Excerpts of the The Nutcracker for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children

San Jose Dance Theatre will perform a special abbreviated production of The Nutcracker. If this is your very first Nutcracker in San Jose, check out Once Upon A Nutcracker. Designed for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and young children, enjoy excerpts of the production at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts.

 Once Upon a Nutcracker, excerpts of the full production (approximate length: 55min). 

 Date: Friday, December 6th @ 10:30 am 

Location: Center for the Performing Arts – 255 S. Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA 95113

Tickets for this production are only $15.

In this production

You will see:

Act 1
  • Party Scene with dancing dolls
  • The magical Christmas Tree grow to over 60 feet
  • Full Battle Scene
  • Snow Scene with Snow Queen and Cavalier 
Act 2
  • “Chocolate”
  • “Tea”
  • “Ribbon Candy”
  • “Marzipan”
  • “Sugar Plum Fairy” solo variation

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is not the full performance. It is an abbreviated version of the performance which runs for approximately 55 min.

Tickets are only available through the ticketing link above. San Jose Theaters and The Center for Performing Arts are managing all of the tickets for this event. 

For school groups who wish to attend this performance please register at this link – Once Upon A Nutcracker 2024: Educator Reservations (google.com)

Groups will be seated as they arrive at the theatre, so please plan to arrive early to the performance. If you have requests for special needs students that would like to be near an exit or aisle, please note that when submitting your form.

Unfortunately not, but if you would like to see the production with the live orchestra, then please purchase tickets to one of our full length performances

Absolutely! In the past, groups have brought their lunches. Weather-permitting, they’ve enjoyed their lunches outside the CPA after the performance.

Yes! We invite you to browse our Nutcracker boutique and purchase a souvenir to remember this special performance! 

Yes the theatre will issue tickets directly once you have purchased your ticket.

No, we are not able to do refunds for the school show. We use your total number of attendees as a reservation for holding seats for your school or group, thus preventing other schools from attending or sitting in those seats. 
All age groups are welcome to this performance. It is specifically desinged for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and young children, ages 0 – 10 years.