The Brown-Forman Nutcracker
Visitors experience the classic holiday ballet following Marie and her Nutcracker Prince on an enchanted journey from a Christmas Eve party to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The stage comes alive with whimsical characters, toy soldiers battling giant rats, dancing snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy's court. Most performances feature Tchaikovsky's iconic score played live by the Louisville Orchestra.
What to Expect
Features Val Caniparoli's choreography and music played by the Louisville Orchestra.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Louisville
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Louisville Ballet
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and ballet fans
Vibe
Enchanted and festive
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Fri, Dec 11: 7:30 p.m.; Sat, Dec 12: 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun, Dec 13: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Fri, Dec 18: 7:30 p.m.; Sat, Dec 19: 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun, Dec 20: 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Mon, Dec 21: 3 p.m.
- Parking: Parking options listed for The Kentucky Center include the Kentucky Center Garage, Riverfront Garage on Sixth St., The Galt House, the Humana building, and metered street parking on Main St and surrounding streets.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair seating is available, audio description is available upon request, and ASL interpretation is provided for pre-show talks and curtain speeches.
Tips & Advice
- Add the Backstage Pass or Character Keepsake at checkout when single tickets go on sale, because these add-ons are offered only for select performances.
- Pick a regular performance if hearing the Louisville Orchestra live matters to you, because the Sensory Friendly and No-Shush shows use no live orchestra.
- Choose the Sensory Friendly or No-Shush performance for children who may need to move or make noise during the show.
- If you chose Will Call, you can pick up tickets at the theater an hour before the show. Digital tickets appear a few hours before.
- Stop by the Nutcracker Gift Shop in the North Lobby for ornaments, nutcrackers and totes, since all proceeds benefit The Louisville Ballet School.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sensory Friendly performance on Sunday, December 13, with no live orchestra.
- No-Shush performance on Monday, December 21, with relaxed etiquette and no live orchestra.
- Backstage Pass add-on with a backstage tour and a photo with a dancer, for select performances.
- Character Keepsake add-on with a signed program, keepsake ornament and a note from one of the characters, for select performances.
- Save up to 20% with a ticket package.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
About 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
Is the music live?
Yes. The Louisville Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky's score live at every performance except the Sensory Friendly and No-Shush performances.
Is there a performance for kids who need to move or make noise?
Yes. The Sensory Friendly performance uses excerpts from both acts in a setting designed for people with sensory sensitivities. The No-Shush performance is the full ballet with relaxed theater etiquette.
What access services are offered?
ASL interpretation is provided for the pre-show talks and curtain speeches at every performance. Audio description is available on request, and there is wheelchair seating.
Where should I park?
Options include the Kentucky Center Garage, the Riverfront Garage on Sixth St., The Galt House, the Humana building, and metered street parking on Main St and nearby streets.
More Christmas Events Near Louisville
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