The Nutcracker 2026

Ballet companies across the country stage The Nutcracker from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker runs at the Citizens Opera House November 27 – December 31, 2026, and George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at New York City Ballet fills the David H. Koch Theater November 27, 2026 – January 2, 2027.

December opens more runs. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker is at the Benedum Center December 4–27, 2026. Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker both open December 5, 2026, with Atlanta through December 26 and Richmond through December 23. Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker, a Boston production that mixes classical ballet with hip-hop and multicultural dance, runs December 12–20, 2026.

Late December closes the list. Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker is at Music Hall December 17–27, 2026, and NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet plays the Fox Theatre in Atlanta December 23–24, 2026. Dates can change, so check the event’s website before you go.

13 current and upcoming listings in 11 states.