George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
Audiences watch a sparkling winter tale set to Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday score, performed live by the OBT Orchestra. The story unfolds as Marie receives a magical Nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve. Together, Marie and her Nutcracker Prince set off on an adventure to the Land of Sweets.
What to Expect
All performances feature live music played by the OBT Orchestra.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (with a special sensory-friendly performance)
Neighborhood
Downtown Portland
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Oregon Ballet Theatre
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of classic ballet
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Premium Nutcracker Experience tickets are $250. They include center orchestra seating, a backstage tour, and an OBT goody bag with exclusive signed OBT merchandise (one per order). – Get tickets
- Hours: Dec 5: 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Dec 6: 2:00 PM; Dec 11: 7:30 PM; Dec 12: 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Dec 13: 2:00 PM; Dec 19: 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Dec 20: 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Dec 21: 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Dec 22: 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Dec 23: 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Dec 24: 12:00 PM.
- Accessibility: Audio description is available at the December 5 evening and December 13 afternoon performances.
Tips & Advice
- Premium Experience tickets are limited, so book early if you want center orchestra seats, a backstage tour and the signed OBT goody bag.
- If your family also plans to see Swan Lake and Alice (in wonderland), the Family & Friends Package saves 25% on adult and 50% on children's tickets.
- Pick the December 5 evening or December 13 afternoon performance if someone in your group needs audio description during the ballet.
- For little ones or neurodiverse family members, look at the sensory-friendly Storybook Nutcracker on December 23, which is ticketed separately from the Balanchine production.
- You can't buy tickets in person at the OBT Studio, so get them online or by phone through the OBT box office.
Special Events & Promotions
- Premium Nutcracker Experience tickets, sold in limited numbers, include center orchestra seating, a backstage tour and a signed OBT goody bag (one per order)
- Audio description at the December 5 evening and December 13 afternoon performances
- Family & Friends Package: add Swan Lake and Alice (in wonderland) to save 25% on adult tickets and 50% on children's tickets
- Separate sensory-friendly Dominic Walsh's Storybook Nutcracker on December 23 for families with young children and the neurodiverse community
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the music live?
Yes. Every performance of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker features the OBT Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's score.
What's the story?
Marie's mysterious godfather gives her a magical Nutcracker that comes to life. Marie and her Nutcracker Prince then set off on a Christmas Eve adventure to the Land of Sweets.
What comes with the Premium Nutcracker Experience?
Premium Experience tickets include center orchestra seating, a backstage tour, and an OBT goody bag with exclusive signed OBT merchandise (one bag per order). Only a limited number are available.
Are any performances audio described?
Yes. Audio description is available at the December 5 evening performance and the December 13 afternoon performance.
Is there an option for young children or neurodiverse guests?
OBT also puts on a sensory-friendly performance, Dominic Walsh's Storybook Nutcracker, on December 23. It's designed for families with young children and the neurodiverse community, and it has its own tickets.
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