ORIGINAL SAN JOSE NUTCRACKER
The Original San Jose Nutcracker
Step into a world where dreams come to life and holiday magic fills the air! Celebrate the 60th Jubilee Anniversary of The Original San Jose Nutcracker, an enchanting ballet that has been a cherished San Jose holiday tradition for generations.
Join us December 13-14 & 20,-21, 2025 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.
Help us celebrate 60 years by enjoying one of our special themed performances to elevate your holiday experience — from our festive Ugly Sweater & Sparkles Matinee to our Tutus & Tiaras Sugar Plum Dress-Up Day and more. Each show offers a unique twist on the timeless classic you love.
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 memories during this dazzling Jubilee celebration!
The Best Nutcracker in San Jose according to Yelp.com.
Support San Jose Dance Theatre's Nutcracker Tradition. SJDT Legacy Auction.
THE NUTCRACKER VIP EXPERIENCE
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.
"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." - Michael L. (Testimonial from The Nutcracker 2019)
THE NUTCRACKER STORY
The Nutcracker ballet was first presented 125 years ago at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, on December 17, 1892. Peter Tchaikovsky, the famous Russian composer, was commissioned by mastermind choreographer Marius Petipa to compose the Nutcracker ballet, score based on Alexandre Dumas’s adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.”
The first performance of The Nutcracker ballet in the United States was by the San Francisco Opera Ballet, in 1944. The production was directed by William Christensen. Twenty years later in 1966, San José Dance Theatre brought the Silicon Valley it’s own version of the Nutcracker ballet. San José Dance Theatre is the second oldest Nutcracker ballet in the Bay Area and has been produced each and every December for 57 consecutive years.
THE BALLET SCHOOL
San José Dance Theatre is the official school of the original San Jose Nutcracker and Resident Ballet Company of the San Jose Center For The Performing Arts. San José Dance Theatre offers excellence in dance training in a nurturing environment. Classical ballet is the main focus, but students receive a well rounded curriculum including pointe, repertoire, Men’s class, Pas de Deux training, Modern dance, Jazz, Character Class, Chinese Tumbling, Pilates, and Progressing Ballet Technique. San Jose Dance Theatre has produced students who have gone on to professional dance careers and scholarships to universities. San José Dance Theatre offers training for youth and adults at beginning through pre-professional levels.
TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS
Nutcracker School Show / Once Upon A Nutcracker
San Jose Dance Theatre will perform a special abbreviated production of The Nutcracker. Designed for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and young children, enjoy excerpts of the production at the Center for Performing Arts in downtown San Jose. Please visit our Once Upon A Nutcracker page for more information.
A dream field trip for your class or school. The Nutcracker never fails to dazzle adults and children alike with its magic and adventure and promises to be an unforgettable experience. Research indicates that students who participate in the arts are more successful academically, socially and as members of their communities.
To reserve tickets for the Nutcracker School Performance CLICK HERE.