The Nutcracker
Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they journey from a festive holiday gathering to a battle against mischievous mice, culminating in the dazzling Land of Sweets. Guests are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and treated to dances from around the world, including the Waltz of the Flowers. The performance features choreography by Val Caniparoli, sets by Chris Van Allsburg and Eugene Lee, and live music from the Grand Rapids Symphony.
What to Expect
Sets by Chris Van Allsburg with live Grand Rapids Symphony music.
Event Details
Duration
Estimated run time is 2 hours with one intermission.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Grand Rapids
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Grand Rapids Ballet
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and ballet fans
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Fri, Dec 11: 7:30pm; Sat, Dec 12: 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Sun, Dec 13: 2:00pm; Fri, Dec 18: 7:30pm; Sat, Dec 19: 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Sun, Dec 20: 2:00pm.
- Accessibility: Accessible and companion seating available.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets only from the Grand Rapids Ballet Box Office or ticketmaster.com. Third-party sellers charge more, skip the pre-show information, and sometimes never send the tickets.
- Call or visit the ballet box office on a weekday to buy your tickets, because buying there avoids the Ticketmaster fees.
- Allow about two hours for the performance, including one intermission, when you plan your day around a matinee or an evening show.
- Ask for accessible or companion seating when you book, since every seat is reserved and assigned ahead of the performance.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
About two hours, with one intermission.
Is the music live?
Yes, the Grand Rapids Symphony plays Tchaikovsky's score live.
Who designed the production?
Val Caniparoli did the choreography. Grand Rapids' own Chris Van Allsburg, author of The Polar Express, and Tony Award-winner Eugene Lee designed the sets.
Is accessible seating available?
Yes, there is accessible and companion seating. All seating is reserved.
How can I buy tickets without Ticketmaster fees?
Buy from the Grand Rapids Ballet Box Office by phone or in person, Monday through Friday.
More Christmas Events Near Grand Rapids
More Christmas Events near Grand Rapids
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.