NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at The Wiltern

Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker is the soundtrack of December, and on Saturday, December 19, 2026, NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet brings it to The Wiltern, the green Art Deco landmark at Wilshire and Western. If you are building a list of things to do in Los Angeles before the holidays, a ballet in one of the city's prettiest old theaters is a strong entry.

When: Saturday, December 19, 2026, listed at 12:00 PM Where: The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010 Tickets: Ticketmaster; the listing shows more than one performance that day, so check the page for exact curtain times

What to expect

The story is the familiar one. On Christmas Eve a girl is given a nutcracker, the toy comes to life, and a battle with the Mouse King leads her into a snowy forest and the Land of Sweets. Expect the famous score, from the March to the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Waltz of the Flowers, performed as a touring holiday production. Ticketmaster files it under Arts & Theatre, Dance, and the title promises a family-friendly spectacle rather than a stripped-down concert version.

We have not seen the cast or company details published on the listing, so check the ticket page for who is dancing and whether the music is live or recorded. That is worth knowing before you buy.

The venue

The Wiltern opened in 1931 and is best known as a concert hall, so a ballet here feels a little different from a night at a traditional proscenium theater. The lobby ceilings, the metal and plaster ornament and the glowing pendant lights are part of the show. Arrive early enough to walk around before you find your seat.

Planning your visit

A weekend date near Christmas is popular, and when you search for LA events this weekend in mid-December, a family ballet is likely to be near the top. Buy through the official Ticketmaster page so you are not paying a reseller markup, and read the listing for age guidance and any seating notes.

• Parking: the venue sits on a busy corner, so expect street and garage parking nearby and leave extra time on a holiday weekend.
• Transit: the Wilshire/Western Metro D Line station is close to the theater, which makes the train a practical choice.
• Dress: many families dress up for the holidays, but nobody will turn you away for a sweater.

For more shows and exhibits around the city, browse our arts and culture listings, and see other holiday options such as The Nutcracker at Royce Hall if this date does not work for your family.