A Vancouver holiday tradition is back to spread festive cheer. Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from December 18 to 21, 2025, offering a sparkling new take on the classic production that’s captivated local audiences for 15 years.
Beloved for its stunning choreography, dazzling costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, The Nutcracker remains a must-see for families across Metro Vancouver. This year’s production invites audiences to step inside Clara’s dream as she journeys through the Land of Snow and across the Lemonade Sea to the Kingdom of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy awaits.
“Every year we find new ways to bring imagination to life in this beloved holiday tradition,” says Chan Hon Goh, Executive Producer and Artistic Director of Goh Ballet. “The show’s spectacular costumes, memorable characters, and emotional storytelling combine for an enchanting family experience that celebrates Vancouver’s cultural vibrancy.”
As Vancouver’s only Nutcracker to feature a live orchestra and international guest stars, audiences will hear members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra perform under the direction of Maestro Leslie Dala. The large-scale production brings together more than 250 performers, aged six to seventy-seven, showcasing Goh Ballet’s deep commitment to nurturing Canadian dance talent.
Founded in Vancouver’s West Side over four decades ago, Goh Ballet has become a cornerstone of the city’s arts scene — inspiring generations of dancers and delighting audiences every holiday season. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or seeing it for the first time, this year’s Nutcracker promises all the magic, music, and wonder that make it a quintessential Vancouver holiday event.
Last modified: October 26, 2025
