Illustration of a nutcracker ballet scene (The Nutcracker with a Live Orchestra)
Christmas Shows

The Nutcracker with a Live Orchestra

World Ballet Company presents 'The Nutcracker' with a live orchestra, 40 dancers, and over 150 costumes. The performance follows Marie's Christmas Eve journey through a dreamworld.

What to Expect

Classic Nutcracker ballet with a live orchestra

Event Details

Duration

1 hour 40 minutes (including 20-minute intermission)

Ages

2+

Neighborhood

Downtown Durham

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • World Ballet Company
  • Sasha Gorskaya
  • Gulya Hartwick

Organizer

World Ballet Company

Food & Drink

Concessions available

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Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, ballet enthusiasts, holiday celebrations

Vibe

Magical, festive, elegant, enchanting

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (3/5)

Weather Sensitivity

None

Location

The Carolina Theatre
309 West Morgan St
Durham, NC
27701

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $55.00 – Get tickets
  • Parking: Convenient parking garages include Durham Centre Parking Garage ($7 special event rate, credit card only), Durham ID Parking Garage (max $5 after 5pm weekdays, $5 all day weekends, online booking available), Public Parking at The Novus, and Morgan Rigsbee Parking Garage (free after 7pm weekdays and all day weekends). On-street metered parking is $2.50/hour Monday-Friday, free after 7pm and all day weekends.
  • Accessibility: The Carolina Theatre is committed to providing a first-class experience for all individuals. Review their special accommodations and services on their accessibility page.
  • Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show to find your seats comfortably, as house doors typically open 30 minutes prior to the event start.
  • Consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially for popular holiday performances, as seating can fill up quickly.
  • Check the venue's website for the most up-to-date information on prohibited items, as policies can vary by performance.
  • Take advantage of the group ticket discounts for parties of 10 or more to make this a memorable outing for a larger group.
  • Plan your parking in advance, especially for evening or weekend performances, as downtown Durham can be busy.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Special pricing available for groups of 10 or more.
  • Members may have access to special benefits or discounts.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the box office hours?

The Barnes Box Office is open Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and one hour before live performances. The Cinema Box Office is open 30 minutes prior to the first screening and closes 15 minutes after the last screening starts.

What is the security policy?

All guests and bags are subject to inspection. Prohibited items include firearms, outside alcohol/food, backpacks, professional photography equipment, and recording devices. These should be left at home or in your car.

Do you accept cash?

No, the venue accepts debit cards, credit cards, and Apple Pay. Cash is not accepted.

What is the duration of the performance?

The performance is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.

Are there any age restrictions?

The performance is recommended for ages 2 and up.

Tags

balletThe Nutcrackerlive musicfamily friendlyholiday seasonfestive entertainmentseasonal activitiesChristmas showsynchronized lights

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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.

Contributors & Updates

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