Steps PDX Presents: The Nightmare Before Christmas 2026

Ever wondered where holidays come from? It's time you found out…

What happens when the Pumpkin King gets bored of Halloween? Steps PDX proudly presents our all-new original work, The Nightmare Before Christmas, a dance retelling of the holiday classic. Step into Halloween Town, where one curious skeleton opens a door to every holiday he can find, and join the calamity that follows when two holidays collide.

From ghoulish goblins and tap-dancing skeletons to break-dancing werewolves and sprightful snowflakes, the story comes to life through seven dance styles: Ballet, Tap, Modern/Contemporary, Ballet Folklórico, Hip-Hop, Breaking and DanceAbility. Along the way, Jack stumbles into a few holidays the movie forgot, from Día de los Muertos to Valentine's Day to Thanksgiving, all with the Steps PDX twist.

Performed by dancers of all ages, from our youngest students to our pre-professional company and guest artists, it's an adventure full of wonder, a little mischief and plenty of magic, just in time for the holidays. Gather your family and loved ones! The show is appropriate for all ages, and costumes are encouraged, so come dressed as your favorite character.

Choreography by Artistic Director Kathryn Harden and Artistic Staff Lauren Smith, Olivia Ornelas, Decimus Yarbrough, Jayla Rose, Kevin Fisk, Gabriela Guerra and Denise Busch.

100% of proceeds support Steps PDX and our nonprofit, Steps for Youth, a 501(c)(3). We depend on your support to continue nurturing our community partnerships, providing scholarship opportunities and making dance more accessible.