So far 6 Nutcracker and holiday shows are on the calendar across the Las Vegas valley, and 3 of them are free.
Nutcracker ballets, holiday concerts and family holiday shows run across the Las Vegas Valley, from the big Smith Center production to dance studio and library theater performances.
Nevada Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker runs about 1 hour 50 minutes with an intermission, so a matinee can be easier with little ones.
Same address every year. Last updated November 10, 2026.
Also see: Santa and holiday events, Christmas events for kids, Holiday lights
Coming up
Sunday, November 22
Thursday, December 10
Saturday, December 12
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The Weekly, one email a week from Monica, with the weekend's family events. Holiday shows are in it as they get posted.
Last year
These ran last season and usually come back. Dates change, so check the organizer before you plan around one.
The Nutcracker (Nevada Ballet Theatre)
December 13 to December 28, 2025. Reynolds Hall, The Smith Center, Downtown. All ages. From $35
Usually mid-December through the weekend after Christmas.
A Very Vegas Christmas (Las Vegas Philharmonic)
Saturday, December 6, 2025. Reynolds Hall, The Smith Center, Downtown. From $34
Usually the first weekend of December.
Amahl and the Night Visitors with Four Lost Santas (Opera Las Vegas)
November 21 to November 22, 2025. Winchester Dondero Cultural Center, Paradise. Children welcome. $20 to $60
Usually a weekend in late November.
The Nutcracker on ice (Las Vegas Ice Theatre at the Rock Rink)
Sunday, November 23, 2025. Rock Rink, Downtown Summerlin, Summerlin
Usually a Sunday evening in late November.
The Nutcracker with a Latin Twist (Jordance Studios)
November 25 to November 26, 2025. Clark County Library Theater, Las Vegas
Usually evenings between late November and mid-December.
A Christmas Carol (Signature Productions)
December 19 to December 21, 2025. Summerlin Library & Performing Arts Center, Summerlin
Usually between late November and late December.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
December 20 to December 21, 2025. The Orleans, Southwest
Usually a weekend before Christmas.
Questions parents ask
When is The Nutcracker in Las Vegas?
Nevada Ballet Theatre performs George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at The Smith Center in December, from mid-December through the weekend after Christmas, and the Las Vegas Philharmonic plays live on opening weekend only. This season's dates are in the list above.
How long is Nevada Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker?
About 1 hour 50 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission.
Are there shorter holiday shows for little kids?
Yes. Opera Las Vegas has staged Amahl and the Night Visitors in late November, a 75-minute show with no intermission that welcomes children, and the Las Vegas Ice Theatre has skated a 20-minute Nutcracker on the Rock Rink at Downtown Summerlin.
Are there free holiday shows?
Some library shows and community concerts are free, and free events carry a green Free tag in the list above. The big Smith Center shows are ticketed.
Pulled from public calendars and refreshed through the season. Always check times and prices with the organizer.