A Spokane Holiday Tradition: The Nutcracker Returns to The Fox

There are certain things that make Christmas in Spokane feel like Christmas.

The lights downtown. A cold evening with the possibility of snow. Hot chocolate after wandering through Riverfront Park. And, for many Spokane families, an evening at The Fox to see The Nutcracker.

This December, one of Spokane’s favorite holiday traditions returns as the Spokane Symphony joins State Street Ballet for a magical production of The Nutcracker at the historic Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.

The Nutcracker in Spokane

From December 2–6, 2026, dancers, musicians and local performers will bring this beloved Christmas tradition to life in downtown Spokane.

State Street Ballet will be joined by more than 70 local dancers, while the Spokane Symphony performs Tchaikovsky’s famous score live under conductor James Lowe.

That live orchestra is part of what makes Spokane’s production particularly special. Add in the beautifully restored Fox Theater, and it feels like an evening made for the Christmas season.

Walking into the Art Deco theater on a December night, finding your seats and hearing the orchestra begin is one of those experiences that can quickly become a family tradition.

2026 Spokane Nutcracker Performances

Performances are scheduled for:

Wednesday, December 2 at 6:00 p.m. — Sensory Friendly Performance

Thursday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 5 at 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m.

Performances take place at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Avenue in downtown Spokane.

A Spokane Christmas Tradition

One of the things that makes this production especially meaningful is the local connection.

More than 70 local dancers are expected to join State Street Ballet for the 2026 performances, making this much more than a touring production. Spokane families and young performers get to be part of one of the city’s most recognizable holiday traditions.

Somewhere in the audience will be parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers and friends watching someone they know step onto The Fox stage.

That’s the kind of community connection we love to see in Spokane.

A Sensory-Friendly Performance

Spokane families should also know about the special Sensory Friendly performance on Wednesday, December 2 at 6 p.m.

This full-length performance is designed to create a more welcoming environment for neurodivergent guests and others with sensory needs who may benefit from a more flexible theater experience.

Modifications include adjusted lighting, general admission seating with greater flexibility to move during the performance and sensory support tools available in the lobby.

Tickets for the Sensory Friendly performance are available through the Fox Theater box office.

The Details

What: Spokane Symphony presents The Nutcracker with State Street Ballet
When: December 2–6, 2026
Where: Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave., Spokane
Featuring: State Street Ballet, more than 70 local dancers and the Spokane Symphony
Conductor: James Lowe
Sensory Friendly Performance: December 2 at 6 p.m.

View performance times and purchase Nutcracker tickets

If The Nutcracker is already part of your Christmas tradition, we’ll see you at The Fox. And if you’ve never been, maybe this is the year to make it one.

I love sharing the places, traditions and people that make Spokane feel like home. And if your plans include finding a new place to call home or you’re simply wondering what your current Spokane-area home might be worth, I’m always happy to be a local real estate resource when you need one.