The Nutcracker
Mikko Nissinen’s *The Nutcracker* presents Clara Silberhaus’s magical Christmas Eve journey from a holiday party to the Kingdom of the Sweets. The production combines the familiar battle with the mice, the growing Christmas tree, the Nutcracker’s transformation, dancing snow, and the grand celebrations of Act II with Boston Ballet’s live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.
The production is both a family holiday tradition and a demanding showcase of classical ballet, featuring elaborate sets, more than 350 costumes, technically challenging choreography, and performances by Boston Ballet dancers and 83 Boston Ballet School students. Nissinen’s version, first presented by Boston Ballet in 2012, blends the traditional story with a contemporary sense of wonder.
When: November 27–December 31, 2026
Showtimes: The page does not list the complete performance calendar. Special performances and experiences include the Sensory Friendly Performance on December 4, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., and the Elevated Nutcracker Experience on December 12 and 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: Price not available
Ticket information: Boston Ballet states that it is the only official ticket seller for *The Nutcracker*. Subscribers and groups of 10 or more receive early access, and group outings can provide savings of up to 35%.
Story: On Christmas Eve in 1820s Germany, Clara Silberhaus attends a festive party and receives a nutcracker. Her night unfolds into a fantastical adventure involving Drosselmeier, a growing Christmas tree, a battle between mice and toy soldiers, the Nutcracker Prince, the Snow Kingdom, and the Kingdom of the Sweets.
Choreography: Mikko Nissinen
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Orchestra: The Boston Ballet Orchestra performs the score at every performance under Music Director Mischa Santora and Assistant Conductor Tianyi Ren.
Design: Robert Perdziola designed the sets and costumes, with assistant scenic design by Nicholas Kostner and lighting design by Mikki Kunttu. The production includes grand hand-painted scenery and more than 350 costumes made in Massachusetts.
Performers: Boston Ballet’s dancers perform the ballet alongside 83 students from Boston Ballet School.
Run time: Approximately two hours, including one intermission.
Accessibility: The December 4 Sensory Friendly Performance is designed for guests who are neurodiverse, have sensory sensitivities, or need additional accommodations. The performance and in-theater experience are intended to make the ballet more accessible.
Sensory considerations: The theater is kept warmer than usual to accommodate the dancers. The production includes moments of loud music and flashing lights that may be challenging for people with sound or light sensitivities.
Venue: Boston Ballet
Production background: Nissinen’s *The Nutcracker* is based on Alexandre Dumas père’s libretto *The Tale of the Nutcracker*, adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s *The Nutcracker and the Mouse King*. The original ballet premiered on December 18, 1892, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. Boston Ballet’s production had its world premiere on November 23, 2012, at the Boston Opera House in Boston.