Here’s where you can see The Nutcracker in Northern Virginia this holiday season

From big stages to community theaters, here’s where you can watch magic unfold with this holiday classic.

By Jess Feldman

Aside from historical events and tragedies, there are very few stories that are able to maintain popularity, grow in concept and be known across the globe for more than a century.

Yet, since its opening performance in 1892, The Nutcracker has managed to become a symbol of the holiday season year after year throughout America and several other countries in the world. While the initial fairy tale was written by E.T.A. Hoffmann, it was adapted in Russia to be a ballet that ultimately gained its fame and stature with the pairing of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s musical score.

Whether it’s you and your child’s favorite seasonal tradition or you want to witness the tale for the first time, here’s where to see The Nutcracker in Northern Virginia for the 2019 holiday season. As this classic event tends to sell out no matter the venue, be sure to purchase your tickets soon.

Northern Virginia Ballet: The Nutcracker
Nov. 23 & Nov. 30, 2 p.m.& 6 p.m.; and Nov. 29, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas; $25-$35

BalletNova’s The Nutcracker
Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Kenmore Middle School: 202 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington; $23-$47 (tickets available Oct. 18) 

The Fairfax Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker
Nov. 30-Dec. 1, times vary
Joan C. Bedinger Auditorium, Woodson High School: 9525 Main St., Fairfax; $15-$30

The Nutcracker with Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company
Dec. 6-8, times vary
Loudoun Valley High School: 340 N. Maple Ave., Purcellville; tickets will be available in October

Metropolitan School of the Arts presents The Nutcracker
Dec. 7-8, times vary
Metropolitan School of the Arts: 5775 Barclay Drive, Alexandria; $26-$28

Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker
Dec. 10 & 11, 7 p.m.
GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; $29-$175 

Conservatory Ballet – The Nutcracker
Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
Reston Community Center: 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston; tickets will be available Nov. 1

Manassas Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
Dec. 18-23, times vary
Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas; $40-$80 

Ashburn Academy of Dance
Dec. 21, 1 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Dominion High School: 21326 Ashburn Drive, Sterling; tickets will be available Nov. 9

Virginia Ballet Company and School
Dec. 27-29, times vary
Virginia Ballet School and Company: 5595 Guinea Road, Fairfax; tickets on sale soon