Program
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®
Nov 28, 2025–Jan 03, 2026
Approx. 2 hrs
Performance Dates
Evoking the sweet delicacy of confections come to life, the sugarplum fairy invites you to experience the magic and wonder of The Nutcracker. Bask in the glow of NYCB’s famed Christmas tree as it grows to a staggering 40 feet, get swept away in blustery gusts of swirling snow, and meet the enchantingly delectable characters from a production that has delighted audiences for generations.
During the holiday period, the entire company is immersed in activities surrounding George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®. All 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 40 stagehands, and more than 125 children in two alternating casts from the School of American Ballet join forces to make each performance as magical as possible.
Audiences of all ages are sure to be captivated by the lure of Tschaikovsky's music, Balanchine's choreography, Karinska's sumptuous costumes, and Rouben Ter-Arutunian's magical sets. Based on the Alexandre Dumas père version of E.T.A. Hoffmann's tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (1816), George Balanchine's The Nutcracker® is one of the most complex ballets in the company's active repertory and provides an unforgettable spark to the holiday season.
Don’t miss a Sensory-Friendly Performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® on JAN 4 at 1 PM, which includes slight modifications, such as adjustments to lighting and sound levels, designed especially for audiences with sensory processing challenges, including autism.
Please Note
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® is recommended for ages 5+, and all patrons, including small children sitting in laps, must have a ticket to enter the theater. Please be aware that anyone causing a disturbance during a performance, regardless of age, will be asked to leave the auditorium.
Look for VIP Sweet Seats
Each Sweet Seat admission includes premium seating, a souvenir book, and a sweet treat. For every two tickets purchased, you’ll also receive a voucher for one complimentary keepsake photo—plus, enjoy 15% off additional Nutcracker photo purchases.
Orders exceeding 19 Nutcracker tickets must be processed by NYCB Group Sales. Additional fees are noted online where applicable. Required charges to phone, internet, and box office sales apply. All sales are final; there are no refunds. Performances begin at the announced start time, and in deference to the viewing and listening pleasure of the audience in the auditorium, and to the performers onstage, there is no late or re-entry seating. We regret that we cannot replace or refund tickets for performances you miss.
