The Nutcracker Ballet
Visitors watch the National Ballet of Japan perform a winter fairy tale accompanied live by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. The story follows Clara as she battles the Mouse Queen beneath a towering Christmas tree and journeys through the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets. The staging features dancing confectionery characters, video projections, and stage magic illusions.
See more Christmas shows near Shibuya-ku
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Hours
Dec 18, 23–25 at 19:00; Dec 19–20 and 26 at 13:00 and 18:00; Dec 27 at 14:00; Dec 29 at 13:00 and 18:00; Dec 31 at 16:00; Jan 1 at 14:00; Jan 2 at 13:00 and 18:00; Jan 3 at 14:00. The scheduled running time is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes.
Ages
4+
Neighborhood
Hatsudai
Accessibility
Visitors arriving by wheelchair from Hatsudai Station should use the elevator at the East Exit.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Take the Keio New Line to Hatsudai Station and use the Central exit, which connects straight to the theatre, since Keio Line trains don't stop there.
- Mention any discount when you book, since junior, senior and student discounts need to be requested and don't apply to D or Z seats.
- Students can check the box office on the day for half-price tickets, but this only happens when seats remain and you must show student ID.
- Avoid seats by the walls, in balconies or on some upper levels if you want a clear view, and note front stalls can hide dancers' feet.
- Choose your date carefully before buying, because tickets can't be changed or refunded unless the performance itself is cancelled.
Special Events & Promotions
- Dec 27 is the PiA Special Day, a private performance. Advance tickets are sold through Ticket Pia, and the theatre sells only Atre member lottery tickets and Z seats.
- Free invitations for anyone 18 or under (up to high school age) on designated performances.
- Junior discount for middle-schoolers and younger, a senior (65+) and student discount, and same-day half-price student tickets when seats remain.
- Disability discount, available only through the box office with disability documentation.
- Club Atre members get a discount during the advance sale and a smaller one once general sales open.
Links & Contact
Run by New National Theatre, Tokyo
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
Can young children come?
Children under 4 can't attend, and every child needs their own ticket. On some performances you can book the Kids Room Doremi childcare room.
How long is the performance?
It runs about 2 hours 10 minutes. The official running time is posted just before opening night.
What is this production like?
The National Ballet of Japan dances Will Tuckett's staging, with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra playing live and the Tokyo Children's Choir. It uses video projection and stage illusions, and the Land of Sweets has wobbling jelly, popping popcorn, candy canes and waltzing fondant roses.
What happens if I arrive late?
Doors open 45 minutes before the start, and entry is restricted once the performance begins.
What are Z seats?
Z seats are cheap seats with almost no view of the stage. They go on sale the morning of the performance, first come first served, through the Web Box Office and 7-Eleven terminals, and any left are then sold at the box office window. You can buy one per person, and phone bookings aren't taken.
Browse Christmas in Tokyo
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.