, Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach (Dec. 4 – 29)

Peter Pan, Tink and the gang are coming at you this Christmas in traditionally wacky British Panto-style at the Laguna Playhouse. Based on classic kids’ stories and performed during the holiday season in England, pantos are over-the-top melodramatic mash-ups of fairy tale, slapstick comedy, pop music and audience participation (booing and cheering are heartily encouraged), and are designed to be fun for your whole crew.  Get discount tickets here.

The MistleTones: Song, Bells & Comedy for Christmas, Maverick Theater, Fullerton (Dec. 4 – 19)

The talented quartet known as The MistleTones will be at Fullerton’s Maverick Theater with bells on, as they hit the stage for a holiday music and comedy revue designed to leave you feeling merry and bright.  This seasonal extravaganza includes a toy sack of clever parody songs, including “We Will Flock You” to the sounds of Queen, “Can’t Wrap This” ala MC Hammer and even an ABBA inspired “Ugly Sweater” among many more.  The MistleTones are longtime SoCal favorites, who’ve performed at Disney’s California Adventure and Knott’s Berry Farm.  Get discount tickets here. 

A Charlie Brown Christmas, Chance Theater, Anaheim (Dec. 6 – 29)

Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in the all-new stage adaptation! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they produce their own Christmas play and ultimately learn the true meaning of the season. A Charlie Brown Christmas is a present the whole family can enjoy. Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story, this holiday treat features the unforgettable music of Vince Guaraldi, as well as beloved holiday carols performed by the Peanuts characters. There’s no better way to discover the magic of the season.  Get discount tickets here.

The Magic of Christmas With The Young Americans, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, La Mirada (Dec. 6 – 15)

A cast of hundreds with 30 scene changes makes for an epic Christmas spectacular for the whole family. From their early days of performing with such legends as Ed Sullivan and Bing Crosby to their current tours across 17 countries with 325 shows each year, The Young Americans remain the best in music and dance.  The Magic of Christmas features hip-hopping penguins, dancing Santas and many more memorable moments to fill the family with holiday spirit.  Get discount tickets here.

The Nutcracker for Kids, Newport Beach Central Library, Newport Beach (Dec. 7)

The whole family will enjoy this program for children. “The Nutcracker for Kids” is an abridged narrated version of the holiday classic presented by Festival Ballet Theatre. The shortened performance features a cast of professional dancers in complete costumes and tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives the gift of a nutcracker soldier from her mysterious godfather. Overnight, the nutcracker is magically transformed into a handsome prince who takes Clara on an enchanting journey.  Two performances: 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.  Admission is free. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Ticket distribution, for both shows, will begin at 1 p.m.  Ticket holders should return 15 minutes prior to the show to be seated.

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Knotts Berr-y Tales Returns in Summer 2020

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Knott’s Berry Farm announced today in honor of their 100th anniversary celebration that the Bear-y Tales theme park ride is returning to the theme park in 2020.  But this time with a twist!  Bear-y Tales is an all-new 4-D interactive dark ride, bringing to life a continuation of the classic attraction initially commissioned by the Knott Family and created in 1975 by the legendary attraction designer Rolly Crump.  Rolly Crump is also famous for his work on the Enchanted Tiki Room, Haunted Mansion and It’s a Small World at Disneyland.

Do you love theme park rides? Check out the all new Knott's Bear-y Tales, an all-new 4-D interactive dark ride coming to Knott's Berry Farm in summer 2020.

Berry-y Tales Returns To Knott’s Berry Farm in 2020

Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair will take guests on an exciting journey through reimagined show scenes that are reminiscent of the original dark ride, including the Boysenberry Pie Factory, Frog Forest, Fortune Teller Camp, Thunder Cave, and Weird Woods, culminating in a celebration at the County Fair.

The new story lines takes place 34 years after the original adventure and follows Boysen Bear and Girlsen Bear as they travel to the Country Fair to earn the blue ribbon prize for their famous boysenberry pies, but Crafty Coyote is back along with his mischievous pups intent on stealing all the pies for themselves.

