The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol are among the seasonal classics to look forward to over the holidays, when New Jersey theaters come alive with dancing sugar plum fairies, singing elves, and more than a few Christmas ghosts.
If your child is nuts about The Nutcracker, you don't have to go to New York City to see a superb production—several top-notch companies perform the holiday favorite right here in New Jersey, including Roxey Ballet and New Jersey Ballet. For a fun twist on the classic, don't miss The Hip Hop Nutcracker at NJPAC.
Plus, favorite characters come alive on stage in holiday musicals, including A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage and Elf the Musical.
In fact, there are so many top-notch productions, we couldn't list them all here, so be sure to check out our Activity Calendar for more, and bookmark our Guide to the Holidays in New Jersey for family-friendly Christmas activities all season long.
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Where to See The Nutcracker in New Jersey in 2025
Friday, November 28-Sunday, November 30, 2025
American Repertory Ballet's beloved production of The Nutcracker tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle toy soldiers and larger-than-life mice, traveling through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. Read More
Select dates from Saturday, November 29-Sunday, December 7, 2025
At Roxey Ballet's 30th annual performance of the holiday classic The Nutcracker, Clara and her friends take audiences on an enchanting voyage to meet magical mice, giant rats, marching soldiers, swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. Read More
Saturday, December 6
Nimbus Dance’s Jersey Nutcracker delights audiences young and old with a quirky and lovable story of two Jersey kids and their city adventure, filled with magic, battles with bullies and rats, stories of friendship, and exquisite dancing. Read More
Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 7, 2025
Nothing says holiday magic better than the classic Nutcracker, performed here by the New Jersey Ballet. This professional troupe has thrilled audiences for more than half a century with spectacular performances of the holiday show. Read More
Friday, December 12-Saturday, December 13, 2025
Nimbus Dance presents Jersey Nutcracker, a thrilling, jazzy new vision of Tchaikovsky’s ballet with a New Jersey twist. Enjoy 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. Read More
Saturday, December 13, 2025
The Ballet for Young Audiences' production of The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a young girl on the brink of womanhood whose dreams are both childlike and tinged with romance. Read More
Friday, December 12-Sunday, December 14, 2025
The Company of Dance Arts brings the magic of The Nutcracker to life at the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre. Set to Tchaikovsky’s stirring score, soloists from NYC ballet companies join accomplished local dancers in the most popular ballet of all time. Read More
Select dates from Friday, December 12-Saturday, December 27, 2025
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 performed live by New Jersey Symphony. Read More
Friday, December 12-Saturday, December 13, 2025
Children are sure to be awestruck by the festive party scene and dancing soldiers, mice, and other toys in this holiday classic. Read More
Friday, December 18-Sunday, December 21, 2025
Celebrate this annual Nutcracker tradition with your family, featuring a live orchestra. This holiday favorite tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle toy soldiers and larger-than-life mice, and travel through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes. Read More
Friday, December 19-Sunday, December 21, 2025
The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker, an enchanting ballet and holiday favorite. This performance features the talented young dancers of New Jersey's Civic Youth Ballet, Warren County's only nonprofit ballet company, plus professional dancers from around the world. Read More

More Fun Holiday Shows in New Jersey in 2025
Friday, November 14-Sunday, November 16, 2025
Elf The Musical, inspired by the hit film, comes to life on stage at State Theatre New Jersey. Enjoy the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve. Read More
Friday, November 28, 2025
Champions Of Magic: Holiday Spectacular features dazzling illusions, breathtaking, grand-scale magic, and festive surprises for the whole family. Read More
Saturday, November 29, 2025
The Peanuts’ timeless holiday television special takes the stage at State Theatre New Jersey with the national tour of A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage. Read More
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Yates Musical Theatre for Children returns for another year of tradition with A Christmas Carol. This show is a musical adaptation of the tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who hated Christmas. On Christmas Eve, three ghosts take him on a journey. Read More
Saturdays and Sundays, from Saturday, December 6-December 14, 2025
Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Shorts is full of festive, feel-good holiday fun for the whole family. Find everything here, from kids writing letters to Santa, to the big guy getting ready for Christmas himself, to a bunch of elves who accidentally rip Santa’s gift bag at the last minute. Read More
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Get in the holiday spirit with A Magical Cirque Christmas, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Read More
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliant holiday spectacular, featuring a world-renowned cast of performers, including an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, eye-popping acrobatics, and more. Read More