Here's Where to See The Nutcracker in and Near NYC

Take your family to see the classic Christmas ballet 'The Nutcracker' in the New York area this holiday season!

By Shara Levine November 24, 2021

It wouldn’t be the holidays without The Nutcracker, and whether you live in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester County, or Long Island, there is a place for you to take your children and your entire family to see the classic holiday ballet. From Nutcracker performances by professional ballet companies, like the New York City Ballet, or a local performance featuring talented children from your area, you’re sure to find a family-friendly performance of The Nutcracker your kids will love.

The Nutcracker Performances in Manhattan

New York City Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

WHEN: Nov. 26-Jan. 2, 2022, see website for schedule
WHERE: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West SIde
WHAT: Celebrate the season with the exquisite costumes and magnificent sets of this beloved production, and allow Tschaikovsky’s iconic score to transport you to a land of twirling snowflakes, leaping candy canes, waltzing flowers, and so much more.
WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $89

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by New York City Ballet (@nycballet)

The Nutcracker at Brookfield Place

WHEN: Nov. 26-28, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, 1pm
WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Battery Park City
WHAT: In partnership with the New York Theatre Ballet, Arts Brookfield will be hosting Keith Michael's The Nutcracker in Brookfield Place's Winter Garden.
WANT TO GO? Free. Advanced registration required.

Ajkun Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker

WHEN: Nov. 27-28, Saturday-Sunday, 7:30pm
WHERE: Ballet Arts Center for Dance, 130 West 56th Street, Upper West Side
WHAT: See The Nutcracker doll comes to life and battle the mice before taking Clara to the Kingdom of Sweet. The ballet suite is performed in an intimate studio setting for an enjoyable closeup of the cast and includes complimentary photos with the Dancers.
WANT TO GO? $49

New York Theater Ballet presents Keith Michael's The Nutcracker

WHEN: Dec. 10-12, Friday, 6:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am, 1pm, 3:30pm
WHERE: FIAF French Institute Alliance Française: Florence Gould Hall 55 E. 59th St., Turtle Bay
WHAT: From clockwork imps to a luminous owl that flies above the audience, mice dressed in polka dots and dancers dancing with huge chopsticks, this timeless, re-imagined classic bursts with energy and excitement. This holiday ballet, danced to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, is set in Art Nouveau style circa 1907.
WANT TO GO? $29

Dances Patrelle presents Francis Patrelle's The Yorkville Nutcracker

WHEN: Dec. 11-12, Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 12pm and 5pm
WHERE: The Kaye Playhouse, 695 Park Ave., Upper East Side
WHAT: The Yorkville Nutcracker, set in 1895, includes lavish sets and costumes and takes the audience on a tour through Olde New York's most beloved landmarks, including a holiday party at Gracie Mansion, dancing at the Crystal Palace in the New York Botanical Garden, and skating in Central Park.
WANT TO GO? $69

Nut/Cracked

WHEN: Dec. 16-18, Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 3pm and 7:30pm
WHERE: The Flea, 20 Thomas St., Tribeca
WHAT: Nut/Cracked is the witty response to The Nutcracker and takes its inspiration from all corners of the dance canon from tap riffs to en pointe ballet by way of bubble wrap, disco, and Chinese take-out noodles.
WANT TO GO? $25; $15 for students, seniors, and artists. Advanced registration required.

MCD's Nutcracker

WHEN: Dec. 17-19, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm; Sunday, 1pm
WHERE: The Riverside Theatre, 91 Claremont Ave., Morningside Heights
WHAT: Clara receives the gift of her beloved Nutcracker at a holiday party and magic unfolds. Dolls come to life, the soldiers and mice battle, and Clara takes a journey through the Land of the Snowflakes to the Land of the Sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy. Featuring local young dancers and a cast of seasoned professionals.
WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $15

Mozart for Munchkins: Nutcracker and Holiday Favorites

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 18, 11:30am
WHERE: Hudson Yards, 20 Hudson Yards, Chelsea
WHAT: Ballet, bells, holiday tunes! This concert features holiday favorites and selections from the Nutcracker for woodwind quintet. There will be holiday bells for all!
WANT TO GO? Free. Advanced registration required.

Nutcracker Suite

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 18, 3pm and 6pm
WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side
WHAT: This year, Valentina Kozlova, former principal dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet and New York City Ballet, presents her Dance Conservatory dancers in "Nutcracker Suite," eliminating the first act party scene and going right into the Snow Scene and the Kingdom of Sweets, with its character dances, Waltz of the Flowers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
WANT TO GO? $40; $25 children.

Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes

WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2022: See website for schedule
WHERE: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave., Midtown
WHAT: Starring the incomparable Radio City Rockettes, the production features intricate choreography and show-stopping numbers that are both graceful and powerful. Since their debut at Radio City Music Hall, the Rockettes have inspired and amazed audiences from around the world and given fans of all ages Christmas memories that will last a lifetime.
WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $49.

The Nutcracker Performances in Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Nutcracker

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 2pm and 7pm
WHERE: Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave., Flatbush
WHAT: This re-imagined holiday classic fuses ballet, hip-hop and a myriad of world dance genres to create a new tradition for today's audience. The Brooklyn Nutcracker transforms familiar Nutcracker characters and scenes to represent the diverse traditions and vibrant culture of melting pot Brooklyn. Starting from the point of view of old Dutch Brooklyn and leading to the iconic Flatbush Avenue, the production is fresh and full of virtuosity--in essence, a moving Christmas card to the borough Brooklyn Ballet calls home.
WANT TO GO? $30-$115.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kings Theatre (@kingsbklyn)

Student Showcase: Nutcracker Cirque Ballet

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 2-3:30pm
WHERE: The Muse Brooklyn, 350 Moffat St., East New York
WHAT: Be a part of an imaginative performance where classical ballet meets circus arts. Enjoy the conclusion to the children's semester as they perform Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker suite. The show combines both ballet and circus arts.
WANT TO GO? $18; free for children 12 and younger

Candlelight Holiday Special: “The Nutcracker” and More!

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 6:30-10:30pm
WHERE: St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, 157 Montague St., Downtown Brooklyn
WHAT: Whether you’re looking for a beautifully unique classical music performance or a romantic candlelit experience, this performance is for you. You don’t need to know all things Tchaikovsky and more to enjoy the evening, simply sit back and savor the stunning atmosphere and pieces you’ll hear. Walk into one of New York’s most exquisite buildings where the walls will be flickering by candlelight to create a magical atmosphere. Prepare to be taken into the clouds with some of the most treasured wintertime classics from Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and other master composer?s!
WANT TO GO? $35-$45. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Hip Hop Nutcracker

WHEN: Sun., Dec. 19, 2pm and 6:30pm
WHERE: Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave., Flatbush
WHAT: Just like the original, in The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets, and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th Century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.
WANT TO GO? $29.50-$79.50. ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY 4-PACK OF TICKETS!

The Steadfast Tin Soldier & Nutcracker Sweets

WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2022: Saturday-Sunday, 12:30 and 2:30pm (No show Jan. 1, 2022)
WHERE: Puppetworks, Inc., 338 6th Ave., Park Slope
WHAT: See two holiday classics The Steadfast Tin Soldier and Nutcracker Sweets featuring Tchaikovsky's 'Land of Sweets' dances performed with marionette puppets.
WANT TO GO? $11; $10 children

The Nutcracker Performances in Queens

Dance Matters presents: Clara's Dream

WHEN: Dec. 3-5, Friday. 6pm; Sunday, 11am
WHERE: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Corona
WHAT: Go on a magical journey through Clara's eyes. Dive into her dreams, filled with dance, suspense and beauty.
WANT TO GO? $30; $15 ages 12 and younger

LICSB: This 70's Nutcracker

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 18, 3pm
WHERE: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Corona
WHAT: Come and experience LICB’s psychedelic take on the classic tale, The Nutcracker. Set in the '70s, a young man is transported magically to the Land of Television by his strange relative Chick where he discovers ballet for the first time.
WANT TO GO? $25; $20 seniors and children younger than 12.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Queens Theatre (@queenstheatre)

The Nutcracker Performances in Westchester County

Central Park Dance Presents The Nutcracker

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 12:30pm and 5pm
WHERE: The Capital Theater, 149 Westchester Ave., Port Chester
WHAT: Join Clara on her wild journey through a blizzard of ballerinas into a Land of Sweets filled with colorful characters and pure holiday magic. This beloved classic features over 100 dancers from Central Park Dance and surrounding Westchester communities.
WANT TO GO? $25-$100.

The Nutcracker

WHEN: Dec. 10-12, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 11am and 2pm
WHERE: Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge Road, Ridgefield, CT
WHAT: Enjoy a beautiful holiday tradition in a magical land where sugarplums dance and flowers waltz to tell the classic tale of a young girl and her Nutcracker prince. Tchaikovsky’s soaring score, graceful ballerinas, wooden soldiers who come to life and a bigger-than-life Christmas tree will make the holidays bright for young and old!
WANT TO GO? $20-$30.

