The Nutcracker
Audiences follow Clara on an enchanting journey through the Land of Snow and the courts of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Dancers tell the holiday tale through expressive movement and pantomime set to the timeless music of Tchaikovsky. The full-length BalletMet performance features choreography co-created by Gerard Charles and is presented in two acts with an intermission.
What to Expect
BalletMet's production choreographed by Gerard Charles to Tchaikovsky's classic score.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes, with Act I lasting 50 minutes, a 20-minute intermission, and Act II lasting 40 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Columbus
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
BalletMet
Food & Drink
VIP packages for select performances include a complimentary water and snack voucher.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Ballet and theatre lovers of all ages
Vibe
Enchanted and theatrical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 7:30 p.m.: December 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, and 23; 12:00 p.m.: December 12, 13, 20, 24, and 27; 5:30 p.m.: December 12, 13, and 20; 2:00 p.m.: December 19 and 26; 7:30 p.m.: December 19 and 26.
- Parking: There are parking garages near the Ohio and Capitol theatres and limited metered street parking, most of which is free after 6 p.m. and on Sundays. The page names Ohio Statehouse Parking Garage and Riffe Center Parking Garage, advises arriving 20–30 minutes early, and says late arrivals may not be seated until intermission.
- Accessibility: Accessible seating is located in Orchestra 1 and 4, elevators are available in the business office lobby, and complimentary wheelchairs are provided.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early to park and find your seat, because late arrivals may not be seated until intermission.
- Downtown traffic can be heavy on show days, so leave extra time to reach the Columbus Commons garage or the Statehouse garage.
- For a special outing, book the VIP package with code VIPGUEST to get prime seats, a backstage tour, a keepsake gift and a snack voucher.
- If your kids are very young, consider My First Nutcracker on December 22 or 23, a shorter ballet with its own tickets.
- Make an evening of it at one of the nearby spots like Aracri Pizzeria, Pat and Gracie's or The Keep before or after the show.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: a VIP Show Experience with prime seating, a backstage tour after the final curtain, an exclusive gift and a snack-and-drink voucher; limited packages for select performances.
- VIP packages can be booked through the Box Office or online with code VIPGUEST.
- My First Nutcracker, a shorter ballet for younger fans, runs on December 22 and 23 with separate tickets.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Nutcracker suitable for kids?
Yes. BalletMet pitches it at ballet and theatre lovers of all ages. For the youngest fans there's also My First Nutcracker, a shorter ballet that runs as separate sessions with their own tickets.
How long is the show?
About 1 hour 50 minutes. Act I runs 50 minutes, then there's a 20-minute intermission, and Act II runs 40 minutes.
What should I wear?
Anything goes. Jeans are fine and so is dressing up. Plenty of people do both, and you might even spot a tux or a gown.
Where should I park?
Columbus Commons Underground Garage is the closest. It has covered parking and an elevator to the Ohio Theatre. The Ohio Statehouse Garage (enter from westbound Broad Street or Third Street) and the Riffe Center Garage are also nearby. Limited metered street parking is mostly free in the evening and on Sundays.
Do the dancers talk, and when should I clap?
The dancers don't speak. They tell the story through movement and pantomime, and BalletMet staff in the lobby can help if you lose the thread. Applaud whenever something wows you, because BalletMet loves to hear clapping.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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