When the holidays arrive in Boise, something special happens. Downtown begins to glow with festive lights, and families start searching for traditions that bring deeper meaning to the season. For many in the Treasure Valley, that tradition is an evening at The Nutcracker. For Ballet Idaho Academy Director Jessica Sulikowski, this production has long been a defining part of the holiday season, both personally and professionally.
A Story That Still Feels Like Magic
“I have been performing in The Nutcracker since I was 12 years old,” Sulikowski shares. “So, it’s been two decades of this incredible experience.”
That kind of enduring connection speaks to why The Nutcracker remains one of the most beloved seasonal events in Boise. Even after years of dancing and leading within the production, Sulikowski still feels that enchantment.
“There’s something really beautiful and comforting about tradition,” she explains. “For most Boise families, that is The Nutcracker. Families get to dress up, take photos together, and have this live experience. Every year it’s slightly different, and it’s seen through different eyes.”
That blend of familiarity and fresh perspective is part of what keeps audiences returning year after year.
The Power of Live Music and Dance
Few holiday experiences compare to watching Tchaikovsky’s score come to life with a full orchestra and dancers sharing the stage in real time.
“There’s something really magical about being in a performance and also watching a performance with live music,” Sulikowski says. “You’re seeing a live performance with dance and music at the same time. It’s like two for the price of one.”
Those moments of connection between music, movement, and audience are what make The Nutcracker linger long after the performers take their final bow. The blend of live orchestral sound and expressive dancing creates an atmosphere that feels immersive and unforgettable.
A Tradition for Every Generation
What makes The Nutcracker so powerful is how it brings together audiences of all ages. Children see characters who feel familiar and magical at the same time, especially when the cast includes young dancers as well.
Sulikowski has seen and performed in productions across the country, but the Boise tradition still feels extraordinary.
“I have guested in a few other Nutcrackers and I’ve seen a few other performances. Nothing compares to the magic that Ballet Idaho brings to Boise each season.”
“My absolute favorite part of Ballet Idaho’s Nutcracker is the scene change going from party scene into transformation, where the tree grows each year,” she says. “The stage crew does a phenomenal job, and the set design is breathtaking. My jaw drops every time, and I look forward to seeing it each season.”
As Sulikowski describes, “Ballet Idaho’s Nutcracker is truly one of a kind. The sets create jaw-dropping moments, and the costumes are vibrant, colorful, and celebratory of the holiday tradition. The choreography honors the classic Nutcracker people know and love while adding unique elements. We also have many children involved, and it is really special for young people in the audience to see someone their own age on stage. It makes them think, ‘Wow, this is relatable,’ and can even inspire them to want to do the same thing in years to come.”
That spark of inspiration is part of what makes the production meaningful for both families and the community at large.
Why This Holiday Tradition Matters
In a season filled with events, to-do lists, and celebrations, The Nutcracker stands apart. It is a chance to pause, sit together, and share an experience that feels both timeless and new.
For Sulikowski, that is the heart of it: tradition, community, and a touch of magic. For Boise families, it has become a ritual that marks the start of the holidays year after year.
If you are looking for a holiday experience that brings joy, beauty, and a sense of togetherness, The Nutcracker is the must-see event of the season in Boise, Idaho. Get your tickets now.