The Nutcracker – About the Show
Highlights of The Nutcracker – Must-See Moments
A beloved winter tradition in New York for all ages
Known as a winter tradition in New York, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is presented for a limited run from late November through early January each season. The New York City Ballet premiered The Nutcracker in 1954, and it still welcomes large audiences every year. The venue is the David H. Koch Theater inside Lincoln Center. Unlike the Broadway theater district near Times Square, this Upper West Side location offers a refined atmosphere.
Enjoy the stage magic with your eyes and ears
Ballet has no spoken dialogue, which makes it a great choice if English is not your first language or you are attending with children. The dreamlike events that happen to the young heroine on Christmas Eve are told through expressive movement and music. Look for charming characters like the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy, opulent sets, and the dancers’ fairy like costumes. The sparkling storybook world keeps you wide eyed from start to finish.
We also offers discount tickets for ballet and opera
In addition to Broadway shows, At Broadway Musical provides discount and budget friendly tickets for ballet and opera in this city of the arts. While you are here, why not experience world class performances at famous venues. Use the purchase button below and complete your order in about three minutes.
Show Info of The Nutcracker
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Theater Location
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David H. Koch Theater
Address: 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023 (Map)
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Duration (How Long the Show)
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1 hour 50 minutes (includes an intermission of about 20 minutes)
During intermission, you can browse theater-exclusive merchandise or grab refreshments. -
Age Limit
- None *Child pricing not available
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Translation/Subtitles
- None
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Must-Know Info Before Watching
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Dress Code: There is no specific dress code. You may want to bring an extra layer, as the theater can feel cool due to air conditioning.
Bag Policy: Small bags or backpacks that fit under your seat are generally allowed, but large bags and oversized backpacks are not permitted. Please bring only essential items.
If you are attending the show with young children, it may be a good idea to ask the staff if booster seats are available. -
Type of the Show
- Must-see・Classic Beginner-friendly Easy to follow Stunning Dance Fun Family-Friendly
Show times for The Nutcracker
Regular weekly schedule for New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Click the “Buy Tickets” button to view the full calendar of upcoming dates and times.
Please scroll to the right to view| Performance | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| Matinee (Daytime) Soiree (Night) |
1PM 5PM |
Closed |
7PM |
2PM 7PM |
7PM |
2PM |
2PM 8PM |
The Nutcracker: Story
The Nutcracker: Plot and summary
A battle breaks out between the mice and the toy soldiers led by Clara’s Nutcracker. The Nutcracker is cornered by the Mouse King, but Clara throws her slipper to distract him, saving the Nutcracker and sending the mice fleeing.
Grateful for her courage, the Nutcracker transforms into a prince. In many tellings of the tale, he had been under a spell and now stands revealed in his true form.
The Prince invites Clara on a journey. They pass through the Land of Snow, where snowflakes dance in shimmering patterns, and arrive in the Land of Sweets. There, dancers from many lands perform for them. At the finale, the Sugar Plum Fairy dances with her Cavalier in a radiant celebration, and Clara is swept up in a world that feels like a dream.
Signature music from The Nutcracker
Highlights from The Nutcracker
An introduction to key numbers from the ballet The Nutcracker.
No. 2: March (Marche)
Inspired by E. T. A. Hoffmann’s tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, this lively march captures children dancing around the Christmas tree with bright, bouncing rhythms. (Watch the video >>)
No. 3: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Famous for its shimmering celesta sound, newly invented in the late nineteenth century. Tchaikovsky kept his use of the instrument quiet before the premiere to preserve the surprise. (Watch the video >>)
No. 4: Russian Dance, Trepak (Danse russe, Trepak)
Based on a traditional Ukrainian folk dance, often presented as a “Russian” dance in the ballet. Its driving energy and athletic feel leave a strong impression. In some countries it is even used as spirited background music at school events. (Watch the video >>)
No. 7: Dance of the Reed Flutes
Another number inspired by Hoffmann’s story world. Also known in some productions as the “French Dance” or the “Shepherdesses’ Dance.” (Watch the video >>)
No. 8: Waltz of the Flowers
A beloved showpiece that opens with a beautiful harp cadenza, followed by noble horn lines and a graceful Viennese style waltz melody carried by the flute, with richly singing viola and cello. Tchaikovsky is said to have especially enjoyed composing this number. (Watch the video >>)The Nutcracker – Theater
David H. Koch Theater
The David H. Koch Theater is a modern venue located within Lincoln Center. Ballet and other performing arts are presented in an elegant setting.New York City Ballet is the resident company at the David H. Koch Theater. It was founded in 1948 by George Balanchine.
