Ballet San Antonio's The Nutcracker
Ballet San Antonio presents a full-length production of the holiday classic, co-choreographed by Haley Henderson Smith and Easton Smith. The performance showcases company dancers alongside a cast of 100 local children and community guest performers as Mother Ginger. Live accompaniment is provided by The Orchestra San Antonio performing Tchaikovsky's score under conductor Leonardo Pineda.
What to Expect
Features a live orchestra and 100 local youth performers.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 1 hour, 55 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission. The Student Matinee is 50 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown San Antonio
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Ballet San Antonio
Food & Drink
At select performances, TASTE Fine Dining offers a seasonal buffet and desserts starting two hours before showtime; other options include burgers, beer, cocktails, snacks, Lobby Bites, Stout’s Signature, and venue concessions, with drinks available to preorder through Noble.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of ballet and holiday classics
Vibe
Festive and theatrical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free tickets are offered for the December 8 Sensory Friendly Performance. The page also says the Send the Kids to the Ballet program provides free tickets and transportation to children from local schools and community organizations for all performances. No other ticket prices are stated. – Get tickets
- Hours: Dec 4 Student Matinee 10:00 AM; Dec 4 Opening Night 7:30 PM; Dec 5 Matinee Performance 2:00 PM and Evening Performance 7:30 PM; Dec 6 Matinee Performance 2:00 PM; Dec 8 Sensory Friendly Performance 10:00 AM; Dec 11 Student Matinee 10:00 AM and Evening Performance 7:30 PM; Dec 12 Matinee Performance 2:00 PM and Evening Performance 7:30 PM; Dec 13 Closing Performance 2:00 PM.
- Parking: The Tobin Center says convenient parking is available within two blocks. Parking is available for purchase in advance or upon arrival at the Tobin Center Parking Garage, with General parking $20, Prepaid $17, Reserved $30, Prepaid Valet $35, and Valet $40. Drop-off and rideshare are on Auditorium Circle, to the left of the Tobin Center’s front steps.
- Accessibility: All entrances and seating are wheelchair accessible, with elevators, companion care restrooms, assistive listening devices, and loaner wheelchairs available.
- Pets: Service animals are welcome.
Tips & Advice
- Prepay your garage parking, because prepaid parking costs less than paying on arrival, and reserved and valet spots are also available.
- Leave backpacks and any bag larger than 12 inches on a side at home, because everyone is searched on entry and these items aren't allowed.
- Reserve TASTE Fine Dining ahead if you want the buffet, because dining starts two hours before showtime and is only offered at select performances.
- Get a ticket for every child, even toddlers, because the Tobin Center requires a ticket for every patron regardless of age.
- Pre-order drinks on your phone with Noble to skip the bar line, then pick them up at the bar or have them delivered to box seats.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening Night is Friday, December 4.
- Student Matinees on December 4 and 11 offer a 50-minute, school-friendly Act II set in the Land of Sweets.
- The Sensory Friendly Performance on Tuesday, December 8 is an adapted Act II with adjusted lighting and sound and a relaxed setting. Tickets are free but must be reserved.
- The Closing Performance is Sunday, December 13.
- Every performance is part of Send the Kids to the Ballet, which gives children from local schools and community organizations free tickets and transportation.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the performance?
The full-length ballet runs about 1 hour and 55 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission. The Student Matinee is a 50-minute version of Act II.
Who is in the show?
Ballet San Antonio's professional dancers perform with 100 children from across San Antonio, students from the School of Ballet San Antonio, and community members as Mother Ginger. The Orchestra San Antonio plays Tchaikovsky's score live, conducted by Leonardo Pineda.
Do young children need their own ticket?
Yes. Every patron needs a ticket to enter, whatever their age.
Where can we eat before the show?
TASTE Fine Dining in the McLaughlin Rotunda serves a seasonal buffet and desserts before select performances, and it takes reservations. TASTE Burgers & Beer needs no reservation. Lobby Bites, Stout's Signature and the concessions are also options. Outside food and drinks aren't allowed.
What items aren't allowed inside?
Backpacks, bags larger than 12 x 12 x 12 inches, weapons, vapes, professional cameras, laser pointers, glow sticks, flashlights, posters and outside food or drinks are all prohibited. Everyone is searched on entry.
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