Guests will climb aboard ride vehicles equipped with jelly blasters to try and recover the stolen boysenberry pies as they travel through whimsical and beautiful environments while competing for the highest score.  New digitally rendered scenes will recreate the most popular scenes from the original attraction.

Do you love theme park rides? Check out the all new Knott's Bear-y Tales, an all-new 4-D interactive dark ride coming to Knott's Berry Farm in summer 2020.

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14 Fun Holiday Boat Parades in Southern California (Updated 2019)

Posted on | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in San Diego, Field Trips in Santa Barbara, Field Trips In Ventura, Holiday Events | 6 Comments

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There’s nothing better than watching a parade during the holiday season.  Wait!…maybe there is.  It’s a boat parade!  You can’t help but get into the spirit of the season with lights gleaming off the cool ripples of the water and the holiday sounds coming from the lavishly decorated vessels.  That’s why at SoCal Field Trips, we have created an extensive list of Holiday Boat Parades in Southern California for your enjoyment!

Check out this list of 14 astonishingly beautiful holiday boat parades in Southern California! From Los Angeles to Orange County to San Diego, you can enjoy thousands of sparkling lights on board hundreds of boats on the water.

From Santa Barbara to San Diego, we have listed over 14 spectacular events.  You can either attend a large one like the L.A. Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade with over 100 boats or a smaller one such as the Naples Island Annual Boat Parade, which has a hometown feel.  So spend the evening with your family and friends down at the water front enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season!

 

Holiday Boat Parades in Orange County

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, Dana Point (Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14) ~ FREE

This year’s parade theme is “Tiki Holiday”.   100 boaters compete in the categories of style, intricacy and outlandishness.  Past years’ entries have featured towering light displays and inflatable snowmen riding motorcycles and planes. In 2008, one boater even outfitted his craft with rotating wooden attachments that gave the appearance of dolphins swimming alongside.  The parade starts by the water’s edge at 7:30 pm.

QUICK LINK: Discount Tickets for Dana Point Christmas Boat Parade of Lights with Davey’s Locker Ships

Dana Point Harbor Holiday Boat Parade

credit: alisolagunanews.com

Huntington Harbor Boat Parade, Huntington Beach (Dec. 14 & 15) ~ FREE

A “Rock and Roll Fantasty” is this year’s theme which means decorators will have a wide list of songs and start to choose from. Besides the fun and excitement, they have 16 trophies to award in categories ranging from ‘Most Religious’ to ‘Best Commercial Entry’.  Unlike many other boat parades, the Huntington Harbour Boat Parade is an entirely volunteer effort.

Holiday boat parades Orange County

credit: Huntington Harbor Boat Parade

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Newport Beach (Dec. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23) ~ FREE

The Christmas Boat Parade is one of the oldest and most popular holiday traditions in southern California and even the nation.  In 1908, a gondola and eight canoes decked out in Japanese lanterns started the tradition, which has grown into a spectacle expected to draw more than a million viewers over its five nights.  The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. with boats leaving from Bay Island, making their way around the harbor, and returning at 9 p.m.  In all there are just under registered 100 boats taking part in the contests.

QUICK LINKS:

Newport Beach Holiday Boat Parade

credit: christmasboatparade.com

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20+ Family Thanksgiving Events in Southern California (Updated 2019)

Posted on | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | 1 Comment

It’s that time of year when the holidays are upon us and we tend to focus more on what’s truly important in our lives – spending quality time with our family and friends.  Halloween is over and Christmas is right around the corner.  However, in the meantime, there’s this little unsung holiday known as “Thanksgiving” that also deserves a shout out and little more than a passer-by.

Family Thanksgiving Events in Southern California

Since Thanksgiving is a few short weeks away, it means it’s time for our 7th Annual Southern California Thanksgiving Events Roundup.  Throughout the month of November, there are many holiday inspired events that emphasize the importance of gratitude and thankfulness.  Take a look through our list of upcoming events across the southland and enjoy the season with your family!

