The Nutcracker
Audiences follow young Clara as she embarks on an adventure guided by her Nutcracker Prince, battling mischievous mice and traveling through a snow-filled forest. In the Land of Sweets, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier welcome her with dazzling dances set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score. The production brings together professional dancers alongside student performers in elaborate sets and costumes.
What to Expect
American Repertory Ballet production featuring over 100 Princeton Ballet School students.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
American Repertory Ballet
Food & Drink
The optional Cookies and Cocoa add-on for the Saturday, November 28, 1:00 PM performance includes fresh cookies and hot cocoa.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and ballet fans
Vibe
Magical and festive
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Cookies and Cocoa is a $30 add-on per person for the Saturday, November 28 1:00 PM performance at McCarter Theatre. – Get tickets
- Hours: McCarter Theatre: November 27 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; November 28 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM; November 29 at 1:00 PM. Two River Theater: December 5 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM; December 6 at 1:00 PM. State Theatre New Jersey: December 17 and 18 at 7:00 PM; December 19 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; December 20 at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Tips & Advice
- Reserve a ticket for any lap-sitting baby under one year, even though the baby is admitted free.
- Purchase the separate Cookies and Cocoa add-on if you want the pre-show activities and character visits before the November 28 performance.
- Choose a McCarter Theatre performance in Princeton if you want to see the production in the town covered by this listing.
- Allow time to enjoy the production’s story, Tchaikovsky score, sets and costumes, featuring professional dancers and more than 100 students.
Special Events & Promotions
- Babies under 1 sitting on a lap are free, but need a reserved ticket.
- State Theatre New Jersey performances feature a live orchestra and choir.
- Audio description is available at the December 18 and December 19 performances.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Nutcracker suitable for?
The production is recommended for all ages. Babies under one year may sit on an adult’s lap for free, but still need a reserved ticket.
What happens in the performance?
Clara receives a mysterious holiday gift and travels with her Nutcracker Prince through a battle with mice and a snow-filled forest to the Land of Sweets.
Who performs in the production?
American Repertory Ballet’s professional artists perform alongside more than 100 students from Princeton Ballet School.
What is included in Cookies and Cocoa?
It is a separate pre-show add-on for the November 28 performance at McCarter Theatre, with cookies, hot cocoa, festive activities and visits with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Rat King.
Do lap-sitting babies need a ticket?
Yes. Babies under one year sitting on a lap are admitted free, but a ticket must be reserved by contacting McCarter’s patron services.
More Christmas Events near Princeton
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