George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
Audiences follow young Marie through a dreamlike world of mischievous mice, swirling snow, and glittering confections from around the world. The classic production features a growing Christmas tree that rises onstage, Rouben Ter-Arutunian's magical sets, and Karinska's sumptuous costumes set to Tschaikovsky's score. Over 150 dancers and musicians join forces with more than 120 children from the School of American Ballet.
What to Expect
Features a breathtaking Christmas tree that rises before your eyes.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 2 hours.
Ages
5+
Neighborhood
Upper West Side
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
New York City Ballet
Food & Drink
VIP Sweet Seat holiday bundles include a sweet treat; no other event food or drink options are specified.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children ages 5 and up and ballet fans
Vibe
Magical and festive
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Each VIP Sweet Seat holiday bundle admission includes Premium Orchestra Center or First Ring Center seating, a Souvenir Book, and a Sweet Treat. For every two tickets purchased, the buyer receives a voucher for one keepsake photo and saves 15% on additional photos. – Get tickets
- Hours: Fri Nov 27: 8:00 PM; Sat Nov 28: 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM; Sun Nov 29: 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM; Wed Dec 2: 7:00 PM; Thu Dec 3: 7:00 PM; Fri Dec 4: 8:00 PM; Sat Dec 5: 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM; Sun Dec 6: 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM; Tue Dec 8: 7:00 PM; Wed Dec 9: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Thu Dec 10: 7:00 PM; Fri Dec 11: 8:00 PM; Sat Dec 12: 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM; Sun Dec 13: 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM; Tue Dec 15: 7:00 PM; Wed Dec 16: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Thu Dec 17: 7:00 PM; Fri Dec 18: 8:00 PM; Sat Dec 19: 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM; Sun Dec 20: 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM; Mon Dec 21: 7:00 PM; Tue Dec 22: 7:00 PM; Wed Dec 23: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Thu Dec 24: 2:00 PM; Sat Dec 26: 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM; Sun Dec 27: 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM; Mon Dec 28: 2:00 PM; Tue Dec 29: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Wed Dec 30: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Thu Dec 31: 2:00 PM; Sat Jan 2: 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
- Accessibility: A Sensory-Friendly Performance on January 3 adjusts lighting and sound levels for audiences with sensory processing challenges, including autism.
Tips & Advice
- Get to your seat before curtain, because there's no late seating or re-entry and missed performances can't be refunded or replaced.
- Buy a ticket for every child, even a toddler who will sit on your lap, since everyone needs a ticket to enter the theater.
- Book VIP Sweet Seats early, because seats are limited and each bundle includes premium seating, a Souvenir Book and a Sweet Treat.
- If your party needs more than 19 tickets, order through NYCB Group Sales, which has to handle all Nutcracker orders of that size.
- Bring children 5 or older, the recommended age, since anyone who causes a disturbance during the performance will be asked to leave the auditorium.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sensory-Friendly Performance on January 3, with adjusted lighting and sound levels for audiences with sensory processing challenges, including autism.
- VIP Sweet Seats holiday bundle with Premium Orchestra Center or First Ring Center seating, a Souvenir Book and a Sweet Treat; seats are limited.
- Sweet Seat buyers get a keepsake photo voucher for every two tickets, plus 15% off additional photos.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is the ballet best for?
It's recommended for ages 5 and up. Everyone needs a ticket to enter the theater, including small children sitting in a lap.
How long is the performance?
Allow about 2 hours.
What happens if we arrive late?
There's no late seating and no re-entry. Missed performances can't be refunded or replaced.
What comes with VIP Sweet Seats?
Each Sweet Seat bundle includes Premium Orchestra Center or First Ring Center seating, a Souvenir Book and a Sweet Treat. For every two tickets you also get a voucher for one keepsake photo and 15% off extra photos.
Is there a sensory-friendly performance?
Yes, one Sensory-Friendly Performance on January 3. It adjusts lighting and sound levels for audiences with sensory processing challenges, including autism.
More Christmas Events Near New York
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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.