Illustration of a holiday show scene (Anderson Young Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker)
Christmas Shows

Anderson Young Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker

Audiences follow the classic story of Clara, whose magical nutcracker doll transforms into a prince to battle the Mouse King. The journey travels through the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets, showcasing Tchaikovsky's score, elaborate costumes, and cultural variations culminating in the iconic Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and a grand Pas de Deux.

What to Expect

The 52nd annual presentation of the full-length holiday ballet.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Anderson Young Ballet Theatre

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and fans of classic ballet

Vibe

Magical and traditional

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Low

Weather Sensitivity

None

Location

The Anderson Paramount Theatre
1124 Meridian Street, Anderson, IN 46016
Anderson, IN
46016

Tips & Advice

  • Tickets went on sale September 1, so you can lock in seats for the December run well ahead of time.
  • The Paramount box office opens an hour before each performance, which helps if you need a hand with tickets on the day.
  • Go over the story of Clara and the Land of Sweets with children beforehand so they can follow the dances in the second act.
  • If you organize outings for a school or senior living community, contact AYBT about bringing your group to a performance.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Nutcracker suitable for all ages?

Yes. AYBT presents it as a holiday tradition for audiences of all ages. This season marks the 52nd annual presentation of the full-length ballet.

What happens in the story?

On Christmas Eve, Clara's nutcracker doll comes to life as a prince. Together they battle the Mouse King and travel through the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets. There the Sugar Plum Fairy and her court welcome them, and Clara finally wakes up back at home.

Which dances will we see in the second act?

The Land of Sweets features Spanish, Arabian, Chinese and Russian variations and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The act ends with a grand Pas de Deux.

Who creates the production?

Anderson Young Ballet Theatre is a pre-professional ballet company. They dance to Tchaikovsky's score, with choreography by Jennifer Thiemet and Cathy Sparks-Petraits. Cathy Sparks-Petraits also designs the costumes.

Can schools or senior living communities attend as a group?

Yes. AYBT invites schools and senior living communities to bring groups to The Nutcracker and asks them to get in touch through its contact page.

Tags

balletThe Nutcrackerholiday entertainmentfamily friendlyclassical musictheaterseasonal activitiesholiday traditionChristmas show

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team