World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker

Celebrate the holiday season in San Francisco with World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker, a family-friendly ballet bringing the timeless Christmas story to the Curran Theatre on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM PT. With its combination of classical dance, elaborate costumes, handcrafted scenery, and familiar holiday imagery, this production offers audiences an opportunity to experience one of ballet’s most enduring seasonal traditions.

The story follows Marie on Christmas Eve as an ordinary holiday celebration transforms into a magical adventure. After her beloved Nutcracker comes to life, Marie is drawn into a fantastical world where toys become animated, mischievous mice appear, snowflakes swirl across the stage, and an enchanting Kingdom of Sweets awaits. The production moves between the familiar warmth of Christmas and the dreamlike landscapes of Marie’s imagination, creating a theatrical experience designed to appeal to audiences of different ages.

World Ballet Company brings a large-scale presentation to the stage with 40 professional dancers, more than 150 sparkling hand-sewn costumes, and detailed handcrafted sets. These visual elements work alongside the dancers to create the changing worlds of the story, from the excitement of the Christmas Eve celebration to the magical scenes that follow Marie’s journey.

Based in Los Angeles, World Ballet Company is led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick. The company presents well-known classical ballets in cities across the United States and emphasizes making ballet accessible to both newcomers and experienced ballet audiences. Its international roster includes professional dancers representing more than ten countries, bringing a range of performance backgrounds to its productions.

For families, couples, and ballet enthusiasts, World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker offers a seasonal outing centered on music, movement, storytelling, and visual spectacle. The familiar narrative and imaginative stage design make it a natural addition to a holiday calendar, while the scale of the production provides plenty for audiences to discover throughout the performance.

Make plans to experience The Nutcracker at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM PT, and join Marie as she enters a world where toys come alive and the magic of Christmas takes center stage.