A Beloved Holiday Tradition Returns to Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater, December 19–20, 2026
Some traditions never lose their magic, and Santa Cruz City Ballet’s Nutcracker is one of them. Each December, this beloved production, presented by Santa Cruz City Ballet at International Academy of Dance, brings families, friends, and neighbors together to celebrate the beauty of dance, the power of music, and the spirit of the season. Dazzling costumes, enchanting sets, and exquisite dancing bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic to life at Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater on December 19th and 20th.
From the tiniest gingersnaps, lambs, and cherubs to accomplished pre-professional dancers and guest artists from across the Bay Area, this Nutcracker is a celebration of imagination and artistry. Each year introduces something new, including fresh choreography, reimagined staging, and newly designed costumes, ensuring that even longtime audiences discover something unexpected.
And this year, audiences are in for a special treat! In an unexpected twist, folklórico dance and live mariachi music will find their way into the world of The Nutcracker through an exciting collaboration with Estrellas de Esperanza. Just how will these vibrant traditions become part of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet? You’ll have to come and see!
Artistic Director Shannon Chipman, who co-directs the production with Vicki Bergland, shares, “I love how so many people come together to breathe new life into this production every year. It’s like a puzzle, with hundreds of pieces coming together in a slightly different way each season. It’s always exciting to see what new dancers bring to familiar roles and how the production continues to evolve.”
For nearly two decades, Chipman and Bergland have continued a Santa Cruz tradition they first helped bring to life in 1988, when Chipman danced the Snow Queen and Bergland helped stage the city’s first Nutcracker production.
Perhaps most rewarding is watching generations of dancers grow through the production. Many begin their training at International Academy of Dance, home of Santa Cruz City Ballet, and grow from tiny gingersnaps, angels, and party guests into accomplished dancers taking on leading roles. Today’s Snow Queens once looked up to the dancers they dreamed of becoming. Now they inspire the next generation, creating memories that extend far beyond the stage.
As longtime audience member and former cast member Ruth Cuzick enthusiastically declares, “It’s the best holiday gift in Santa Cruz!”
Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or discovering the Nutcracker for the first time, gather your loved ones for an unforgettable celebration of music, dance, and holiday joy.
One Weekend Only!
Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater, Aptos
December 19–20, 2026
Performances at 1pm and 4:30pm both days.
Tickets: $50–$60, plus a $10 Cabrillo service charge per ticket ($60–$70 total).
Tickets and information: www.NutcrackerSantaCruz.com