The Nutcracker 2026Stockton–Modesto · The Central Valley

The Nutcracker with kids in Stockton–Modesto, 2026.

We found four Nutcrackers in and around Stockton–Modesto with 2026 dates posted: four ballet company productions. The closest, Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, is in Stockton. Each card has the run time, the youngest age the company allows and the ticket price as posted.

The quick answersChecked
Is there a sensory-friendly show?None posted near here for 2026 yet.Not yetIs there a shorter kids’ version?None posted near here yet. Check each card’s run time.Not yet

Last checked · 4 shows · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every Nutcracker, by opening date

Tap a show for run time, ages, prices and any sensory-friendly performance.

8NovSunNutcracker! Magical Christmas BalletBallet company · Nov 8 at 3 p.m. · Bob Hope Theatre4DecFriCentral West Ballet's Nutcracker at the Grand Theatre in TracyBallet company · to Dec 5 · Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 N Central Ave11DecFriThe Nutcracker by Central West BalletBallet company · to Dec 20 · Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts17DecThuThe Nutcracker by World Ballet CompanyBallet company · Thu Dec 17 at 7 p.m. · The Merced Theatre, 301 W Main St

Shows

Nutcracker shows near Stockton

Dates, run times, ages and prices come from each ballet company’s or theater’s own page.

Nov8Sun

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

Bob Hope Theatre · Stockton, CA · downtown

Ballet company
Times
Nov 8 at 3 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec4to 5

Central West Ballet's Nutcracker at the Grand Theatre in Tracy

Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 N Central Ave · Tracy, CA · about 20 miles from Stockton

Ballet company
Times
Fri Dec 4 at 2 p.m. (sensory-friendly, about an hour) and 7 p.m.; Sat Dec 5 at 1 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
$27–$69; the sensory-friendly show is free, first come

Good to know: The sensory-friendly matinee keeps the house lights up and the sound lower, and kids can move around. Central Ave. closes Dec 5 for the farmers market and Parade of Lights, so plan parking.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec11to 20

The Nutcracker by Central West Ballet

Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts · Modesto, CA · downtown

Ballet company
Times
Dec 11 at 7 p.m.; Dec 12 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec 13 at 2 p.m.; Dec 19 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec 20 at 2 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Everyone needs a ticket, kids included
Price
Not listed
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec17Thu

The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company

The Merced Theatre, 301 W Main St · Merced, CA · about 40 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Thu Dec 17 at 7 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Ages 2 and up only
Price
$42–$98 with fees

Good to know: A touring show, about 1 hour 40 minutes with a 20-minute intermission.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem

Before you go

Making the ballet work with little ones

TimingPick a matineeAfternoon shows fit around naps, and most full Nutcrackers run about two hours with an intermission.
SeatsSit on an aisleAn aisle seat makes a quick break in the lobby easy. Check the company’s age rule before you buy, since many ask that every child have a ticket.
SoundBring ear protection if they need itThe battle scene can be loud. Sensory-friendly shows keep the house lights up and the sound lower.

Keep planning

More for little kids in Stockton

November: things to do in StocktonEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in StocktonEvery dated listing for the month, by weekFree things to do in StocktonFree days, free events and places that never chargeThanksgiving weekend in StocktonParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayChristmas parades in StocktonParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesChristmas trains in StocktonPolar Express, Santa and lights trains with datesThis week in StocktonDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

The Nutcracker in Stockton–Modesto: the FAQ

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Bob Hope Theatre: Sun, Nov 8, 2026. Central West Ballet's Nutcracker at the Grand Theatre in Tracy at Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 N Central Ave: Fri Dec 4 and Sat Dec 5. Price: $27–$69; the sensory-friendly show is free, first come. The Nutcracker by Central West Ballet at Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts: Dec 11 – Dec 20. The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company at The Merced Theatre, 301 W Main St: Thu Dec 17. Price: $42–$98 with fees.

Not one we could confirm on an official page for 2026. We add one as soon as a company posts it.

It depends on the company. The Nutcracker by Central West Ballet: Everyone needs a ticket, kids included. The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company: Ages 2 and up only. A full Nutcracker usually runs about two hours with an intermission, so a matinee is easier with preschoolers.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Stockton that weekend, holiday shows included.

Stockton–Modesto skyline