From traditional ballet classics to jazz-infused reimaginings and even a Nutcracker with a Nikola Tesla cameo (yes, really), there’s a version for every holiday mood. Whether you’re a Tchaikovsky purist or just looking for an excuse to leave the house in your coziest holiday sweater, you’ll find a Nutcracker performance to light up your season.
Here is your guide to Colorado’s festive, toe-tapping lineup — one pirouette at a time:
Elizabeth Rose as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Colorado Ballet Society's production of A Colorado Nutcracker.
Courtesy of Ted Mehl of A Better Image Photography
Through Sunday, December 29
Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Looking for a Nutcracker so classic it practically comes with a bow on top? Colorado Ballet’s sparkling production has been delighting Denver for decades. It’s got all the hits: the battle-ready mice, the swirling snowflakes and more twinkling lights than a downtown Christmas tree. With 28 performances at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, accompanied by live music from the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, it's the go-to Nutcracker for anyone who loves their holiday traditions with a big dose of the wow factor. But don’t dawdle: This iteration sells out faster than you can say “Pas de deux.”
Parker Arts & Denver Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker
Thursday, December 12, through Tuesday, December 17
PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
Looking for a cozy yet captivating Nutcracker? The production at the PACE Center delivers all the nostalgia of Clara’s journey with a fresh, family-friendly vibe, presented by Denver Ballet Theatre and Parker Arts. The PACE Center provides an intimate setting for audiences to enjoy Clara’s adventure, making this a great option for a relaxed and engaging holiday outing.
Colorado Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker
Friday, December 13, through Sunday, December 15
Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Avenue, Greeley
With live accompaniment from Colorado Dance Theatre's orchestra and the Greeley Children's Chorale, Greeley's Nutcracker is a community extravaganza. This full-scale production combines dazzling choreography, stunning costumes and a touch of small-town warmth.
Colorado Conservatory of Dance presents The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 14, through Sunday, December 22
Performing Arts Complex, Pinnacle Charter School, 1001 West 84th Avenue, Federal Heights
The Colorado Conservatory of Dance offers a polished production of The Nutcracker that balances local talent with professional guest artists, including principal dancers from the Boston Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet. With beautifully designed sets, elegant costumes and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, the performance is a well-rounded presentation of the holiday favorite. Boasting a 97% audience approval, this Nutcracker will transport you to a world of enchantment.
General Palmer, his daughters and Dr. Henry Watt during the party scene of the Colorado Ballet Society's production of A Colorado Nutcracker.
Courtesy of Ted Mehl of A Better Image Photography
Tuesday, December 17, and Wednesday, December 18
Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 South Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs
Forget snowy German villages: the Ballet Society's Nutcracker trades in sugarplum dreams for a history lesson with a Colorado twist. Set in 1907 Colorado Springs, A Colorado Nutcracker imagines a Christmas Eve party at Glen Eyrie, the estate of General William J. Palmer. Clara, an orphan, receives a magical nutcracker from none other than Nikola Tesla, and the adventure begins. This version features local historical characters, including Spencer and Julie Penrose and the McAllisters, alongside 150 dancers from the Colorado Ballet Society, professional guest artists and live music by the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs.
Colorado West Performing Arts Company presents The Nutcracker
Thursday, December 19, through Monday, December 23
CMU Asteria Theatre, 864 Bunting Avenue, Grand Junction
Head west for a Nutcracker experience that blends professional artistry with local charm. The Colorado West Performing Arts Company brings Clara’s enchanting journey to life with a talented cast of thirteen professional dancers, three trainees and local youth performers. With eight performances at the stunning new Asteria Theatre, this two-act ballet clocks in at just under two hours (including a twenty-minute intermission), making it perfect for families. Plus, stick around after the show to snap photos and meet the cast.
Littleton Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Friday, December 20, through Sunday, December 22
Joanna Ramsey Theatre, 6933 Raleigh Street, Westminster
With a cast of more than 140 dancers, including pre-professionals and guest artists, Littleton Youth Ballet pulls out all the stops for its Nutcracker. The production includes beautiful costumes, full backdrops and a family-friendly atmosphere that captures the whimsy of Clara's adventure while highlighting the dedication of its 100-plus performers.
LuneAseas presents The 5 Points Nutcracker: A Jazz Experience
Friday, December 20, through Sunday, December 22
The Savoy Denver, 2700 Arapahoe Street, Denver
What happens when The Nutcracker meets the vibrant history of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood? You get The 5 Points Nutcracker: A Jazz Experience. This imaginative production, directed by Larea Edwards with musical direction by jazz great Tenia Nelson, fuses ballet, swing, breakdance and contemporary dance with Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s iconic 1960 jazz arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s score. Catch a preview performance on December 12 at Dickens Opera House in Longmont and December 13 at the Center for Creativity in Fort Collins. These previews offer a taste of what’s to come, but the full performance really aims to underscore the cultural legacy of Five Points.
Centennial State Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 21
Niwot High School Auditorium, 8989 Niwot Road, Niwot
The Centennial State Ballet brings together academy students, aspiring professionals and special guests for this charming production of The Nutcracker. Performed with live music, this one-day-only show offers a heartfelt and community-focused take on the holiday classic. It’s an accessible way to enjoy Clara’s journey and support the next generation of local dancers in the Longmont area.
Canyon Concert Ballet presents Nutcracker Sweets
Sunday, December 22, and Monday, December 23
Rialto Theater, Loveland
For a bite-sized version of the holiday classic, Canyon Concert Ballet offers Nutcracker Sweets, a forty-minute sensory-friendly show perfect for young kids and anyone who wants a festive performance without the long runtime. Set in the Land of Sweets, this colorful production is sure to delight audiences with its joyful energy — and get you home in time for gift-wrapping.
Did we miss a Nutcracker? If so, send information to [email protected].
