English National Ballet's The Nutcracker
Audiences follow Clara from Edwardian London to a battle with the Rat King, a glistening ice realm, and the Land of Sweets & Delights. The production showcases sweet-themed divertissements and a grand celebration hosted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. Dancers perform choreography by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith amid sets and costumes by Dick Bird, accompanied live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic.
What to Expect
Features over 100 dancers and musicians with a live orchestra.
Event Details
Duration
The page gives the duration as 2 hours including one interval in the production summary, and 2 hours and 5 minutes in the FAQs, with two acts of around 45 minutes and a 20-minute interval.
Ages
Children under 5 are not allowed in the auditorium, except at the Family Friendly performance on Saturday 3 January at 2:30pm.
Neighborhood
Covent Garden
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
English National Ballet
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children aged 5 and up, and ballet fans
Vibe
Festive, magical, theatrical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: 20% off for Friends of English National Ballet; 25% off tickets for children under 16; children’s tickets at the Family Friendly performance for the booking fee per full-price adult ticket; groups of 10+ save 20% per ticket; schools matinee: £10 per pupil in the Balcony or £15 per pupil in the Upper Circle, plus one free teacher ticket per 10 students (plus fee); students, senior citizens, Westminster Rescard holders and registered unemployed: £5 off each ticket; half-price tickets through the London Coliseum Access scheme. – Get tickets
- Hours: Thu 17 Dec 2026 7:30pm; Fri 18 Dec 2026 7:30pm; Sat 19 Dec 2026 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Sun 20 Dec 2026 1:30pm and 6:30pm; Tue 22 Dec 2026 1:30pm and 6:30pm; Wed 23 Dec 2026 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Thu 24 Dec 2026 1:30pm; Sun 27 Dec 2026 1:30pm and 6:30pm; Mon 28 Dec 2026 7:30pm; Tue 29 Dec 2026 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Wed 30 Dec 2026 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Thu 31 Dec 2026 1:30pm; Sat 2 Jan 2027 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Sun 3 Jan 2027 1:30pm and 6:30pm; Tue 5 Jan 2027 7:30pm; Wed 6 Jan 2027 7:30pm; Thu 7 Jan 2027 1:30pm and 6:30pm; Fri 8 Jan 2027 7:30pm; Sat 9 Jan 2027 2:00pm and 7:00pm; Sun 10 Jan 2027 1:00pm.
- Accessibility: The 19 December matinee is audio-described and has a free Touch Tour, and the 7 January matinee is relaxed with a chill-out space and re-entry.
Tips & Advice
- If you have a child under five, book the family-friendly matinee on 9 January, because that's the only performance where under-5s are allowed in.
- After booking a ticket for the audio-described matinee, email engagement@ballet.org.uk to book a free Touch Tour before the show.
- Book children's discounts through the London Coliseum Box Office or website, and remember only one discount applies to each ticket.
- Check the casting for your chosen date before booking, because principal roles such as Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy change between performances.
- Allow about two hours for the show, including the interval between the two acts.
Special Events & Promotions
- The 19 December matinee is audio-described by VocalEyes, and visually impaired patrons can book a free Touch Tour before the show.
- The 7 January matinee is a relaxed performance, with noise and movement welcome, a chill-out space, re-entry and adjusted lighting and sound.
- The 9 January matinee is family-friendly: under-5s are welcome, and children under 16 pay only the booking fee (up to two per full-paying adult).
- Children under 16 get 25% off tickets, with up to two per full-price adult, while availability lasts.
- Friends of English National Ballet get a discount on tickets (terms apply).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is the ballet suitable for?
It's recommended for ages 5 and up. Under-5s are welcome only at the family-friendly matinee on 9 January, and they aren't usually allowed in the London Coliseum auditorium.
How long is the performance?
Allow about two hours. There are two acts of around 45 minutes each, with one interval.
Is the music live?
Yes. English National Ballet Philharmonic plays Tchaikovsky's score live, and more than 100 dancers and musicians take part.
What happens in the story?
Clara starts on Christmas Eve in Edwardian London. She fights the Rat King, travels to a winter realm ruled by the Ice Queen, and ends up in the Land of Sweets and Delights, where the Sugar Plum Fairy hosts a celebration full of sweet-themed dances.
Are there discounts for children?
Children under 16 get 25% off, with up to two reduced tickets per full-price adult. At the family-friendly matinee on 9 January, children under 16 pay only the booking fee. Only one discount applies per ticket, and all discounts depend on availability.
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