This year, San Jose Dance Theatre celebrates a milestone that fills us with pride, joy,
and gratitude — the 60th Anniversary of The Nutcracker! For six decades, we’ve
been honored to be a part of Silicon Valley’s holiday traditions, bringing families, friends,
and communities together for a timeless story full of magic, wonder, and holiday cheer.
To mark this special year, we’re introducing something new and exciting: Themed
Nights at The Nutcracker! These performances invite our cherished audience
members — many of whom have supported us for years — to be an even bigger part of
the magic. It’s our way of saying thank you while making every show feel festive,
interactive, and unique.
Why Theme Nights?
The Nutcracker has always been about imagination, joy, and tradition. With our 60th
anniversary, we wanted to create opportunities for our audience to step into the story
and celebrate alongside us. Whether it’s dressing up, enjoying sweet surprises, or
meeting beloved characters, our theme nights make every performance a memory you’ll
treasure forever.
This Year’s Special Themed Performances:
✨ A Very Nutcracker Holiday: Ugly Sweater & Sparkles Matinee (Dec 13, 2:00pm) –
Pull out your funniest holiday sweater, add a little sparkle, and join us for an afternoon of
laughter, cheer, and Nutcracker magic.
✨ Clara’s Homecoming – Alumni Night (Dec 13, 7:30pm) – Celebrate 60 years of
tradition with alumni dancers, families, and friends returning to share in the legacy.
✨ Land of Sweets Spectacular – Candyland Matinee (Dec 14, 2:00pm) – A
deliciously fun afternoon filled with candy-themed treats, pastel decor, and giveaways
sure to delight the whole family.
✨ Clara & Sugar Plum Dress-Up Day – Tutus & Tiaras Matinee (Dec 20, 2:00pm) –
Calling all princes, princesses, Sugar Plums, and Mouse Kings! Dress up as your
favorite Nutcracker character and make the magic come alive. Perfect for first-time
ballet-goers!
✨ Twilight in the Candy Kingdom – Family Pride Night (Dec 20, 7:30pm) – An
inclusive evening celebrating all families, featuring glittering costumes, dazzling treats,
and a pre-show meet-and-greet with Mother Cupcake.
✨ Storybook Sunday: Nutcracker Edition (Dec 21, 2:00pm) – Celebrate the story
behind the ballet with lobby storytelling, digital read-alongs, and magical surprises for
young readers.
Join the Celebration!
Our audience is at the heart of this milestone. For 60 years, you’ve been with us —
clapping, cheering, dressing up little ones, and making The Nutcracker part of your
holiday traditions. Now, we invite you to help us celebrate by choosing your favorite
themed performance and joining in the fun. Whether it’s wearing a tiara, rocking an ugly
sweater, or enjoying a candy-filled matinee, there’s a night for everyone.
Let’s make the 60th year one to remember — together.
��️ Tickets are on sale now! Visit The Nutcracker | The Original San Jose Nutcracker
Ballet or The Nutcracker San Jose – Presented by San Jose Dance Theatre to reserve
your seats and be part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Cant make the show this year? Please consider a donation to San Jose Dance
Theatre’s non-profit organization: San Jose Dance Theatre – Everyday Giving