George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
Audiences journey into a candy-filled holiday adventure accompanied live by the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's score. The production showcases George Balanchine's choreography alongside scenic and costume designs by Ian Falconer, featuring characters such as Clara, the Prince, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Visitors can also visit the gift shop or pre-order concessions before curtain.
What to Expect
Holiday ballet featuring Balanchine's choreography and the live PNB Orchestra.
Event Details
Duration
2 hours and 3 minutes, including a 25-minute intermission.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Seattle Center
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Pacific Northwest Ballet
Food & Drink
Ballet-goers can dine at Prelude or choose theater concessions, with concession pre-orders available on arrival; food isn't allowed in the auditorium, but beverages are allowed in approved cups or containers.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and ballet fans
Vibe
Magical and festive
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: The Mercer Street Garage connects to McCaw Hall by a covered skybridge, and buying pre-paid parking is strongly recommended. The 5th Avenue North Garage is a 3-block walk away.
- Accessibility: McCaw Hall is fully ADA-accessible with wheelchair seating, elevators on every floor, and a covered skybridge connecting to parking.
- Pets: No animals are allowed except service animals.
Tips & Advice
- Buy pre-paid parking for the Mercer Street Garage ahead of time, because parking around Seattle Center fills up quickly when several events are on.
- Get there early for security, because McCaw Hall uses walk-through metal detectors and any bag bigger than a small clutch may be inspected.
- Pre-order your concessions when you arrive so you can skip the lines at intermission, and reserve a table at Prelude if you want dinner first.
- Bring an empty reusable water bottle of 32 ounces or less if you like, because outside food and drinks aren't allowed inside.
- Check the casting five days before your performance if you want to see which dancers are on that day.
Special Events & Promotions
- Audio-described performances are on Friday, December 4 (evening), Saturday, December 5 (matinee), Friday, December 11 (matinee and evening) and Saturday, December 12 (matinee).
- The Friday, December 11 matinee is a Relaxed Performance for neurodivergent audiences and anyone who prefers a more flexible audience setting.
- VIP Sugar Plum Boxes are a deluxe package sold as an add-on.
- Pre-paid parking for the Mercer Street Garage is sold as an add-on.
- Rush tickets aren't offered for The Nutcracker.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
It runs 2 hours and 3 minutes, including a 25-minute intermission.
Can I bring young children?
Yes, children are welcome. Everyone needs a ticket, including babes in arms. Children under 2 can get a discounted baby ticket through the Box Office. Free booster cushions are handed out first-come, first-served.
Where can we eat and drink?
McCaw Hall has Prelude, a full-service restaurant where reservations are highly encouraged, plus concessions throughout the theater. You can pre-order when you arrive and skip the intermission lines. Food isn't allowed in the auditorium, but drinks in lidded concession cups are.
Is there a dress code?
No. You'll see everything from gowns to casual pants and sneakers, so wear whatever you're comfortable in.
What happens if we arrive late?
Latecomers are seated at a suitable break in the performance. Until then, you can watch the show on the lobby monitors.
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