Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker in Vancouver
Experience the magic of Christmas in Vancouver with Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker show featuring a live orchestra and dancers at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Goh Ballet’s beloved production of The Nutcracker takes place in mid-December. The theatrical tradition brings festive magic, world-class dance, and a live orchestra to to downtown Vancouver.
In 2025 this annual holiday favourite ran from December 18th to 21st, offering families and ballet fans a truly enchanting seasonal experience.
Performed by more than 200 dancers, actors and gymnasts, the show features breathtaking sets, beautiful costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by musicians from the Vancouver Opera. Tickets sell quickly each year, so securing seats early is highly recommended.
To learn more, check out the Goh Nutcracker website.
About the Story: The Nutcracker
Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, this iconic ballet premiered in 1892 and has since become one of the world’s most-loved holiday productions.
The story follows Clara, a young girl who ventures into a magical realm filled with dancing snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and, of course, the heroic Nutcracker who battles the villainous Mouse King. The production blends whimsy, adventure and nostalgia. It’s a perfect seasonal outing for families.
Visit the GohNutcracker.com website for tickets and full details.
A Vancouver Holiday Staple: Goh Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Goh Ballet has been a pillar of Vancouver’s dance community for decades, offering training programs and professional-level opportunities for children, teens and adults. Each holiday season, the academy stages its signature production: Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker. It’s a large-scale Christmas performance that has become a must-see tradition for many Metro Vancouver families.
Directed by Chan Hon Goh, a celebrated ballerina and Order of Canada recipient, the production is choreographed by renowned artist Anna-Marie Holmes. Along with Goh Ballet’s own talented dancers, the cast includes guest performers from international companies such as the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, and National Ballet of China.
Location & 2025 Show Schedule
While Goh Ballet’s academy is based in a heritage building at 2345 Main Street in Vancouver, the holiday production takes place at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Theatre, located downtown at 630 Hamilton Street. With more than 2,750 seats, the venue provides an elegant setting for this grand Christmas ballet.
2025 performance dates and times were as follows (and 2026 will likely be comparable):
Thursday, Dec 18 – 7:30 pm
Friday, Dec 19 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, Dec 20 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, Dec 21 – 2:00 pm
Every show brings Clara’s dreamlike world to life through dazzling choreography, lush costumes, and a fully staged production suitable for audiences of all ages.
2025 Ticket Prices
Tickets for Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker range from around $40 to $230, plus or minus, depending on seating location and the performance date. Thursday and Friday shows are usually slightly more affordable than the weekend options.
Budget Seats: Back-corner seats offer solid views at lower prices.
Premium Seating: The closer you are to the stage, the higher the price (but also the better the view).
VIP Experience: The priciest option includes excellent views, a VIP gift bag, signed keepsakes, pre- or post-show activities, and an exclusive champagne reception with a backstage tour.
Visit the GohNutcracker.com website for tickets and full details.
About Goh Ballet
Founded in 1978 by ballet masters Choo Chiat Goh and Lin Yee Goh, the academy has become one of Canada’s most respected dance institutions. Today, under the leadership of Chan Hon Goh, the school offers everything from early childhood dance classes to advanced youth company training.
Programs are available for:
Children and youth
Teens preparing for professional dance careers
Adults and seniors exploring recreational ballet
The Goh Ballet Youth Company is especially well known for providing pre-professional dancers with elite performance opportunities—including participation in productions like The Nutcracker.
Other Information
In summary, whether you’re a lifelong fan of ballet or discovering it for the first time, Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker offers a magical holiday experience. The production is filled with music, emotion and festive wonder. With its grand staging, live orchestra and talented cast of dancers, the spectacle brings Clara’s enchanting world to life and adds a touch of Christmas sparkle to Vancouver’s arts scene.
For schedules, ticket purchases, casting updates, and behind-the-scenes features, visit the official Goh Ballet website.
To learn about other companies that put on shows across Metro Vancouver, see our Theatre Companies article.
Other websites you might also find of interest are VancouverChristmasEvents.ca and VancouversBestPlaces.com.