Family Thanksgiving Events in Los Angeles

71st Annual Pilgrim Place Festival, Claremont (11/8 & 11/9)

Pilgrim Place is a non-profit retirement community in Claremont and home to more than 350 people who have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others.  The Annual Pilgrim Place Festival offers two days of shopping, fun, children’s games and food.  You will find vintage clothing, precious and costume jewelry, baked goods, plants, crafting, household items and more.  Handcrafted items include quilts, stained glass, knitted, sewn, woven and paper-made goods.  Shoppers may meet artists and purchase paintings, sculpture and everyday items directly from the artists.  Attractions include riding the Festival boat and train.  Kids can learn how to reduce, reuse and recycle everyday items at their sustainability and “glue-in” booths.

Opening Day Ceremony at Pershing Square Ice Rink, Los Angeles (11/14)

The Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink offers the quintessential winter activity in the heart of beautiful downtown Los Angeles.  Surrounded by art, lively activity and the impressive city skyline, their outdoor ice rink lets you enjoy entertainment and ice skating in Los Angeles under the sun and stars.

The beloved recreational landmark will kick-off its 22nd season with a festive series of free community and special events, starting with the annual Icebreaker Opening Celebration on Thursday, November 14 at 11:00am.  This year’s opening event features a live performance of the Oscar®-winning hit “Let It Go” from the cast of the North American tour of Disney’s FROZEN the Broadway Musical, with an impressive skate performance choreographed to the song, special guests and more. After the “icebreaking” ceremony, where a large ice sculpture is shattered, The Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square’s first skaters will be youth from south Los Angeles.

Big Sunday’s 8th Annual Thanksgiving Stuffing Event, Los Angeles (11/28)

At Big Sunday, they operate under the belief that “everyone has some way that they can help somebody else.”  Each year they collect and pack big bags full of Thanksgiving dinner for thousands of people, including vets; homeless families; women in domestic violence shelters; group homes; low-income families with autistic children; food pantries; schools and more.  They need people to donate food, as well as to pack everything up.  And yes, everyone is invited to join together for a community breakfast, too!

Los Angeles Mission, Los Angeles (11/28)

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Los Angeles Mission.  Sign up to volunteer and serve Thanksgiving meals to those who would otherwise go without.  An orientation is required to volunteer for any opportunity at the Los Angeles Mission, including their street events.  If you are not able to attend in person, donations may be made online.

Thanksgiving Day Run & Food Drive, La Canada Flintridge (11/28)

The Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk has been a local tradition and a community favorite with families, athletes, and community supporters of all types for two decades. The race is professionally timed, and begins promptly at 8:30am at Memorial Park in La Cañada.  The Kids’ Mile Run is a family fun event geared for children 12 and under. Parents are encouraged to run alongside registered children at no additional cost. Kids will receive a t-shirt before the race and an award as they cross the finish line! The 1 Mile Kids’ Run will begin promptly at 9:30am at Memorial Park in La Cañada.

The Community Centers Thanksgiving Day Food Drive is the largest Food Drive in the Foothill communities.  Canned and non-perishable food is collected during the month of November at locations in La Cañada, La Crescenta and Montrose.  Non-perishable donations are distributed by the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station to local families in need. In 2017, the food collected served over 160 families.

Turkey Trot Los Angeles, Downtown LA (11/28)

Join thousands of runners and walkers for the annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles on Thanksgiving morning.  They have a Widdle Wobble, a half-mile kids and family run/walk.  In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this event benefits the Midnight Mission – an amazing organization that offers a path to self sufficiency to those experiencing homelessness.

This year, the Turkey Trot Los Angeles has stepped up its giving game.  With the support of the UAE, BOMBAS, and our amazing community, they’re on a mission to help make L.A. a better place for everyone.  You can help even further by purchasing a pair of BOMBAS socks during online registration.  100% of proceeds go to The Midnight Mission.

