The Nutcracker at Royal Opera House
Audiences follow young Clara as she is swept into an enchanted world where toys come to life, from a battle between toy soldiers and the Mouse King to the glittering Kingdom of Sweets. The staging features Julia Trevelyan Oman's period designs, including a Christmas tree that magically transforms before your eyes. Dancers perform iconic choreography to Tchaikovsky's orchestral score, highlighted by the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
What to Expect
Peter Wright's classic Royal Ballet production celebrating his centenary.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one interval.
Ages
Suitable for ages 5+
Neighborhood
Covent Garden
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
The Royal Ballet
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children aged five and up, and ballet fans
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: The page gives a general ticket price of £10–£238. For individual performances it lists: £36–£214 on 16 December at 1.30pm and 22 December at 1.30pm; £10–£214 on 29 December at 1.30pm and 7.00pm; £10–£238 on 30 December at 7.30pm, 31 December at 2.30pm, and 2 January at 1.30pm; £10–£236 on 2 January at 7.00pm; £10–£223 on 5 January at 7.30pm; £10–£215 on 7 January at 7.30pm; £10–£238 on 8 January at 7.30pm; £10–£199 on 12 January at 7.30pm; and £10–£204 on 13 January at 7.30pm. No ticket-type or age-based price breakdown is stated. – Get tickets
- Hours: Thu 3 Dec 7.30pm; Fri 4 Dec 7.00pm; Sat 5 Dec 2.00pm and 7.30pm; Tue 8 Dec 7.30pm; Wed 9 Dec 7.30pm; Fri 11 Dec 7.30pm; Mon 14 Dec 7.00pm; Wed 16 Dec 1.30pm and 7.00pm; Sat 19 Dec 7.00pm; Mon 21 Dec 7.30pm; Tue 22 Dec 1.30pm and 7.00pm; Wed 23 Dec 1.30pm and 7.00pm; Thu 24 Dec 12.30pm; Tue 29 Dec 1.30pm and 7.00pm; Wed 30 Dec 7.30pm; Thu 31 Dec 2.30pm; Sat 2 Jan 1.30pm and 7.00pm; Tue 5 Jan 7.30pm; Thu 7 Jan 7.30pm; Fri 8 Jan 7.30pm; Tue 12 Jan 7.30pm; Wed 13 Jan 7.30pm. Separate invited-audience Schools Matinees are at 12.30pm on 4 and 14 December; the separate Paul Hamlyn Christmas Treat is at 1.30pm on 19 December.
- Accessibility: Lift access and step-free routes reach over 100 seats in the Stalls Circle, Balcony, and Amphitheatre.
Tips & Advice
- Look at the January performances, because most December dates are already sold out and the January dates still show good availability.
- Leave children under five at home, because they aren't admitted, and buy every older child a ticket next to an adult.
- Join the Access Scheme to get priority access to tickets and to tell the venue about your access needs before your visit.
- Choose seats in the Stalls Circle, Balcony or Amphitheatre if you need step-free access, because Orchestra Stalls seats involve ten or more steps.
- Remember the production uses flashing lights and dry ice, and choose your performance accordingly if anyone in your party is sensitive to them.
Special Events & Promotions
- This season marks Peter Wright's centenary.
- Audio-described performances with a touch tour on the afternoons of 5 and 16 December.
- Captioned performances on the afternoon of 5 December and the evening of 8 December.
- A Family Friendly performance on the afternoon of 16 December.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, for ages 5 and up. Children under five aren't allowed into the theatre. Children over five need their own ticket and must sit next to an accompanying adult.
How long is the performance?
About 2 hours 20 minutes. That's two acts of about 50 minutes each, with a 30-minute interval.
Are there accessible performances?
Yes. There are audio-described performances with a touch tour on the afternoons of 5 and 16 December. Captioned performances are on the afternoon of 5 December and the evening of 8 December, and the afternoon of 16 December is a Family Friendly performance.
Is there step-free access?
Lifts and step-free routes reach over 100 seats in the Stalls Circle, Balcony and Amphitheatre. Some seats in those areas and in the Donald Gordon Grand Tier are up 9 steps or fewer. Orchestra Stalls seats are up 10 steps or more.
Is there anything sensitive viewers should know?
Yes. The production uses flashing lights and dry ice.
More Christmas Events Near London
More Christmas Events near London
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.