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
Royal Winnipeg Ballet at the Royal Theatre, Victoria
If you are wondering where to see The Nutcracker in Victoria, 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. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker will be staged from the 2nd to the 4th of December. Dubbed as being “the most visually stunning Nutcracker” by the Times Colonist, it is choreographed by the extremely talented Nina Menon and Galina Yordanova.
For the Victoria performances, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet have collaborated with the Victoria Symphony. Don’t expect anything less than spectacular from this team.
Address: 805 Broughton Street, Victoria
Dates: December 2nd, 3rd, 4th 2022
Event Details: https://www.rmts.bc.ca/production-detail-pages/2022-royal-theatre/rwb-nutcracker/
The ACT Art Centre, Maple Ridge
Now in its 20th season, Ballet Victoria with its team of professional dancers will also make an appearance on the stage of The ACT Art Centre on the 3rd and 4th of December. Graceful movements, bright costumes, and humor will create a magical ambiance in the halls of the ACT Art center.
Address: 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
Event Details: http://www.maxguide.org/events/Pages/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=10221&EventDate=2022-12-03
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 Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker will be performing from 9th to 11th December. After which, the Goh Ballet Academy is returning with its all-time classic adaptation of Nutcracker from the 15th to 18th December. 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
Event Details: Royal Winnipeg Performances Dec 9th, 10th, 11th and Goh Ballet Academy Dec 15th, 16th, 17th 18th.
Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver
The 90 years old Orpheum theatre has hosted millions of people since 1927, showcased many grand performances and is a big-time favourite of theatre lovers. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Tea & Trumpets is showcasing their version of The Nutcracker on November 17th. With impeccable performance and the right amount of humour thrown in, this makes for an enjoyable evening out with your family and friends. If you are looking for more seasonal events, you can find more info on this list of things to do in Vancouver in November
Address: 601 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3L4, Canada
Event Details: https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/event/the-nutcracker/
Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Duncan
Running two Nutcracker shows back to back on December 3rd is the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. 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 mesmerise you. Dancing to the tunes of the Tchaikovsky, the magical soldiers, sugar plum fairy and a growing Christmas tree create a spectacle which you should definitely not miss.
Address: 2687 James Street, Duncan
Website: https://cowichanpac.ca/event/the-nutcracker-2022-12-03/
The Port Theatre, Nanaimo
Watch the winter favourite Royal Winnipeg ballet at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo. A stunning waterfront building, Port theatre is a modern structure. A new adventure of Clara begins when her godfather, gifts her a present which shall change her life. The Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy will join Clara and make your imagination go wild. With brilliant lighting and sound effects, viewing Nutcracker is a next-level experience here.
Address: 125 Front Street, Nanaimo
Event Details: https://tickets.porttheatre.com/TheatreManager/175/login?event=3403
Fraser Valley Academy of Dance, Mission
Returning to the Clarke Theatre for its 14th Season is The Nutcracker 2022 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 10, 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.
Address: Clarke Theatre, 33700 Prentis Ave, Mission
Event Details: https://fvad.ca/events/the-nutcracker-2022-reimagined/
Hub International Theatre, Chilliwack
Ballet Victoria will present their version of Nutcracker on the 1st December 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
Event Details: https://www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca/event/the-nutcracker/
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. Shows for 2022 are from December 9th – December 11th
Address: 101-2303 Leckie Road Kelowna
Dates: December 9th, 10th, 11th, 2022
Event Details: https://canadianschoolofballet.com/performances/the-nutcracker/
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!