The Nutcracker
Audiences follow young Clara and the valiant Nutcracker Prince from a festive family party into a magical dreamworld to battle the mischievous Mouse Queen. The journey continues through sparkling snow to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugarplum Fairy and international dancers perform to Tchaikovsky's iconic score. The production offers both the traditional full-length ballet and one-hour narrated Nutcracker Suite matinees that demonstrate how studio rehearsals transform into stage performances.
What to Expect
Features full-length ballet performances and narrated one-hour matinee shows.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Cary Ballet Company
Food & Drink
A sweet treat is included with the optional Nutcracker Suite VIP Photo Op; no other food or drink is specified.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and children discovering ballet
Vibe
Enchanting and festive
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Dec 5: 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM; Dec 18: 7 PM; Dec 19: 2 PM and 7PM; Dec 20: 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM.
- Accessibility: Accessible seating, assisted listening devices, courtesy wheelchairs, and large-print program formatting (requested two weeks in advance) are available.
Tips & Advice
- At the Raleigh show, carry only a small clutch or wallet, since bags are searched, size limits apply and everyone goes through a metal detector.
- Have your Ticketmaster app ready for the Raleigh performances, because all tickets there are mobile and screenshots or printed tickets are not accepted.
- Add the VIP Photo Op to a starred Cary show if your kids want to meet the Sugarplum Fairy, Prince and Clara after the performance.
- Email for a large-print program at least two weeks before your performance, using 'Program Needs' in the subject line.
- Buy Raleigh tickets in person at the box office to avoid online fees, since the box office also opens before each performance.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening Night Diamond Reception: an add-on for the full-length shows on December 5 in Raleigh
- Sensory-friendly version of The Nutcracker Suite on Friday, December 18, at the Cary Arts Center
- Nutcracker Suite VIP Photo Op after the starred Cary shows: meet the Sugarplum Fairy, her Prince and Clara, with a signed poster and sweet treat; extra ticket
- Nutcracker Tea with Cary Ballet Company, offered with the Town of Cary
- One-hour narrated Nutcracker Suite matinees on December 5 in Raleigh and December 17–19 in Cary
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between The Nutcracker and The Nutcracker Suite?
The Nutcracker is the full-length ballet. It follows Clara and the Nutcracker Prince through the Mouse Queen battle, the Snow scene and the Land of Sweets. The Nutcracker Suite is a one-hour narrated matinee. It starts on a bare stage with a mini class, then builds into scenes from the ballet.
Is there a sensory-friendly performance?
Yes. A modified sensory-friendly version of The Nutcracker Suite plays at the Cary Arts Center on Friday, December 18.
Is it suitable for young children?
The Nutcracker Suite is made as an introduction to ballet for kids of all ages. At the Martin Marietta Center, children 2 and older need a ticket for most performances.
Can I meet the dancers?
Yes, with the VIP Photo Op, sold as a separate ticket for the starred Cary Arts Center shows. After the show, you meet the Sugarplum Fairy, her Prince and Clara with her Nutcracker Doll in Principal's Hall. It includes a photo, a signed poster and a sweet treat.
Are large-print programs available?
Yes. Email the company with 'Program Needs' in the subject line at least two weeks ahead to ask for a large-print program.
More Christmas Events Near Cary
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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.