The Nutcracker
Audiences follow young Clara and her charming Prince on a journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. The ballet features iconic characters such as the Snow Queen, the Sugar Plum Fairy, cotton candy angels, reindeer, and pastry chefs. Set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, the production brings the holiday story to life with shimmering costumes and lavish sets.
What to Expect
Performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens alongside the NAC Orchestra.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 2 hours, with intermission. Act I is 54 minutes, the intermission is 20 minutes, and Act II is 46 minutes.
Ages
4+
Neighborhood
Downtown Ottawa
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
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: Tickets starting at $33 - $139. Not eligible for NAC subscriptions. – Get tickets
- Hours: Thu-Fri 7:30pm; Sat-Sun 1:30pm and 7:30pm.
- Accessibility: Southam Hall offers accessible entrances, parking, seating, washrooms, pick-up and drop-off areas, and hearing devices.
Tips & Advice
- Choose a Saturday, November 28 or 29 matinee if children want the free 20-minute ballet workshop before the performance.
- Saturday evening attendees can also join the free workshop on November 28 at 6:30 or 6:55 p.m. in Peter H. Herrndorf Place.
- Under30 tickets cost $15 for eligible guests, including teens and children; availability, seating choices, and eligible performances may be limited.
- Indigenous community members can select $15 All My Relations tickets, but some performances have limited availability, so buy early.
- Allow about two hours for the performance, including a 20-minute intermission, when planning travel and post-show arrangements.
Special Events & Promotions
- Under-30 tickets are available for eligible guests under 30, including teens and children; availability and performance options may be limited.
- All My Relations tickets are available for eligible Indigenous community members; availability may be limited by performance.
- Free children’s ballet workshops are offered on November 28 and 29, with sessions before matinees and an additional session before the Saturday evening performance.
- Evening performances are scheduled Thursday through Sunday; daytime matinee performances are scheduled Saturday and Sunday.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the ballet suitable for?
It is described as a delight for all ages, and is recommended for ages four and up.
How long should I allow for the performance?
The ballet runs for about two hours, including an intermission.
What will I see and hear in the production?
Follow Clara and her Prince through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, with characters including the Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen, dazzling sets, costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s score performed with the NAC Orchestra.
Is there a ballet activity for children?
A separate, free children’s ballet workshop takes place on November 28 and 29. It lasts 20 minutes and introduces fundamental ballet steps.
Are there ticket options for younger audiences?
Under30 tickets are available for guests under 30, including children and teens, for eligible performances. All My Relations tickets welcome members of the Indigenous community; availability is limited for some performances.
More Christmas Events near Ottawa
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