Illustration of a holiday show scene (The Nutcracker)
Christmas Shows

The Nutcracker

Audiences experience Tchaikovsky's festive ballet score performed live by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic alongside the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale. Dancers from the University of Oklahoma School of Dance, Oklahoma City Ballet, and regional student performers take the stage to tell the story of Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Mouse King. Food and drinks purchased on-site can be enjoyed in the lobby or taken directly into the performance hall.

What to Expect

Tchaikovsky's ballet score performed live with dancers and children's chorale.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Organizer

Colorado Springs Philharmonic

Food & Drink

Food and beverages are available for purchase before the performance and during intermission, and can be enjoyed in the lobby or performance hall; outside food and drinks are not allowed.

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Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ (3/5)

Best For

Ballet fans and school-age families

Vibe

Festive and theatrical

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Low

Weather Sensitivity

None

Location

Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts
190 S. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Colorado Springs

Know Before You Go

  • Hours: Fri Nov 27: 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm; Sat Nov 28: 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm; Sun Nov 29: 2:00 pm.
  • Parking: Covered garage parking on Sahwatch Street on the south side of the Pikes Peak Center opens 90 minutes before the performance, with street parking next to the venue.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair and companion seating, elevator access, accessible parking, and assistive audio aids are available.

Tips & Advice

  • Park in the covered garage on Sahwatch Street behind the Pikes Peak Center, which opens 90 minutes before each performance and closes 90 minutes after.
  • Arrive about 30 minutes early to find your seats and read the program notes, because late arrivals wait for a pause before being seated.
  • Call or visit the Pikes Peak Center Box Office to buy wheelchair and companion seating, and ask there for audio aids if you need them.
  • Bring military or student ID to the box office in person to buy the discounted tickets offered to service members and students.
  • Leave outside snacks at home, since outside food and drinks aren't allowed, but lobby concessions can come with you into the hall.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Military and student discount tickets are sold at the box office with ID.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Nutcracker suitable for young children?

The Philharmonic recommends school-age children over 7, or children who can sit still, because the performances are long for kids under 7.

Who performs?

The Colorado Springs Philharmonic plays Tchaikovsky's score live under conductor Thomas Wilson. Also on stage are the University of Oklahoma School of Dance, the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale, principal dancers from Oklahoma City Ballet, and student dancers from the Pikes Peak region.

Can we take food and drinks to our seats?

Yes. Concessions are sold before the show and at intermission, and you can enjoy them in the lobby or in the hall. Outside food and drinks aren't allowed.

What should I wear?

Whatever is comfortable. You'll see everything from jeans to evening wear.

What if we arrive late?

Tell an usher at the hall entrance. They'll wait for a pause in the music before seating you.

Tags

balletThe Nutcrackerholiday entertainmentfamily friendlyclassical musicChristmas showseasonal activitiesholiday tradition

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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