San Pedro City Ballet's Nutcracker at Warner Grand

The Nutcracker is the one ballet most Angelenos see at least once, and this year San Pedro gets its own matinee. San Pedro City Ballet takes the stage at the Warner Grand Theatre on Sunday, December 13, with curtain at 1 PM. If you are sorting through things to do in Los Angeles during the holidays, this is a rare chance to see the story told in the South Bay instead of downtown or Westwood.

When: Sunday, December 13, 2026, 1:00 PM to about 3:30 PM Where: Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W 6th Street, San Pedro Tickets: About $49.87 to $63.74 on Eventbrite

What to expect

The listing promises "a beloved holiday tradition coming home to San Pedro," and the production follows the version most families know. Clara receives a nutcracker on Christmas Eve, the toys come alive, and a battle with the Mouse King leads into a snowy forest and the Land of Sweets. Expect the famous Tchaikovsky score, a snow scene with a full ensemble in white, and the Sugar Plum Fairy's pas de deux near the end.

A Sunday afternoon start works well for children. The run time is roughly two and a half hours, which suggests an intermission, so it suits kids who can sit through a full-length show. Dress up a little if you like; plenty of families treat this as a holiday photo occasion.

The venue

The Warner Grand is a restored 1931 movie palace on 6th Street, and its ornate auditorium is half the reason to go. Seeing ballet in a historic theater with a real proscenium feels different from a modern concert hall. Downtown San Pedro is also close by, so you can plan lunch or coffee before the show, or dessert after.

Planning your visit

Tickets are sold through Eventbrite, and the price range reflects different seating sections. Holiday ballet dates sell steadily as December approaches, so buying early gives you the pick of seats. Street parking and nearby lots fill up on busy afternoons, so leave extra time. For more LA events this weekend and beyond, check our arts and culture listings, and browse upcoming events in Los Angeles to pair the matinee with another holiday outing.

If you want to compare, other Nutcracker productions around town include the Los Angeles Theatre show on December 12 and the Wiltern production on December 19, but this one is the easiest pick for South Bay and Harbor-area families who would rather skip the freeway.

San Pedro City Ballet's matinee is a gentle, familiar way to start the holiday season. Confirm details on the ticket page before you go.