Is David H. Koch Theater Area Safe for Visitors?
The David H. Koch Theater sits within Lincoln Center, a hub of cultural venues, so the area around the theater is lively after performances. The nearest subway station is close by, so if you’re comfortable with public transit, you can take the subway home. If you prefer to avoid the subway or walking at night, consider a rideshare or taxi.The Nutcracker – Best Seat
The Seating Chart of The Nutcracker
*Click to view larger image
Seating for The Nutcracker is arranged in the Orchestra and five Ring levels called First Ring, Second Ring, Third Ring, Fourth Ring, and Fifth Ring. The theater is relatively compact, so most seats offer a clear view of the stage.
Best Seats for The Nutcracker
The First Ring on the second level is popular for its clear view of the entire stage. Mid to rear Orchestra seats on the first floor also offer easy sightlines and are recommended.The Third and Fourth Rings are a bit farther, but they provide a wide, unobstructed view, making them a great choice for taking in every moment of The Nutcracker.
The Nutcracker – Movie Trailers
The YouTube Trailer of The Nutcracker
New York City Ballet’s promotional video for The Nutcracker. Enjoy the beloved melodies everyone knows and the production’s charming, whimsical world.
The Nutcracker – Review
Our Local Team’s Review of The Nutcracker
Our team shares impressions of The Nutcracker, including ratings, seating tips, and details on exclusive merchandise available at the theatre.
A guide to enjoying The Nutcracker and ballet
The Nutcracker Broadway show review
Reviews & Ratings for The Nutcracker
くるみ割り人形Seen The Nutcracker on Broadway? Rate it with one click voting below! Your vote updates instantly.Audience Feedback & Testimonials for The Nutcracker
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It's truly beautiful. If you're going to New York for Christmas, this is the ballet you should definitely see. I'll be visiting New York in December, so I've already bought my tickets. I hope I get a good seat!
I was glad I was able to get the Nutcracker ticket with a discounted price. It's very lively and crowded during the Christmas season.
I fell in love with The Nutcracker when I first saw the movie. It's a work filled with mystery and cuteness. And now that it's combined with ballet to add to its beauty, it's sure to be fascinating! I can't wait to see it.
I was moved. I'm so happy to finally be able to see The Nutcracker, something I've wanted to see for so many years. The seats on the tickets were great, and I think it was a good deal for the price. I'd definitely like to see it again next year.
This is Inazawa, who bought tickets on December 29th. Me and my mom are really looking forward to seeing our favorite ballet show in the original venue. I hope we get good seats!
The Nutcracker – Explore
Behind the Scenes of The Nutcracker ballet
One of Tchaikovsky’s three great ballets
The Nutcracker is the ballet score for a two act, three scene work by the renowned nineteenth century composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It is one of Tchaikovsky’s three great ballets, alongside Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty. Since its premiere on December 18, 1892, many revised productions have been created over more than a century, and the music has become famous worldwide.Choreographer George Balanchine’s production has been presented by New York City Ballet since 1954. It is a large scale stage work featuring more than 90 dancers, 62 musicians, and over 120 students from the affiliated ballet school.
A world class company: New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet (NYCB), which presents The Nutcracker every year, was founded in 1948 by choreographer George Balanchine, who created this New York production. Its home is the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, where performances are held.As one of the world’s most renowned ballet companies, NYCB attracts top level dancers from across the globe. In addition to classical repertoire, the company regularly showcases modern works and premieres, captivating ballet fans season after season.
The Nutcracker – Buy Show Tickets
Book Tickets for The Nutcracker
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Buy discounted tickets online
$98～
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Group discount ticket order for parties of 10 or more >>
Before You Book: Important Information
| Booking Deadlines |
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| Cancellation Policy |
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| Notes |
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The Nutcracker – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for The Nutcracker (New York City Ballet) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about The Nutcracker tickets.
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How much are tickets for The Nutcracker (New York City Ballet)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical The Nutcracker start at $98 with our discounted prices. See more details for The Nutcracker tickets.
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Is the English in The Nutcracker (New York City Ballet) hard to understand?
The musical The Nutcracker is an enjoyable show even if you don’t understand English. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
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Do you have a summary or synopsis of The Nutcracker (New York City Ballet)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical The Nutcracker are introduced in the The Nutcracker Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
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Who is in the cast of The Nutcracker (New York City Ballet)?
You can check the cast of the Broadway musical The Nutcracker in the Playbill distributed at the theater on the day of the show. The characters of The Nutcracker are introduced in the The Nutcracker Characters section.
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