For me, December means decking the halls and enjoying the traditions that we’ve started as a family, including a trip to see The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Warner Theater. We love how this holiday classic is uniquely Washington D.C.
Here’s some information about the performance from The Washington Ballet:
For 50 years, generations of Washingtonians have grown up loving—and introducing loved ones to—TWB’s The Nutcracker. This one-of-a-kind Nutcracker, set in 1882 Georgetown, stars George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker, King George III as the villainous Rat King, Anacostia Indians, frontiersmen, and many other all-American delights. Set to the iconic music of Pytor Ilych Tchaikovsky, the vibrant performance features scenic designs by Peter Horne, costume designs by Judanna Lynn and lighting design by Tony Tucci.
If you’ve never been to the ballet before or attended a live theater performance, your kids are in for a special treat! Make The Nutcracker even more special by preparing them for what they will experience so they can get excited about what they see, be able to follow the storyline, and know how to be a good audience member.
For ideas on how to provide them with background knowledge so they will enjoy the show, visit my post from last year featuring tips by TeachMama Amy Mascott and hear my experience about how fellow audience members feel when kids don’t know how to be good theater-goers!
If you’d like to make The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker one of your holiday traditions, I’m giving away a set of 4 tickets to attend a 7 pm performance of The Nutcracker on either December 8, 13, or 14. This super quick giveaway ends Monday, December 5. Please note that these tickets are only available for these dates and no substitutions will be allowed and read the information below about the winner’s responsibility to claim tickets for this giveaway.
To enter, leave a comment sharing a favorite part of The Nutcracker that you look forward to sharing with your children. Your entry must include your email or Twitter handle and be able to attend the 7 pm performance on either December 13 or 14.
For extra entries, complete the required comment above and do any of the following:
- Share one of your family traditions. Leave your email address/Twitter handle. (1 entry)
- Tweet this daily: Win 4 tix 2 Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker at @DCWarner Theater from @TechSavvyMama: http://bit.ly/DCNutcracker #WashingtonDC #giveaway (1 entry/day)
If you can’t wait for my giveaway to end, performances run until December 24 and tickets can be purchased in person at the Warner Theater Box office, by phone from Ticketmaster (202-397-7328) or online. To view the full list of performance dates and times, visit The Washington Ballet’s website.
You never know, The Washington National’s Racing Presidents may also make an appearance for an even more unique, and truly DC, performance of The Nutcracker!
Winner will be randomly selected from valid entries on Monday, December 5 by Noon using Random.org. Winner will be required to reply to me with a phone number where I can reach them within 24 hours in order to provide voucher numbers for redemption. It is up to the winner to call to reserve their tickets prior to December 6 at 4 pm. Complete rules regarding this giveaway can be found in the Official Sweepstakes Rules.
I received tickets to The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker for my family in exchange for this post and hosting a giveaway but would have purchased them to continue our family’s holiday tradition.
Thanks for reading Tech Savvy Mama through your feed!
Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
©2012
javamom says
I love, love, love The Nutcracker and while my children have seen segements of the performance at various venues and on YouTube, they have never seen the entire ballet. I think my son would most love the big battle with between the Prince and the Mouse King and my daughter would like watching Clara dance or else the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
Robin (noteverstill) says
I’ve never seen the Nutcracker before! -we’re Jewish and it’s just not part of our tradition 🙂 but my girls love ballet and really want to see it. I’d love to take them!
Thien-Kim aka Kim says
I’ve only seen the McCauley Caulkin movie version about a gazillion times thanks to S.I’d love to take her to see it! My favorite part is the mice!
Thien-Kim aka Kim says
My tweet http://twitter.com/thienkim/statuses/143203590486503425
Thien-Kim aka Kim says
We started a new family tradition today. Make salt dough ornaments!
Eva says
I haven’t seen the Nutcracker since I was a kid, so I can’t remember my favorite scene. Since my ladybug is such a dance fanatic, I am sure that all of the scenes will be her favorites when she goes! –@socamomdc
Lindsey W says
I loved going to the Washington Ballet to see the Nutcracker growing up. Sadly I haven’t been in years but I hope to return this winter! My favorite part of the Nutcracker is the dance of the sugar plum fairies. I also love watching Clara dance around the tree with her nutcracker.
Lindsey W says
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/Poolbear2
ichoosethesun says
My favorite part is the Sugar Plum Fairies and the rest of Sweet Land. I would love to take my neice to see it for her first time!
Nancye Bonomo says
We used to go to the Nutcracker every year but my boys have never been. I always loved the Russian dancers but I think my boys would like the mice battle.
Leticia- cant quite figure out where to post my email address but I think you know it :-).
Nancye Bonomo says
We always watch Charlie Brown Christmas after we decorate our tree. My kids love it.
Sarah G says
I love the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy! 🙂
hawaiismn(at)gmail(dot)com
Sarah G says
One of our recent traditions is making Monkey Bread on Christmas morning. 🙂
hawaiismn(at)gmail(dot)com
Sarah G says
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/capitallyfrugal/status/143444033782550529
hawaiismn(at)gmail(dot)com
Patti Lalley says
My son’s favorite part of The Nutcracker will probably be when the Nutcracker leads his army of toy soldiers into battle with the Mouse King.
PTLalley@aol.com
We are able to attend the 7 pm performance on December 14th.
Patti Lalley says
EXTRA ENTRY :
One of our family traditions is to walk around the Mormon Temple lights in Kensington.
PTLalley@aol.com
Elaine says
I cannot wait to attend the Nutcracker with my kids. My son saw the Kansas City ballet perform it when he was 2 and still talks about the giant tree and the sugar plum fairy numbers. Oh, fun! He also remembers the scary rats, but likes them. hipmamae@gmail.com
De in D.C. says
I would love to take my 11yo to this. I’m sure he’d love the “fighting mice” with their swordplay.
delorap@yahoo.com
De in D.C. says
One of our family traditions is to drive around christmas eve and look at the lights that people have used to decorate their houses. We didn’t go last year with an infant in tow, and I don’t know if we’ll do it this year with a toddler, but I love the hunt of finding the best neighborhood.
delorap@yahoo.com