The Nutcracker
Audiences follow Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier, and the Sugar Plum Fairy on a fantastical journey based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale. Kansas City Ballet dancers perform Devon Carney's choreography surrounded by Alain Vaës's scenery and Holly Hynes's costume designs. The production features Peter I. Tchaikovsky's score performed live by the Kansas City Symphony.
What to Expect
Devon Carney's Victorian-era ballet accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony.
Event Details
Duration
Two hours and 15 minutes with one 20-minute intermission.
Ages
All ages (babies/toddlers not recommended)
Neighborhood
Downtown Kansas City
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Kansas City Ballet
Food & Drink
Bars sell coffee, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and small snacks before the show and at intermission; Family VIP tickets on select performances include drinks and holiday treats.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and ballet lovers
Vibe
Enchanting and theatrical
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adult tickets $39–154; child tickets (12 and under) $39–149; Prime Orchestra $250; subscribers 25% off. Group tickets: Learn More Sensory-Friendly Performance: Learn More. Family VIP Experience: $204 per ticket, including Premium Center Mezzanine tickets and the listed reception and treats, on the specifically listed performances. Ticket prices are subject to change. – Get tickets
- Hours: Nov. 28: 2 & 7:30 PM; Nov. 29: 1 & 5:30 PM; Dec. 4: 7:30 PM; Dec. 5: 2 & 7:30 PM; Dec. 6: 1* & 5:30 PM; Dec. 10–11: 7:30 PM; Dec. 12: 2* & 7:30 PM; Dec. 13: 1* & 5:30 PM; Dec. 17–18: 7:30 PM; Dec. 19: 2* & 7:30 PM; Dec. 20: 1* & 5:30 PM; Dec. 22–23: 2* & 7:30 PM; Dec. 24: 1 PM.
- Parking: The venue has access from I-35 and I-70; downtown construction may make arrival more difficult.
Tips & Advice
- Open your mobile tickets on your phone before arriving, since screenshots and printed tickets are not accepted for entry.
- Consider preordering a bar drink before the performance so it is ready for pickup during intermission.
- Leave extra travel time because downtown construction projects may make reaching the Kauffman Center more difficult.
- Book group tickets through the ticket office rather than online; group discounts are available for groups of ten or more.
- Choose one of the listed Family VIP performances if you want the premium seating, reception, refreshments, and character appearance.
Special Events & Promotions
- Subscribers receive a discount on tickets.
- Discounted group tickets are available for groups of ten or more.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the performance last?
The performance runs for two hours and fifteen minutes, including one twenty-minute intermission.
Are refreshments available at the theater?
Bars sell coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol before the show and during intermission, and small snacks are available. You can preorder a drink before the performance for intermission pickup.
Can groups book tickets together?
Discounted group tickets are available for groups of ten or more, but cannot be purchased online. Group bookings include priority seat locations, payment procedures, and event-planning assistance.
How should I prepare my mobile tickets for entry?
Access tickets on your mobile phone through the ticketing website. Screenshots and printouts are not accepted, and the QR code appears shortly before doors open.
What should I know about getting to the theater?
The Kauffman Center has access from I-35 and I-70, but downtown construction projects may make arrival more difficult.
More Christmas Events near Kansas City
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