A Magical Christmas Eve Journey

Los Alamitos Ballet Theatre invites you to experience the wonder of the holidays in Sugar Plum’s Realm, featuring LABT’s professional company alongside young dancers in the intimate PDA Blackbox Theater.

On Christmas Eve, young Clara dozes in the warm glow of her family’s living room. As the fire crackles and the Christmas tree sparkles, three curious mice appear, drawing her into a playful encounter before she drifts back to sleep.

Soon, her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives with a parade of extraordinary surprises: a shimmering giant lollipop and four life-sized dancing dolls, including a noble toy Nutcracker. An enchanted Christmas sleigh sweeps Clara into the adventure, and the wonders continue as her Nutcracker transforms into a gallant cavalier—and Clara becomes the graceful ballerina of her dreams.

The living room gives way to a magical forest filled with swirling snow, where the Snow Queen welcomes Clara with a beautiful winter ballet. Beyond the forest lies the Sugar Plum Fairy’s enchanted kingdom, where a dazzling celebration awaits.

Fiery Spanish dancers, the elegant Arabian Peacock, lively Chinese performers, Russian Matryoshka dancers, twirling Candy Canes, and the beloved Mother Ginger with her Little Gingers fill the kingdom with color and delight. The Dewdrop Fairy leads a blooming waltz of flowers before the Sugar Plum Fairy brings the festivities to a sparkling finale.

But when the celebration ends, one question remains: Was it all a dream—or did Christmas magic truly whisk Clara away?

Join us for a holiday adventure filled with imagination, artistry, and the joy of ballet experienced up close.