Burbank YMCA Turkey Trot, Burbank (11/18)

Run, walk, or push a stroller through Downtown Burbank and participate in the Burbank YMCA Turkey Trot.  100% of the proceeds support the YMCA Financial Assistance Program benefitting community residents.  Enjoy pre-race expo as well as a Kids Fun Zone.

The Midnight Mission, Los Angeles (11/28)

Sign up to volunteer and serve Thanksgiving meals to those who will come by for a Thanksgiving meal at The Midnight Mission.  The Midnight Mission offers a path to self-sufficiency to men, women and children who have lost everything.  Their emergency services, 12-step philosophy, job training, education and work programs offer a compassionate bridge to productive lives.  They help remove obstacles to self-sufficiency and provide the accountability and structure that people who are experiencing homelessness need to rejoin their communities.

Westside Thanksgiving Community Dinner & Celebration, Los Angeles (11/28)

This non-profit organization has over three decades of tradition serving the community a wonderful free sit-down Thanksgiving dinner.  During the celebration, they also provide free haircuts, blankets, clothing, hygiene kits, medical, optical, and dental services, vaccination, a resource fair, and a children’s carnival.  The Celebration relies entirely on donations from the local community.  Families can get involved by volunteering, donating food and/or clothing or making a financial donation.

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Discount Tickets to Nutcracker Performances in Southern California (Updated 2019)

Posted on | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego, Field Trips in Santa Barbara, Field Trips In Ventura, Holiday Events | 23 Comments

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Get discount tickets to over 50+ Nutcracker Performances in Southern California including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Riverside and San Bernardino.

Do you remember when you were a child and your parents took you to see the world famous Nutcracker for the first time?  I do.  I was approximately 8 or 9 years old when my mother took me.  I remember getting dressed up in my Christmas best and wearing my little pretty black suede shoes.  Everyone in the theater was dressed to the hilt and so prim and proper.

A few years ago, I took Field Trip Boy and Field Trip Girl to see their first performance of the Nutcracker at the Huntington Beach Central Library.  It was specifically tailored for children.  Field Trip Girl especially enjoyed the ballet and was enamored with the enchanting music, beautiful costumes and meeting the cast afterwards.

Get discount tickets to over 50+ Nutcracker Performances in Southern California including in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Riverside and San Bernardino.

In 2019, the essential holiday tradition continues!  Join Clara and her beloved Nutcracker as she travels to the Land of Snow, and to the Palace of the Dolls where all of her favorite doll companions come to life.  There are over 50+ Nutcracker Performances in Southern California this holiday season.  Dates and tickets prices vary.  Please see the complete list below for details.

 

Nutcracker Performances in Los Angeles Area

Los Angeles Ballet @ Cerritos Center, Cerritos (Nov. 30 & Dec. 1)

Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the city’s own holiday tradition, perfect for celebrating the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, you will be captivated as Clara and her beloved Nutcracker battle a most memorable Mouse King, encounter dancing Snowflakes and travel to the Palace of the Dolls.

Inland Pacific Ballet @ Bridges Auditorium, Claremont (Dec. 21-22)

Discover the joy of the holiday season with this spectacular production of The Nutcracker; the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, and sets out on a wondrous journey to the Land of the Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets in a fantastic dream with battling mice, dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy.  Meet the cast after the performance for photos and autographs.

Los Angeles Ballet @ Alex Theatre, Glendale (Dec. 7-8)

Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the city’s own holiday tradition, perfect for celebrating the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, you will be captivated as Clara and her beloved Nutcracker battle a most memorable Mouse King, encounter dancing Snowflakes and travel to the Palace of the Dolls.  Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the traditions of the holiday story with some surprises! This production is set in 1912 Los Angeles. Throughout the five scenes in two acts you will find hints and tastes of Southern California – a Spanish style home, calla lilies, bougainvillea, the snowy forests of the Sierras, Venice archways, a moonlit Pacific Ocean and more!

