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The Nutcracker Ballet and Other 2025 Holiday Shows for Kids on Long Island

Eglevsky Ballet presents special performances of the timeless holiday classic
Eglevsky Ballet presents special performances of the timeless holiday classic "The Nutcracker." Photo courtesy of the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts
11/3/25 - By Jaime Sumersille

If your child is nuts about The Nutcracker, you’re in luck–several top-notch dance companies are performing this holiday favorite right here on Long Island. From classic full-length productions to shorter, kid-friendly versions, there’s a performance perfect for every family’s holiday calendar.  

Standouts this season include the New York Dance Theatre’s show at Hofstra University and Ballet Long Island’s production, which offers select performances of only Act II. This is ideal for younger audiences who might get a little wiggly in their seats.

And if your family can’t get enough holiday magic, we've highlighted other festive shows lighting up local stages this winter, including Frosty and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Read on for amazing holiday show options for families on Long Island in 2025. And be sure to check out our events calendar and Holiday Guide for more seasonal family fun.

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Join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne, and all of their friends for
Join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne, and all of their friends for "Barnaby Saves Christmas" at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of Theatre Three

The Nutcracker and Other Holiday Shows for Kids on Long Island in 2025

The Happy Elf at The Argyle Theatre

Babylon
Select Dates Saturday, November 22-Sunday, January 4, 2026
The Happy Elf is a musical comedy that follows Eubie, the happiest elf at the North Pole. More than anything else, Eubie longs to be a part of Santa's sleigh team. Watch this holiday tale unfold on The Argyle Theatre stage. READ MORE

Barnaby Saves Christmas at Theatre Three

Port Jefferson
Select Dates: Saturday, November 22-Friday, December 27, 2025
Join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne, and all of their friends for a holiday treat. The littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, meeting some new friends along the way and learning the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. READ MORE

Frosty at The Engeman Theater

Northport
Select Dates: Saturday, November 22-Sunday, December 28, 2025
Join Jenny and Frosty on an adventure as they try to save Chillsville from the mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that melts all the snow. Watch as the chilly tale unfolds on the Engeman Theater stage.  READ MORE

Annie at Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts

Smithtown
Select Dates: Saturday, November 22-Sunday, December 28, 2025
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Watch this classic tale unfold on the Smithtown Performing Arts stage. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Act II at Ballet Long Island

Bellmore
Select Dates: Saturday, November 22-Saturday, December 20, 2025
Audiences at Ballet Long Island's Nutcracker Act II will be transported by the Sugar Plum Fairy to The Land of Sweets and enjoy this family-friendly classic, set to the music of Tchaikovsky. READ MORE

The Polar Express & A Visit With Santa at the Patchogue Theatre

Patchogue
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Join the Patchogue Theatre for a screening of Warner Bros.’ The Polar Express, the groundbreaking festive favorite starring Tom Hanks. Following the screening, the stage will transform into a magical Christmas scene where children can meet with Santa Claus while grown-ups have the opportunity to take photographs. READ MORE

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at The Showplace in Bellmore & Bayway Arts Center

Bellmore
Select Dates: Saturday, November 29-Saturday, December 27, 2025
Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn't feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Watch this classic holiday tale unfold on two stages across Long Island this December. READ MORE

A Charlie Brown Christmas at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts

Patchogue
Friday, December 5, 2025
Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they sing, dance, and learn the true meaning of Christmas on the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts stage. READ MORE

Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical at The Tilles Center

Greenvale
Wednesday, December 3 - Friday, December 5, 2025
A classic from the writer of the musical theatre classic, The Music Man, and based on the movie of the same name, Miracle on 34th Street features a book and score by Meredith Willson. Watch this holiday tale unfold on the Tilles Center stage. READ MORE

Hampton Ballet Theatre School Presents The Nutcracker

East Hampton
Friday, December 12-Sunday, December 14, 2025
The Hampton Ballet Theatre School (HBTS) presents its 16th annual production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker. READ MORE

Posey School of Dance Northport Nutcracker Ballet

Northport
Friday, December 12-Sunday, December 14, 2025
Join us for Posey Dance Company's Northport Nutcracker Ballet. This beloved holiday tradition, featuring the timeless melodies of Tchaikovsky, promises to warm your heart. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season and be captivated by this awe inspiring production of the Nutcracker Ballet. READ MORE

American Dance Theatre of Long Island's 'The Nutcracker'

Brentwood
Saturday, December 13 - Sunday, December 14, 2025
Warm your spirit this holiday season at The Nutcracker” as you witness toys that come to life, flowers that dance, and snowflakes that waltz in this classic magical full length ballet featuring students from the American Ballet Studio and professional guest artists. Watch the classic holiday tale unfold at the Van Nostrand Theater at Suffolk County Community College. READ MORE

The Nutcracker at Ballet Long Island

Ronkonkoma
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Audiences at Ballet Long Island's Nutcracker will marvel at this ballet. Follow Clara as she embarks on a journey filled with brave soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and excitement. READ MORE

The Nutcracker - New York Dance Theatre at Hofstra University

Hempstead
Saturday, December 20-Sunday, December 21, 2025
This full production of "The Nutcracker" features guest artists from leading companies, a cast of 80 children, and semi-professional and professional dancers. READ MORE

Eglevsky Ballet's The Nutcracker

Greenvale
Saturday, December 20-Sunday, December 21, 2025
Eglevsky Ballet presents special performances of the timeless holiday classic The Nutcracker. It promises to delight with visions of a Sugar Plum Fairy, her dashing Cavalier, angels, dolls, and a Christmas tree that grows right before your eyes. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jaime Sumersille
Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.
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