2017 Updated

There are so many wonderful Christmas traditions that it’s hard to pick a favorite thing. I always make sure to visit at least one holiday light display each year. In addition, seeing a performance of The Nutcracker is a must-do. There are plenty of opportunities; I prefer to see a live performance. Here are some of the ways which you can see The Nutcracker in the St. Louis area.

Nutcracker at The Touhill: The St. Louis Ballet performs their annual Nutcracker ballet at The Touhill. The holiday favorite is performed to the traditional Tchaikovsky score. If I have to choose one to recommend, it would be this one. Tickets are $69, $61, $51, $35 (student & senior discounts available). In addition to the performances, you can purchase tickets to the Sugar Plum Fairy luncheon and meet & greet before the December 16 & 17 shows.

Dates: December 15 – 23
Times: 2:30pm & 7:30pm daily
Place: Touhill Performing Arts Center – 1 University Blvd

The Nutcracker at The Rickman:  The Belleville Ballet Theatre will be performing The Nutcracker at Rickman Auditorium with musci by the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra. You won’t want to miss this event. It will be an amazing performance with fabulous costumes and stellar scenery. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or at the Arnold Food Pantry. All proceeds benefit the Arnold Food Pantry.

Date: Sunday, Dec 2nd
Time: 7pm
Place: Rickman Auditorium – 747 Jeffco Blvd

The Endless Forest Nutcracker at Edison Theatre: SkyStone Conservatory of the Arts and Common Thread Contemporary Ballet present a soulfully re-imagined version of the holiday classic. Follow Clara on her journey into the Endless Forest in this contemporary Ballet about a little girl and a dream of hope.  This is a unique take on the traditional classic, so if you’re set on seeing the traditional show, this may not be for you. Read more about the performance. Tickets to the show are $25 ($40 for orchestra).

Dates: December 16 & 17
Times: Saturday: 4 & 7:30pm, Sunday: 2pm
Place: Edison Theatre – 6445 Forsyth Blvd

Nutcracker on Ice: This 13th annual ice show offers a unique take on the classic tale. The show began in Rockford in 1996 and was moved to St. Louis in 2005 and has continued to be a great success. In addition to the performance, this show hosts a food drive to benefit Operation Food Search. Prior to each show, St. Louis Synergy teams will perform an exhibition. Tickets are $12 in advance or $14 at the door

Dates: December 9 & 10
Time: 2 & 5pm
Place: Webster Groves Ice Arena – 33 E Glendale Road

The Nutcracker at The Purser Center: The Alexandra Ballet will be performing the holiday classic at Logan University’s The Purser Center. This is a one-hour narrated Nutcracker ballet show that will be perfect for the whole family. There will be concessions available for purchase. GA Tickets are $16.50 or $21.50 for reserved seating (Logan students and faculty get $5 off). Children (2-12) are $11.50 or $16.50.

Date: Sunday, December 10
Time: 4pm
Place: The Purser Center – 1851 Schoettler Rd

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker: All ages are invited to celebrate Christmas with the Moscow Ballet company of almost 40 ballerinas and danseurs on their 25th Anniversary Tour of North America in 2017. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is known for its award-winning Principal Dancers, lavish costumes in the style of the Victorian era, many backdrops created by La La Land Set Concept designer Carl Sprague, and its Russian focus including life-sized Matryoshka Dolls, Russian folk legends Ded Moroz (Father Christmas) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) and Troika Sleigh. Adults and children enjoy the special effects of the flapping winged owl on the Grandfather clock, the growing 50 ft tall Christmas Tree, the Dove of Peace with a 20ft wingspan, and of course, the leaps, spins, and extraordinary moves of the company all performed to Tchaikovsky’s complete and incomparable score. Tickets start at $31.50.

Date: December 23
Time: 3 & 7pm
Place: The Fabulous Fox-527 N Grand

The Nutcracker at Florissant Civic Center: The Midwest Ballet Theatre present their annual Nutcracker performance for one day only. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online or by calling 314 921-4466.

Date: Sunday, December 3
Time: 2 & 6pm
Place: Florissant Civic Center-1 James Eagan Dr

The Nutcracker at Wydown Junior High: In its 15th season, Dimensions Dance Center enthusiastically announces their latest production of The Nutcracker edited to present a complete story in a time format suitable for all ages. Choreographed by Artistic Director Sandra Morgan, the late Ballet Master Michael Newton, and Michelle Seymour to the classic Tchaikovsky score. Tickets are $8-$16.

Date: December 8-10
Time: Fri: 7pm, Sat: 3pm, Sun: 3pm
Place: Wydown Junior High Auditorium-6500 Wydown Blvd

Nutcracker Ballet at Robert Reim Theater: The Dance Center of Kirkwood will perform their 13th annual The Nutcracker Ballet at the Kirkwood Community Center for 2 nights. The choreographer and director of The Nutcracker is Kathy Massot. She has taught at the Dance Center of Kirkwood since 1990 and has been the owner since 1998. Tickets are $20, general admission seating. They can be purchased at the Dance Center of Kirkwood, 10308 Manchester Road.

Dates: December 16 & 17
Time: 1pm & 6pm
Place: Kirkwood Civic Center – 111 S Geyer

Is there a St. Louis Nutcracker performance that is your favorite? Did I miss any shows? Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments.

For Holiday Light Displays in St. Louis – visit our Holiday Lights blog post.

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