The Nutcracker
Audiences follow young Clara on an enchanting holiday journey as her nutcracker awakens to battle the King of the Rats and transforms into a prince. The classic story unfolds across wintry landscapes in the Land of Snow and the confectionery delights of the Kingdom of Sweets. Choreographed by Fernand Nault to Tchaikovsky's score, this large-scale production brings together nearly 165 dancers and a 55-musician orchestra.
What to Expect
Holiday ballet featuring nearly 165 performers accompanied by a live orchestra.
Event Details
Duration
2h09 total: Act I is 54 minutes, intermission is 25 minutes, and Act II is 50 minutes.
Ages
5+
Neighborhood
Downtown Montreal
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children aged 5 and older
Vibe
Enchanting and festive
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Regular price: A $175, B $159, C $137, D $99. Package prices: A $108 (-40%), $124 (-30%), $141 (-20%); B $97 (-40%), $112 (-30%), $129 (-20%); C $84 (-40%), $97 (-30%), $110 (-20%); D $65 (-40%), $74 (-30%), $84 (-20%). – Get tickets
- Hours: Saturday Dec 5, 12, 19, and 26: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays Dec 6, 13, 20, and 27: 2 p.m.; Thursdays Dec 10 and 17 and Fridays Dec 11 and 18: 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday Dec 22 and Wednesday Dec 23: 7:30 p.m.; Monday Dec 28, Tuesday Dec 29, and Wednesday Dec 30: 2 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Add your e-tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before leaving home, since tickets aren't printed and you show them on your phone at the doors.
- Plan on just over two hours, including a 25-minute intermission between the 54-minute first act and the 50-minute second act.
- Bring children aged five and up, since that's the recommended age for this production.
- If you're seeing several shows this season, book a package to save up to 40% and get access to the subscribers' section of best seats.
- If you're between 18 and 34, sign up for the Je me pointe! program to get 40% off show tickets.
Special Events & Promotions
- Season packages save up to 40%, and a section of the best seats is reserved for subscribers.
- Je me pointe! program: 40% off show tickets for ages 18 to 34.
- Educational matinee on Dec. 15 for children invited through donations to The Nutcracker Fund.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is The Nutcracker suited for?
It's recommended for ages 5 and up.
How long is the show?
About 2 hours 10 minutes in total. Act I runs 54 minutes, followed by a 25-minute intermission and a 50-minute Act II.
Will I get paper tickets?
No. Tickets are electronic only and can't be printed. Sign in to your Grands Ballets account, add the tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, and show them at the doors. You can also transfer them.
Who performs?
Nearly 165 performers, including students of the École supérieure de ballet du Québec. They dance to live music from the 55-musician Grands Ballets Orchestra, conducted by Jean-Claude Picard.
Can I give The Nutcracker to a child?
Yes. A donation to The Nutcracker Fund invites a child to the educational matinee on Dec. 15. Each year it lets nearly 3,000 children see their first ballet.
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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.