Where to see The Nutcracker in British Columbia (2023)

The holiday season is when Tchaikovsky’s splendid masterpiece; The Nutcracker comes to life in Canada. For theatre lovers, the annual ritual is incomplete without attending it. Year after year, it’s Christmas Eve, and amid the festivities, young Clara receives a special gift from her magical and mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer – a toy Nutcracker, which comes to life and takes her on a magical journey.

With many Nutcracker productions to choose from playing across different venues across British Columbia, we bring you a full list of where to see the Nutcracker in BC on which dates and to expect from different production houses. 

Where to See the Nutcracker in BC This Holiday Season

Where to see the Nutcracker in Vancouver

Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver

A majestic theatre that perfectly complements the range of productions staged on its podium is the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, this is the best place to see the Nutcracker in Vancouver. This year, two different theatre groups with kick off the Christmas season in Vancouver. The Goh Ballet Academy is returning with its all-time classic adaptation of Nutcracker from December 14-17, 2023. Starring talented artists dancing to the choreography of the former principal of the National Ballet of Canada, Chan-hon Goh; the Goh Ballet Academy with its fantastic show awaits to mesmerize you this Christmas.  Be taken through this timeless musical score, beautiful dreamy scenes and perfect theatrics.

Address: 630 Hamilton St, Vancouver

Dates: Dec 14th – 17th

Event Details: Goh Ballet Academy

Royal Winnipeg Ballet at the Centre for Performing Arts Vancouver

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet is back with its magical, one-of-a-kind rendition of Nutcracker in a new venue, the Centre for the Performing Arts. Danced to an enchanting Tchaikovsky score, the fantastical story follows the adventures of Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy and more of everyone’s most beloved characters as they discover the wonder of the holiday season. Make memories with a wintertime tradition for all ages.

Address: 777 Homer St, Vancouver

Dates: December 7th – 10th

Event Details: here

Where to see the Nutcracker in Victoria

Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, Victoria

Victoria Ballet Company has been the exclusive presenter of the beloved Nutcracker ballet at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts every winter holiday season since 2009. This timeless family Christmas tradition has graced the stage for years, captivating imaginations and hearts alike. At Victoria Ballet Company, we stage The Nutcracker in accordance with the rich tradition of the Mariinsky (Kirov) Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable ballet experience suitable for the entire family. 

Dates: December 16 & 17 2023

Location:10268 Yonge St, Victoria

Royal Theatre, Victoria

If you are wondering where to see The Nutcracker in Victoria, the Royal Theatre should be your top choice. The old-world feel of this theatre adds to the experience and it is the perfect way to get into the spirit as you celebrate Christmas in Victoria. This year, experience Canada’s Ukranian Nutcracker with Shumka’s Nutcracker. It blends the grace and lyrical nature of the classical movement with the strength and power of Ukrainian character dance, leaving audiences exhilarated and entertained. The cast of over 80 features Shumka dancers, local youth from the Veselka Ukrainian Dance Association, Clara’s Dream Choir, and special guest artists from Ukraine’s top dance companies. The legendary score with specially added compositions is performed by the Victoria Symphony

Address: 805 Broughton Street, Victoria

Dates: December 1st to 3rd 2023

Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley Nutcracker Performances

The ACT Art Centre, Maple Ridge

Now in its 21st season, Ballet Victoria with its team of professional dancers will also make an appearance on the stage of The ACT Art Centre on the 9th and 10th of December. Graceful movements, bright costumes, and humor will create a magical ambiance in the halls of the ACT Art center.

Dates: December 9th & 10th 2023

Address: 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge

Event Details: https://theactmapleridge.org/the-nutcracker

Fraser Valley Academy of Dance, Mission

Returning to the Clarke Theatre for its 15th Season is The Nutcracker 2023 Re-Imagined. An extremely creative adaptation of Nutcracker by the very talented Art Director John C. Carney, this season has a lot to offer. The Fraser Valley Academy of Dance will run two shows at the Clarke Theatre on December 9th, offering a fresh take on the adventures of Clara. Follow Clara into her dream with the mysterious Drosselmeyer through snowflakes and across the serene ocean to the Kingdom of Sweets.

Dates: December 9th 2023

Address: Clarke Theatre, 33700 Prentis Ave, Mission

Event Details: here

Hub International Theatre, Chilliwack

Ballet Victoria will present their version of Nutcracker on December 22nd at Hub International Centre in Chilliwack. They promise an absolutely delightful evening with beautiful costumes and some grand props. Join Claire’s Christmas party and be part of her journey as she comes alive in front of you. 

Address: 9201 Corbould St, Chilliwack

Dates: December 22nd 2023

Event Details: https://www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca/event/the-nutcracker/

Nutcracker on Vancouver Island

Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Duncan

Running December 2nd at noon is the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Nutcracker. Presented by the Royal City Youth Ballet, this one is truly a masterpiece. Beautifully directed by Camilia Fishwick-Kellog and executed by more than 100 talented actors and dancers, this version is ready to mesmerize you. Dancing to the tunes of Tchaikovsky, the magical soldiers, the sugar plum fairy, and a growing Christmas tree create a spectacle that you should definitely not miss. 

Dates: Dec 2nd

Address: 2687 James Street, Duncan 

Website: here

The Canadian School of Ballet, Kelowna

Set to present the Nutcracker this December is The Canadian School of Ballet featuring Ballet Kelowna’s company of dancers. Experience the magic and wonder of the holiday season with the beloved classic ballet, Kelowna’s original The Nutcracker.

Address: 101-2303 Leckie Road Kelowna

Dates: December 8th – 10th 2023

Event Details: https://canadianschoolofballet.com/performances/the-nutcracker/