Dance Creations @ Aguora Performing Arts Education Center, Agoura Hills (Nov. 22-23)

Dance Creations present The Nutcracker, an 1892 two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with  score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.  The libretto is adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”.

Degas Dance Studio @ Agoura Performing Arts Education Center, Agoura Hills (Dec. 7-8)

Bring your whole family to share and enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition with a family friendly full ballet production. Featuring Music by Tchaikovsky, professional as well as pre-professional and student performers, beautiful costumes and magical digital backdrops.

The Red Chair Children’s Production Company @ Alex Theatre, Glendale (Dec. 14-15)

Now in its 14th year, The Red Chair’s energetic rendition of this holiday classic features young artists, ages 5 to 18, in principal and supporting roles along with adults. A cast of over 100 will bring to life the enchanting storybook tale of a young girl’s magical Christmas Eve that takes her, and the audience, on a delightful and exciting journey.  Designed to captivate the youngest audience member with its lavish sets and glittering costumes to the oldest with its quality ballet production, Red Chair’s Nutcracker is truly the magical way for all ages to start the holidays!

Los Angeles Youth Ballet @ Alex Theatre, Glendale (Dec. 21-23)

Internationally renowned ballet stars and prominent role models Ashley Murphy and Brooklyn Mack guest star in Los Angeles Youth Ballet’s critically-acclaimed production of The Nutcracker by award-winning choreographer Andrea Paris-Gutierrez, which caps the holiday season with four performances.

Los Angeles Ballet @ The Dolby Theatre, Hollywood (Dec. 20, 21, 22, & 24 )

Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the city’s own holiday tradition, perfect for celebrating the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, you will be captivated as Clara and her beloved Nutcracker battle a most memorable Mouse King, encounter dancing Snowflakes and travel to the Palace of the Dolls.

Antelope Valley Ballet @ Lancaster Performing Arts Center, Lancaster (Dec. 14-15)

AV Ballet’s 20th Anniversary season at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center begins with a celebration of their 20th production of The Nutcracker. The best known and most beloved of all AV Ballet productions, this Christmas tradition has been seen by tens of thousands. Clara’s holiday journey with her Nutcracker through a battle filled with rats, a magical snowstorm and her visit to an enchanted confection created castle has become a mainstay in our community.

Long Beach Ballet @ The Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach (Dec. 14-15 & 20-22)

This stunning version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet by artistic director David Wilcox has been a Southern Californian holiday favorite for over 30 years years. Accompanied by full symphony orchestra, the Long Beach Nutcracker also boasts sparkling sets and costumes, a cast of over 200, dazzling pyrotechnics and magic effects — along with a special appearance by Rebel, Long Beach Ballet’s gorgeous white Arabian horse. The Los Angeles Times calls Long Beach Ballet’s The Nutcracker “opulent, family-oriented holiday entertainment,” and The Huffington Post raves that it “enchants children and their parents with spectacle and awe.”

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker @ The Wiltern, Los Angeles (Dec. 21-22)

DEAL ALERT: Get discount tickets starting at $39.00 on Goldstar.com or $39.00 on Groupon.com

Bringing holiday joy and goodwill with its 2018 Dove of Peace tour, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is inspired by the Bolshoi’s 1957 version of Tchaikovsky’s classic. In this always heartwarming spectacle, the young Masha and her Nutcracker Prince arrive in the Land of Peace and Harmony, where the Dove takes Masha on a magical trip across the globe, introducing her to the rich and colorful cultures of the world. Filled with premier Russian dancers, larger-than-life nesting dolls, handmade costumes, young local dancers — and even a falling snow effect — this perennial favorite is sure to cast its seasonal spell over the entire family, leaving kids “wide-eyed with delight” (The New York Times). And there’s no better place for you and your family to get swept up in the spirit of the holiday than at the beautiful, historic art-deco palace known as L.A.’s Wiltern.

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