PNB's The Nutcracker: An Elegant Holiday Tradition for All Ages

There is no way quite so glamorous to celebrate the season like going to go see The Nutcracker. It's nostalgic and timeless. The Tchaikovsky score is as much a part of Christmas as fruitcake, and the story, imagery and the setting are all pure yule. While most of us have fond memories of going to see it as children--all dressed up in our finest and gawking mystified at the spinning ballerinas--it's a delight for adults as well.

We at Seattlest have heard nothing but acclaim for Pacific Northwest Ballet's set -- designed by Maurice Sendak of Where the Wild Things Are fame -- and when the time came, we knew we needed to go .

We were not disappointed (and neither was The New York Times). From the absolute charm of seeing all the adorable kids in velvet dresses and shiny shoes to the mouth dropping awe of the truly magnificent set, we were as swept away as the 8-year-olds. Plus, now we're old enough to enjoy champagne at intermission.

PNB has a plethora of talented dancers but it is always a special treat to see Carla Körbes dance, as she did as Clara on the night we went. The aforementioned NYT article rightfully says, "America has few ballerinas so exquisite." which a shout-out the whole city should be proud of.

What we are saying is, The Nutcracker is all the good parts of Christmas (dressing up and being fancy) and few of the bad (we were a little overwhelmed by the amount of Nutcracker merch for sale). It's a great holiday date for couples, obviously a delight and treat for children and a wholly elegant way to deck the halls. It's never too late to start a tradition and we seriously suggest you go.

Through Dec 27 // McCaw Hall // Tickets $26 - $123