Connecticut Ballet's The Nutcracker

WHEN: Dec. 18-19, Saturday, 2pm and 6pm; Sunday, 1pm and 5pm
WHERE: The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT
WHAT: Guest stars from American Ballet Theatre & New York City Ballet will alternate in the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Her Cavalier. The professional company will be joined by 105 local children from a dozen local dance schools and academies. Ticket holders may obtain autographs or take photos with the guest artists in the lobby following each performance.
WANT TO GO? $50-$75.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Palace Theatre - Stamford (@palacestamford)

Westchester Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker

WHEN: Dec. 18-19, Saturday, 12:30pm and 4:30pm; Sunday, 12pm and 4pm
WHERE: Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. W., Bronx
WHAT: Westchester Ballet Company's Nutcracker is a spectacular, enchanting, full-length presentation of the beloved holiday classic featuring a cast of 100 dancers. This sumptuous ballet, set in 1830s Europe, tells the story of young Clara as she travels on a magical journey on Christmas Eve with the fantastical Nutcracker at her side. WBC's production is notable not only for its exquisite choreography, set to Tschaikovsky's beautiful score, but also for its opulent costumes and special effects.
WANT TO GO? $24-$49.

Dance for Joy presents The Nutcracker for Kids!

WHEN: Dec. 18-19, Saturday, 2:30pm and 5pm; Sunday, 2:30pm
WHERE: Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce St., Yorktown Heights
WHAT: This 1-hour, narrated version of the full Nutcracker that is sure to delight kids from 2-102.
WANT TO GO? $20

The Nutcracker Performed by New York Theatre Ballet

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 19, 3pm
WHERE: Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown
WHAT: An enchanting hour-long production of The Nutcracker, created for younger audiences, yet sophisticated enough for adults! Founded in 1978 by artistic director Diana Byer, New York Theatre Ballet has earned national attention for its artistry and elegant restorations and revivals of masterworks by great choreographers. It is equally committed to performing innovative hour-long ballets based on children’s literature for family audiences.
WANT TO GO? $35; $25 kids.

The Nutcracker Performances in Long Island

Long Island Ballet Theatre presents 'The Nutcracker'

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4, 2pm and 6pm
WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington
WHAT: This classic full-length ballet production features professional and pre-professional dancers from across Long Island & NYC. This is a special narrated version suitable for everyone!
WANT TO GO? $35; $28 per child.

Eglevsky Ballet presents The Nutcracker

WHEN: Dec. 18-19, Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 2pm
WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post/720 Northern Blvd., Brookville
WHAT: The annual holiday classic, choreographed by Maurice Brandon Curry, and featuring Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed by the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony. Unity Phelan, soloist with New York City Ballet, will star as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
WANT TO GO? $55-$75.

The Nutcracker - Ohman's New York Dance Theatre

WHEN: Dec. 18-19, Saturday-Sunday, 12pm and 5pm
WHERE: John Cranford Adams Playhouse, 118 Hofstra University, Hempstead
WHAT: The 39th season of this holiday classic family-friendly full length ballet is Long Island's largest production. Featuring New York City Ballet principal dancers Indiana Woodward and Daniel Ulbricht.
WANT TO GO? $42; $32 seniors and children younger than 12.

Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet

WHEN: Dec. 21-23, Tuesday-Wednesday, 7pm
WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Avenue, Rockville Centre
WHAT: Under the leadership of Artistic Director Joan MacNaughton, international ballet stars are joined by gifted young dancers from all over the metropolitan area. The South Shore Symphony will brilliantly bring to life the composer’s extraordinary music. Indeed, this production is the only one on Long Island that features a full symphonic orchestra.
WANT TO GO? $25-$50.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Madison Theatre (@madisontheatrervc)

The Nutcracker Act II

WHEN: Dec. 15-18, Wednesday, 11am and 12:15pm; Saturday, 1pm and 3pm
WHERE: Ballet Long Island, 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma
WHAT: This 50 minute version of The Nutcracker is a delight. Visit The Land of Sweets where there is Chocolate from Spain, Tea From China, Coffee From Arabia and dancing Flowers. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier dance a romantic pas de deux.
WANT TO GO? $18; $9 children and senior citizens.

Hampton Ballet Theatre School Presents The Nutcracker

WHEN: Dec. 17-19, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, 2pm
WHERE: Stony Brook Southampton’s Avram Theater, 239 Montauk Highway, Southampton
WHAT: Hampton Ballet Theatre School’s Nutcracker will enchant those of all ages, as the students of HBTS transport the audience to a land where angels, snowflakes, and flowers dance and Clara saves the Nutcracker Prince from the evil Mouse King. The Nutcracker will produce holiday cheer for all, as everyone celebrates in the Land of Sweets.
WANT TO GO? $25-$45 in advance; $35-$50 day of show.

Ballet Long Island presents The Nutcracker

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 27, 3pm and 7pm
WHERE: CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Hwy, Oakdale
WHAT: Follow Clara as she embarks on a journey filled with brave soldiers, dancing snowflakes and excitement.
WANT TO GO? $40.