Next date: Saturday, December 19, 2026 | 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM
Santa Cruz Dance Theater brings a bold new vision of The Nutcracker to the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, with two performances each day. The redesign embraces the Civic’s distinctive architecture and places Santa Cruz at the heart of the holiday classic.
After years of traditional proscenium staging by Santa Cruz Ballet Theater and Santa Cruz Dance Theater, this year’s production moves to a three-quarter thrust configuration. Thoughtfully including the audience members on all three sides, Artistic Director Conrad Useldinger and his team are excited by the challenge of adapting choreography for the round. Choreographer Kelly Spindler recently returned to Santa Cruz to rework Waltz of the Flowers for this new configuration. A new projection design by UCSC alumnus David Murakami will take advantage of the Civic Auditorium’s soaring height, expanding the ballet’s visual world and bringing Murakami back to Santa Cruz for this creative collaboration.
Much of the show is the same Nutcracker you know and love, but Santa Cruz Dance Theater’s new version roots the story in its own hometown. Opening in Santa Cruz in 1924, the ballet references celebrated features and beloved figures alike. Together, these changes invite audiences to experience a cherished holiday tradition through the imagination and history of Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Tickets
Seating Information:
-Floor Seating is at floor level and may not provide the best view for small children. -The stage is elevated. Advance sales end 2 hours prior to event. Any remaining tickets can be purchased at the door. ID required to claim Will Call tickets. If you choose to have your tickets mailed & you do not receive them, please contact the Civic Box Office prior to the day of show. Recommended for ages 3 and up, as the performance is 2 hours long with one intermission. Babies under 1 year of age do not need a ticket if held on lap. Strollers are not allowed into the auditorium. Cameras & recorders are not allowed. Arrive Early - LATE SEATING MAY BE LIMITED. No refunds. Exchanges dependent on producer policy. Wheelchair Accessible and Accessible Companion seats are available in all price zones in the orchestra floor seating. Tickets are subject to service charge which is included in the Grand Total in the Shopping Cart (after seats are selected).
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church Street, 95060, View Map
307 Church Street , 95060
$66.49 - $106.49