I’m Kayla, and I went to four Nutcracker shows around L.A. last December with my family. Yes, four. My kid wanted the snow. I wanted the music. My husband wanted a seat with leg room. We all got something.
You know what? I thought they’d be the same. They weren’t. Each one had a vibe, a crowd, and a price tag that felt way different. Here’s what actually happened.
Why I chased four Nutcrackers
I grew up on this ballet. The tree grows. The snow falls. Candy dances. It feels like cocoa and memories. But in L.A., the show shifts by company and venue. So I tested them like I test strollers or earbuds: back-to-back, notes in my phone, sticky fingers from gummy bears.
Let me explain how each one felt—good and not so good.
Stop 1: Los Angeles Ballet at the Dolby Theatre (Hollywood)
We went on a Saturday matinee. If you want to see it yourself, the company’s season info is posted on the Los Angeles Ballet website. I sat in Mezzanine Row J, seats 15–18. Great sight lines. No giant head in front of me. My 7-year-old could see the full stage and the growing tree, which always gets a gasp.
- Parking: We used the Ovation Hollywood garage. It cost us about $20. The elevator dropped us right by Wetzel’s Pretzels. Yes, we caved.
- The look: Classic. Pretty, soft colors. The snow scene hit just right—fluffy and bright, like a shaken snow globe.
- The sound: Recorded music at our show. It was clear and crisp, but I did miss the rumble of a live pit.
- Crowd: Lots of families, sparkly dresses, tiny tiaras. A group in front of us did tiny claps after solos. It was sweet.
The dancing was clean and light. The Waltz of the Flowers had smooth lines, and the Sugar Plum stepped like she was floating. No big tricks, just classy. It felt like the Nutcracker I watched as a kid on a VHS tape, but in 4K.
Downside? Concessions were pricey. I paid $6 for a water. Also, if your kid needs wiggle time, the first act runs long. We walked the lobby at intermission and stared at the giant staircase like we were in a movie.
Stop 2: Long Beach Ballet at the Terrace Theater (big magic)
This Long Beach Nutcracker is a show-show. We went on a Sunday evening. Parked in the structure for about $15. We brought grandparents, which raised the stress level, but also the snack count.
- Live orchestra. Full, bright, and loud in a good way. You feel the bass drum.
- Big effects: A flying sleigh, real-looking snow, and a horse on stage. My dad said, “Well, that’s not subtle,” and then clapped like a kid.
- Sets and costumes: Bold colors, shiny trim, and a tree that grew like a magic trick.
My son sat through both acts without asking for an iPad. That never happens. The Spanish and Russian dances got cheers. The battle scene had a pop and a bang that startled my mom, so if you have a sound-sensitive kid, prep them.
Small pain point: traffic on Ocean Boulevard after the show moved like a snail. Also, the lobby got crowded. If you want cocoa, get it before the line wraps around the pillar.
Stop 3: American Contemporary Ballet (DTLA, up close)
This isn’t a big theater thing. It’s intimate—white space, chairs close to the dancers, and city views. We went at sunset, which helped the mood a lot. They call it The Nutcracker Suite, and it focuses on the music and the core dances.
- No giant sets. No snow machine. Just feet, breath, and Tchaikovsky in the room.
- I could hear pointe shoes kiss the floor. I saw the dancers’ eyes and tiny smiles. It felt personal.
- Dress here is mixed: a few suits, a few sweaters, a lot of black.
That charged, almost voyeuristic buzz of being inches from the action reminded me that some people chase a similar thrill offstage; if you’re curious about the psychology of enjoying exposure and observation, take a peek at candaulisme to find clear explanations of the practice, real-life anecdotes, and essential consent tips for anyone exploring the kink.
We were served a bubbly drink at intermission (I had one sip and then handed it to my husband—lightweight). If your kid is under 8, I’d wait. The space is quiet, and seats are close. A fidget feels louder in here.
Parking downtown cost us about $12 in a nearby garage. We grabbed tacos after because, well, tacos fix everything.
Bonus: Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (family party mode)
We saw this one at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. It’s fast, fun, and full of styles—tap, hip-hop, ballet, and jokes. It tells the story but with extra warmth and a narrator who keeps kids hooked.
- Bright costumes, quick scenes, and big energy.
- Kids cheered. Grown-ups cheered. My niece danced in the aisle till I bribed her with fruit snacks. The night actually reminded me of the open mic marathons I did around Los Angeles—loose, lively, and full of community feel.
- It runs long, so plan snacks and a bathroom stop first.
Parking was easy and cheaper than the big downtown spots. The lobby felt like a reunion—lots of families, big smiles, and church-Sunday outfits mixed with sneakers.
What I loved (and what bugged me)
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Los Angeles Ballet at the Dolby
- Loved: Classic look, comfy seats, smooth dancing, easy to see from mezzanine.
- Bugged me: Recorded music at our show, pricey snacks, long act one for small kids.
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Long Beach Ballet
- Loved: Live orchestra, flying sleigh, big wow moments, great for first-timers.
- Bugged me: Loud effects for sensitive ears, crowded lobby, slow exit traffic.
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American Contemporary Ballet (DTLA)
- Loved: Up-close dancing, real emotion, city views, artsy date night vibe.
- Bugged me: Not ideal for very young kids, small chairs, parking adds up.
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Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
- Loved: Joy, humor, lots of styles, kids stayed engaged.
- Bugged me: Longer run time, and some seats had tricky sight lines if you’re short.
Money talk (because it matters)
My lowest ticket was $39 in the balcony for LAB. My highest was $120 for orchestra at Long Beach (weekend night). ACB tickets sat in the middle. Hot Chocolate was friendly on price for a family pack.
Snacks were $5–$12. Parking ran $10–$20, unless you score street parking and feel brave about meters.
Seat picks and tiny tips
- Dolby Theatre: Mezzanine center is great. Bring a sweater—A/C runs strong.
- Long Beach Terrace Theater: Front balcony gave us the full stage and the snow effect. Worth it.
- ACB: Arrive early and sit center if you can. You’ll catch the clean lines.
- Hot Chocolate: Sit a few rows back; kids can see over heads, and the sound blends better.
Other quick stuff:
- Eat before. Hungry kids don’t care about Tchaikovsky.
- For vetted pre-show dining options near each theater, skim To Live and Eat in L.A. and save yourself some last-minute Yelp panic.
- Bring a tiny snack for intermission. Gummy bears saved us.
- If your kid is noise-shy, warn them about the cannon in the battle scene.
Single and hoping to meet someone who geeks out over Tchaikovsky as much as you do? You could pair your theater night with a quick round of speed dating in Clinton—the event page spells out upcoming sessions, age ranges, and ice-breaker tips so you can make new connections as effortlessly as the Snowflakes glide across the stage.
So…which one should you pick?
- First Nutcracker or you want pure magic? Long Beach Ballet.
- You love tradition and neat, pretty lines? Los Angeles Ballet at the Dolby.
- Date night or you crave art up close? American Contemporary Ballet.
- You want a family party with laughs and dance styles? Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong. They just feed different moods.
Me? I’ll do two next year. Long Beach for the sparkle. ACB for the soul. And yes, I’ll pack gummy bears again. Wouldn’t you?