Illustration of a pantomime stage with a castle backdrop and a dame in a huge dress as the audience laughs (The Nutcracker and the Mouse King)

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Audiences follow Clara on a magical Christmas Eve journey that begins in wintery Porvoo and leads into an enchanted realm inside a magic lantern. Along the way, she encounters a fierce mouse army, visitors from distant lands, and a prince cursed into a wooden nutcracker doll. The production brings Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life with grand sets, vivid costumes, and classic choreography.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

Hours

19:00 on December 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 15, 18, 21, 22, 29 and 30; 14:00 and 18:00 on December 5, 12 and 19.

Ages

5+

Neighborhood

Töölö

Food & Drink

Refreshments are available before the performance or during the interval; advance ordering online or by phone is recommended.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in the main auditorium and can be booked online or via customer service.

Going?

Location

Oopperatalo · Helsinginkatu 58, 00260 Helsinki, Helsinki 00260 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families with children aged 5 and up, and ballet fans

Vibe

Magical, festive, elegant

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Book early for the Saturday performances on December 5, 12 and 19, as several of those shows are already down to only a few seats.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start, because latecomers aren't let into the auditorium until the interval.
  • Order interval refreshments ahead online or by phone, or use the Opera&Ballet app to order for pickup almost until the performance begins.
  • Skip the front row of the third balcony if heights bother you, since that balcony rises high above the Main Stage.
  • Seat young children in the stalls or first balcony, where children usually get the best view, and remember the minimum age is five.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Two performances, afternoon and evening, on Saturdays December 5, 12 and 19.
  • Youth discount of 40–50% for ages 20 and under.
  • 40% off for students and people in military or civilian service.
  • Discounted same-day tickets for under-21s, students, people in military or civilian service, unemployed people, pensioners and people aged 65 or over, from 12 hours before the show, subject to availability in the stalls.
  • Full-price, youth, student and pensioner tickets can be exchanged up to 24 hours before the performance.

Links & Contact

Run by Finnish National Opera and Ballet

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, it's a ballet for the whole family. The minimum age is 5, and the twists in the story keep even the youngest viewers hooked. Children usually get the best view from the stalls and the first balcony.

How long should I allow?

The performance runs 2 hours 20 minutes, including a 35-minute interval.

Can I get food and drinks?

Yes, before the show or during the interval. It's best to order ahead online or by phone. The Opera&Ballet app takes pickup orders until almost curtain-up.

What happens if I arrive late?

Latecomers can't enter the auditorium until the interval. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start.

Where can I buy a printed program?

Programs go on sale on opening day. You can buy one before the show at the Töölönlahti lobby customer service point, the sales point at the Mannerheimintie entrance, open Opera Restaurant counters and from some lobby staff. You can also order one in advance online or from customer service.

Browse Christmas in Helsinki

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.

Contributors & Updates

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