Gen Horiuchi's The Nutcracker
Audience members experience Saint Louis Ballet dancers bringing the traditional holiday story to life on stage with dry ice, falling snow, and confetti. Visitors can browse a lobby boutique showcasing collectible nutcrackers, ornaments, and themed apparel. Concessions offering snacks, light meals, and drinks with lids are available before the performance and during intermission.
What to Expect
St. Louis holiday ballet featuring over 170 costumes and falling snow.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Saint Louis Ballet
Food & Drink
Concessions offer a full bar, soft drinks, snacks, and light meals; drinks are allowed in the theater only in containers with lids, and food is not permitted inside.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, young audiences, and ballet fans
Vibe
Festive and theatrical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: November 28 and 29: 2:00 PM; December 18: 7:00 PM; December 19: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; December 20: 2:00 PM; December 22: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; December 23: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
- Parking: Free parking is noted.
- Accessibility: Accessible seating is available, disabled parking spaces are nearby, and the main entrance drop-off point is 20 yards from the building.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets only through MetroTix, because resale tickets can be invalid and get no help if a show is canceled or rescheduled.
- Carry a card or cash for concessions, since the bar and vending machines take both and there's no ATM in the building.
- Bring drinks into the theater only in a cup with a lid, and finish any food in the lobby, because food isn't allowed inside.
- Arrive early on your first visit to find your way around the UMSL campus and parking, since latecomers are seated only when the House Manager allows.
- Visit the lobby boutique, which opens about an hour before each show, for ornaments and collectible Nutcrackers. Sales support Saint Louis Ballet.
Special Events & Promotions
- The Nutcracker: A Shorter Tale is a condensed version for little ones and field trips, on December 1 and the morning of December 18.
- Add The Nutcracker to a 2026-2027 subscription to get it at the subscriber discount.
- Groups of 15 or more get a group discount when booking through MetroTix.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a version for very young children?
Yes. The Nutcracker: A Shorter Tale is a condensed performance of about 1 hour and 10 minutes for the youngest and wiggliest audience members and for school field trips. It plays December 1 and on the morning of December 18.
Where do we park?
Free lots and garages surround the Touhill. Patrons can use the North Garage any time. All other lots are open to patrons on weekends and weekday evenings.
Can we get food and drinks?
Concessions offer a full bar, soft drinks, snacks and light meals, starting about an hour before the show. Drinks can go into the theater in a cup with a lid, but food can't. Bring cash or a card, because there's no ATM in the building.
Can I take photos?
Yes, before the show, during intermission and afterward. Photos and video aren't allowed during the performance.
Where should I buy tickets?
Only through MetroTix, the one authorized seller for Saint Louis Ballet. Tickets from resale sites may be invalid. They also get no help if a show is canceled or rescheduled, or if they're lost or stolen.
More Christmas Events Near St. Louis
More Christmas Events near St. Louis
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.