A Magical Experience at the Nutcracker Ballet Tea!

The Nutcracker ballet-themed tea at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena, was truly a wonderful experience! Although the event date has passed, I highly encourage everyone to mark your calendars for early 2025, when the beloved tale of Peter Pan will take center stage.

On November 30, the Langham Huntington hosted this immersive performance, which has become one of the most sought-after events of the year. The Nutcracker tea is not just a delightful experience for all ages, but it also supports a noble cause, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Pasadena Civic Ballet Company scholarship fund to help make dance more accessible to everyone.

The Pasadena Civic Ballet dancers, along with professional guest artists, presented a beautifully abridged, one-hour version of the Nutcracker ballet in the Langham's stunning Viennese Ballroom. Attendees were swept away to Clara's “magical Christmas ball,” where we all became her guests for this captivating live performance.

As part of the experience, guests enjoyed Clara's sumptuous holiday tea and had the chance to visit the Land of the Sweets Boutique. One of the highlights was decorating our own pointe shoes signed by the Sugar Plum Fairy—what a unique keepsake to cherish!

Throughout the event, performers strolled the ballroom, engaging with guests and posing for photos, which added an extra layer of magic to the afternoon. The experience culminated in a festive holiday sing-along, complete with a delightful “snowfall,” where the talented Nutcracker characters even taught the audience a Christmas march.

Ticket prices were reasonable, with adults at $145 and children under 12 at $115 (ages 3 and under were free, though tax and gratuity were not included). Seatings were available at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., making it easy for families to enjoy this special holiday event.

The Nutcracker ballet-themed tea was a heartwarming way to celebrate the season, and I can’t recommend it enough. Be sure to save the date for next year’s Peter Pan!