I will never forget the first time I truly felt the magic of a holiday performance. I was maybe seven years old, fidgeting in a velvet seat, the air thick with the scent of pine and anticipation. Then the curtain rose, and I was mesmerized. There is something about live dance during the holidays: the shared energy, the storytelling without words, the sheer physical beauty of it that can make even the most cynical heart feel a little warmer. Over the years, I have made it my personal mission to find the best Christmas dance performances, the ones that are worth braving the cold and the crowds for. Let me share my favorites with you. If we are talking about iconic holiday performances, we have to start with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

I have seen it three times now, and I still get chills during the famous “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” Watching the Rockettes execute their legendary precision kicks with absolute unity is a feat of human discipline that has to be seen to be believed. It is more than just a show; it is a piece of American tradition. The scale is mind-boggling from a double-decker bus rolling onto the stage to the kind of high-tech projections that make you feel like you have stepped into the future. This search for the best Christmas dance shows led me to iconic theaters and local gems alike, each offering a unique spin on holiday cheer. Stepping into the Radio City Music Hall itself feels like part of the experience, a glittering artifact from a grander time.

That moment when the soldiers collapse in a perfect domino effect? The entire audience, every single time, gasps in unison. It is pure, unadulterated magic. Now, can we even talk about Christmas ballet without mentioning The Nutcracker? It is a classic for a reason. But I have learned that not all Nutcrackers are created equal. The one that truly swept me away was by the American Ballet Theatre. The sets and costumes, designed by the genius behind The Lion King stage show, are a visual feast. But the real game-changer for me was hearing Tchaikovsky’s score played by a live orchestra. There is a depth and a warmth to the music that a recording can never quite capture; you feel it vibrate in your bones. Seeing the Christmas tree grow to impossible heights on stage brought back that same wide-eyed wonder I felt as a kid.

But what if the traditional Nutcracker is not your thing? Or maybe you have seen it a dozen times and want something new? That is where Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker comes in. Let me tell you, this show is a burst of joyful energy. It completely reimagines the story with a vibrant, modern twist, showcasing everything from hip-hop and Bollywood to flamenco and tap. I walked out of the theater feeling like I had just traveled the world. The score weaves in Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” alongside original music, and the whole thing is just… fun. It is a powerful reminder that holiday dance shows can be both incredibly entertaining and culturally expansive.

The best part? Your ticket helps support arts education for kids. Sometimes, the most memorable Christmas dance performances are the ones that feel connected to their community. I have a soft spot for the Los Angeles Ballet’s production, which sets the classic tale in a 1912 Spanish-style home in Hancock Park. It is the same beautiful ballet, but seeing it with a Southern California backdrop made it feel uniquely ours. On the other end of the spectrum, if you are looking for sheer, unapologetic spectacle, the Long Beach Ballet’s Nutcracker delivers. We are talking about a real horse on stage, a flying sleigh, and even pyrotechnics. It is the kind of over-the-top production that keeps kids and let us be honest, adults too utterly captivated from start to finish. My hunt for the best Christmas dance shows has taught me to look beyond the obvious.

I was blown away by a touring production called NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, which brings together elite dancers from across the globe. The skill on display is breathtaking, and they incorporate these amazing avant-garde circus elements and giant puppets that I had never seen before. Then there is the Washington Ballet’s version, which is set in historic Georgetown. Instead of Sugar Plum Fairies, you get dancing cherry blossoms and American cardinals. It is a beautiful, locally-inspired twist that feels both familiar and completely new. So, whether you are a ballet purist or someone who thinks they do not like ballet, there is a show out there waiting to enchant you. The shared experience of being in a theater, watching incredible artists tell a story through movement, is one of my absolute favorite holiday traditions. It is a reminder of the magic that happens when we come together to celebrate. Now, I am curious what is the most unforgettable holiday performance you have ever seen?

References

ABC7 New York. (2024). “Radio City Rockettes mark 100 years with Christmas Spectacular in New York City.”

Colorado Public Radio. (2024). “A complete guide to all ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet performances in Colorado in 2024.” https://www.cpr.org/2024/11/09/nutcracker-ballet-performances-in-colorado-2024/

Spectrum News. (2023). “Debbie Allen’s ‘Hot Chocolate Nutcracker’ returns.”  https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/southern-california/arts/2023/12/08/hot-chocolate-nutcracker