a very nutcracker christmas – 2025.

In what has become a cherished yearly tradition, my friend Alli and I attended The Nutcracker performed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet. One of our favorite parts of going to the ballet is the chance to dress up and wear our fanciest clothes. And, of course, I can never resist a little people-watching – I love seeing what everyone else chooses to wear for such a special event.

Alli and I always meet up for brunch first; it is the best meal of the day, after all! We usually go to a matinee showing because it’s easier on our schedules, and it means I’m not getting home at 11 p.m. (I truly value my sleep!). One of the things I love is that there are several wonderful little restaurants just steps from McCaw Hall. A couple of our favorites are Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge and Mecca Cafe. The beignets at Toulouse Petit are pure perfection – warm, sugary, and completely indulgent.

As always, The Nutcracker was absolutely magical. The dancing felt especially outstanding this year. The Candy Cane performer was bursting with energy and incredibly acrobatic. He even let out a little celebratory shout when he finished his dance, which made the audience laugh and give a loud applaud.

The Sugar Plum Fairy was breathtaking, as she always is. She and Dewdrop might just be my favorite performers in the whole ballet. I am endlessly in awe of their talent and grace, and I can’t even begin to imagine the years of hard work and dedication it takes to dance at such a level.

I was also struck by how beautifully diverse the cast was this year. I absolutely loved it. It brought a fresh, modern feeling to a timeless story and made the performance feel even more special and meaningful.

Sitting in the theater, watching the performers, made me feel wrapped in that holiday magic that only The Nutcracker seems to create. It’s not December without The Nutcracker, and I love this magical tradition that I get to share with a good friend.