George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®
Audiences watch Marie receive a mysterious nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve and witness a battle between the Mouse King and toy tin soldiers. After defeating the mice, the Nutcracker reveals himself as a Prince and journeys with Marie to the Land of the Sweets. Guests enjoy a feast of dances featuring dancing candy canes, waltzing flowers, and a pas de deux by the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier.
What to Expect
Features battling mice, toy soldiers, dancing candy canes, and Tchaikovsky’s score.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 2 hours and 8 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Avenue of the Arts
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Philadelphia Ballet
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Ballet fans and families with children aged three and up
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Dec 4 7:00PM; Dec 5 12:00PM and 5:00PM; Dec 6 12:00PM and 5:00PM; Dec 10–13: Dec 10–11 7:00PM, Dec 12–13 12:00PM and 5:00PM; Dec 16 11:00AM student matinee and 7:00PM; Dec 17 2:00PM and 7:00PM; Dec 18 2:00PM and 7:00PM; Dec 19–20 12:00PM and 5:00PM; Dec 22–24: Dec 22–23 12:00PM and 5:00PM, Dec 24 12:00PM; Dec 26 12:00PM sensory-friendly performance and 5:00PM; Dec 27 12:00PM and 5:00PM; Dec 29–31: Dec 29–30 12:00PM and 5:00PM, Dec 31 12:00PM.
- Parking: Prepaid parking secures your spot to ensure easy in and easy out. You may also purchase pre-paid discounted parking at the Avenue of the Arts garage for $28.50.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible seating and a south-side ramped entrance provide step-free access into the theater.
- Pets: Trained service animals are welcome in the Academy of Music.
Tips & Advice
- Email or call audience services with any accessibility request within two weeks of your performance date, so they can best arrange it.
- Ask House Management for an assistive listening device as soon as you arrive, because they're handed out first come, first served.
- Take the Broad Street Line to the Walnut/Locust stop, which brings you right by the Academy of Music without hunting for parking.
- Use the rideshare pickup zone in front of the Miller Theater to get home, since it serves the Academy of Music too.
- Book the Saturday, December 26 sensory-friendly show if anyone in your group has sensory sensitivities or does better in a more relaxed setting.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, December 26 (the earlier show that day).
- Student matinee on the morning of Wednesday, December 16.
- Art-Reach ACCESS tickets released on July 14 and October 23, 2026; valid ACCESS card required at pickup.
- Philadelphia Ballet patron rates at partner hotels, including 20% off the day's rate at Loews and special rates at DoubleTree, Le Meridien and Holiday Inn Express.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ballet?
About 2 hours and 8 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.
Is there a sensory-friendly performance?
Yes. The earlier show on Saturday, December 26 is sensory-friendly. It's designed for families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, and for anyone who benefits from a more relaxed setting.
Where can I park near the Academy of Music?
Nearby options include the Bellevue lot (northwest side of Broad & Locust), the Doubletree Hotel (southwest corner of Broad & Locust), and Park & Lock on Spruce between 15th and 16th. There are also several Central Parking System garages, the Academy House garage at 1500 Spruce, and Parkway at 1309 Locust.
Is the theater accessible?
Yes. The Academy of Music has wheelchair, power-chair and scooter locations, plus seats near the stage for patrons with low vision or blindness. A free PCA-Pass comes with paid admission, and assistive listening devices are available. An elevator reaches the wheelchair-accessible restrooms on the Canteen level.
How do Art-Reach ACCESS tickets work?
They're released in two phases, on July 14 and October 23, 2026. Buy them online with a promo code, by phone at 215.893.1999, or at the Box Office window. Then pick them up at the Academy of Music box office with a valid ACCESS card.
More Christmas Events Near Philadelphia
More Christmas Events near Philadelphia
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.