This holiday season, children were offered a rare gift: the chance to experience pure wonder through live ballet. In one theater, The Nutcracker unfolded in all its glittering glory. Little Clara's wooden Nutcracker sprang to life, battling the Mouse King and leading audiences through the shimmering Land of Snow and the sweet-filled Kingdom of Sweets. Every twirl, every leap, every candy-colored swirl seemed to make the stage itself breathe with magic.

Elsewhere, The Snow Maiden cast its spell, bringing the quiet, crystalline beauty of winter to life. Her sparkling blue costume and delicate movements told a story of kindness, courage, and enchantment, captivating children who could scarcely tear their eyes away from the stage.

In a world dominated by screens, commercial pressures, and the rush of holiday shopping, these performances reminded us of something simple and profound: the joy of imagination. For the children in the audience, the ballet wasn't about presents or cookies — it was about story, beauty, and shared wonder. In satin, music, and light, the magic of the season was alive, leaving a memory that would last long after the last note faded.

This is the true gift of the holidays: a moment of awe, a pause from the noise, and a reminder that stories—told with heart and artistry — can transform even the busiest season into something timeless. 

Holiday Ballet Near You

Mendocino County — The Nutcracker

Center Stage Studios: Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 6 at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 7 at 1 p.m. at the Marge Alakszay Center, 250 Lange St., Lakeport. Tickets range from $13-$15. app.gostudiopro.com/tickets/cssnutcracker2023.

Mendocino Ballet: Friday, December 19 at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 20 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 21 at 2 p.m., at the Mendocino College Center Theatre, 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. Tickets range from $18-$30. mendocinoballet.org/performances.

Sonoma County — The Snow Maiden

The Sonoma Conservatory of Dance: Saturday-Sunday, December 13-14 at 1 p.m. in the Sebastiani Theatre, 476 1st St. E, Sonoma. Tickets range from $15-$25 sonomadance.org/tickets.  

Sonoma County — The Nutcracker

Classical and Contemporary Dance: Saturday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. Tickets range from $27-$37. app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=302273

Petaluma School of Ballet: Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 13 at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 14 at 1:30 p.m. at the Evert B Person Theatre of Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Tickets range from $29.35-$39.85. petalumaschoolofballet.com/nutcracker2025

Talmi Entertainment: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet: Thursday, December 18, at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Luther Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Tickets range from $43.66–$90.86. lutherburbankcenter.org/event/nutcracker-magical25

Dance Evolution Studios: Friday, December 19 at 6 p.m., Saturday, December 20 at 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, December 21 at 1 p.m. at Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. Tickets range from $29-$37. spreckelsonline.com/special-event/the-nutcracker-2025.

Sebastopol Ballet: Saturday, December 20 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 21 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Analy High School Theater, 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol. Complimentary Sugar Plum Party for kids with treats and meet the cast 45 minutes before each show. Tickets range from $20-$35.  Under 3 free only if they can sit on lap. sebastopolballet.com/nutcracker.htm#tickets

Santa Rosa Ballet: Saturday, December 20 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Evert B. Person Theater at Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Tickets range from $33–$38. santarosaballet.com/nutcracker-2025.

New World  Ballet: Saturday, December 20 at 3 and 6 p.m. at Finley Community Center, 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. Tickets are $39.19. Under 2 free. tinyurl.com/553n5mwk.