Come December, there’s one theater show on everyone’s watch list: The Nutcracker. Whether you’re a fan of ballet and classical music or the performance has just become part of your holiday traditions, the region has plenty of shows that will scratch that itch. Ring in the festive season by attending one of these enchanting performances of The Nutcracker in the Hudson Valley. The shows are a treat for attendees of all ages.
Hudson River Performing Arts Center
The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park
December 7-8, 1 p.m.
Pre-professional ballerinas take the stage at the Culinary Institute of America’s Marriott Pavilion.
The Orpheum Performing Arts Center
Tannersville
December 7 and 14, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; December 8 and 15, 2 p.m.
The Catskill Mountain Foundation enters its ninth annual production of the holiday classic with up-and-coming ballerinas.
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Paramount Hudson Valley Theater
Peekskill
December 8, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Timeless music and stunning dances performed by Hudson Valley Dance Theatre bring the story to life in a production titled Nutcracker, Short and Sweet.
The Bardavon
Poughkeepsie
December 12, 9:45 a.m. and 12 p.m.; December 13, 12 p.m.
Watch the beloved story gracefully unfold with the New Paltz Ballet Theatre, now in its 28th season, along with dancers from the New York City Ballet.
Ulster Performing Arts Center
Kingston
December 13, 7 p.m.; December 14, 4 p.m.; December 15, 2 p.m.
With an annual production that has become a tradition for so many Ulster County families and schools, the Catskill Ballet Theatre returns to the UPAC stage this year.
Emelin Theatre
Mamaroneck
December 14, 7 p.m.; December 15, 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.; December 21, 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.; December 22, 1:30 p.m.; December 26, 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
In a performance titled The Nutcracker Dream, the talented dancers of Ballet des Amériques offer a 90-minute interpretation of the original program.
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Tarrytown Music Hall
Tarrytown
December 15, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Specially tailored for family audiences, this performance by the New York Theatre Ballet packs all the magic into an hour-long showing.
Kaatsbaan Cultural Park
Tivoli
December 20, 8 p.m.; December 21, 8 p.m.; December 22, 2 p.m.
In a witty response to The Nutcracker, The Bang Group performs Nut/Cracked, a production that has enthralled audiences for over two decades.
