Registration is open for the 2026/2027 School Year

Register Now
Register
Donate

The Original San Jose Nutcracker

  • Box Office: (408) 286-9905

Tickets On Sale Now!

Once Upon a Nutcracker

December 11th @  10am & 1pm

Step into a world where dreams come to life and holiday magic fills the air! Celebrate 61 years of The Original San Jose Nutcracker, an enchanting ballet that has been a cherished San Jose holiday tradition for generations.

Join us December 12-13, 2026 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts for a timeless journey featuring brave toy soldiers, shimmering snowflakes, and the elegance of waltzing flowers. Witness the epic battle between courageous soldiers and mischievous mice, all set beneath a breathtaking 60-foot Christmas tree.

This year’s landmark production is proudly accompanied by The Cambrian Symphony, bringing Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score to life with the power and beauty of a live orchestra.

VIP Experience — Don’t just see The Nutcracker, experience it! Enjoy a pre-performance backstage tour to see the magic behind the scenes, then join the cast in the exclusive Candy Kingdom Party in the Ridder Lounge, filled with sweet treats, festive crafts, and photo opportunities with beloved characters.

Let The Original San Jose Nutcracker ignite your imagination and create treasured holiday memories!

J. Jertson
2024
My wife use to come with her father every year from age 5. I started to bring her in her early 20s. And I started to bringing my children around age 5. My wife just turned 51 and still enjoys the show. It has become our family tradition to go to every year. I like the VIP early entry, backstage tour, and meet and greet.
M. Sternson
2024
This is the most fun family outing! The leads were top notch!! We look forward to this every year!
Jon N
2025
Show was amazing!
M. Kawa
2025
This was a beautiful event as it has been for the last 30 yr’s I attended with my granddaughter.
P. Macias
2025
Excellent performance; my granddaughters and I enjoyed it so much. The price was right, perfect seats selection. I admit we enjoyed it much more than the San Francisco performance. We will try to stay closer to home in the following years. Great Job!
Pat Fraguglia
on Goldstar 12/11/2016
The costumes were beautiful. The sets were spectacular especially that growing tree! The dancing was lovely...at times I had tears in my eyes just at the wonderment...it brought joy to all who were lucky enough to experience it! A definite must see for the holiday experience. Can' wait until next year ! 🙂
Evelyn S
on Goldstar 12/08/2018
It was a wonderful show for Christmas time. The dancers were world-class and presented great performances. Overall well plot, delightful and funny too.
Alfredo DeLeon
on Goldstar 12/15/2018
It was an excellent adaptation of the Nutcracker ballet. Beautiful orchestra performance making everyone note fluid. Definitely recommend it to anyone that enjoys music and ballet.
Michael L
Just a BIG thank you to everyone for last night's VIP experience. What a blast! We had not been to The Nutcracker since 2016.....Just loved this year's updated staging and storyline and the beautiful costumes. Our thanks to all for giving us such a great evening, and the many memorable pictures we took with the dancers (Testimonial from 2019 Nutcracker)
TallChick
on Goldstar 12/15/2019
Such an amazing performance! The sets and costumes complimented the amazing dancing!
Jackie Brett
on Goldstar 12/14/2019
Very nice production. Loved all the children in it and at the theater. Was a real Christmas Production and the dancing was good. Nice to have a live orchestra as well.