Set on Christmas Eve at the foot of a Christmas tree in a child's imagination, The Nutcracker is a two-act classical ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, premiered in 1892. The premiere of "The Nutcracker" was not well received. The audience had mixed feelings about the dancers themselves. One reviewer termed Dell'Era "corpulent" and "podgy," while another admired her pointework as the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Columbine doll, played by Olga Preobrajenskaya, was blasted as "completely insipid" by one critic and lauded as "charming" by another. On 24 December 1944, the San Francisco Ballet, under the direction of Willam Christensen, presented the first full production of "The Nutcracker" in the United States, with Gisella Caccialanza as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Jocelyn Vollmar as the Snow Queen. San Francisco Ballet has performed Nutcracker every Christmas Eve and throughout the winter season since 1944, with further versions premiering in 1954, 1967, and 2004. Christensen's original version lives on in Salt Lake City, where he settled in 1948. Since Christensen established Ballet West in 1963, it has been presented annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect to pay for The Nutcracker tickets?

No matter what you're looking to spend, we list options across a range of prices. Currently, The Nutcracker tickets start around $71, with an average list price near $244. Prices change as inventory and demand move.

Where do I find The Nutcracker tickets for sale?

You can get The Nutcracker tickets on TicketsOnSale.com. Compare dates, seats, and prices in one place, then pick a listing and complete your order. You will receive order confirmation shortly after finalizing checkout.

Are there The Nutcracker tour dates on the calendar?

Check TicketsOnSale for all the latest The Nutcracker tour. When new dates are announced, they generally show up above with updated venues. If nothing is listed yet, check back as shows are added.

When do new The Nutcracker dates usually go on sale?

Typically, The Nutcracker tickets become available shortly after new dates are announced.

Which stops tend to have lower The Nutcracker ticket prices?

Prices vary by city, venue, and demand. Compare listings on TicketsOnSale and use filters to find the best value for the The Nutcracker show you want.

Can I add parking to my The Nutcracker order?

Yes. When sellers list parking for an announced show, you can buy The Nutcracker parking passes separately on TicketsOnSale. Availability depends on the venue and listing.

When do venue doors open for The Nutcracker?

Door times vary by venue and city; many doors open about 60 to 90 minutes before showtime. Check your ticket or the venue closer to the event for exact times.

Do listings include floor or suite seats?

Yes. When listed, floor, suites, club, ADA, and similar seats are available for many The Nutcracker shows. Choose your city and date, then use the map and filters to see what's in stock.

Is TicketsOnSale a reliable place to buy The Nutcracker tickets?

Yes. TicketsOnSale.com takes the guesswork out of live events with all-in pricing that ensures the price you see is the price you pay. Every order is backed by our 100% Buyer Guarantee and delivered securely to your device for total peace of mind. Should you need anything, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist you from checkout to the front row.

How does the 100% Buyer Guarantee work?

The 100% Buyer Guarantee means that your transaction will be safe and secure, the tickets shall be delivered prior to the event, the tickets shall be identical, comparable, or better than the tickets you ordered, and the tickets shall be valid and authentic.

Will my checkout total include fees?

Yes. All listings are shown inclusive of all fees. By placing an order, you authorize the Service Provider to charge your payment method for the total order amount, including all fees and charges.

Can our group get seats together?

It depends what the listing describes. We reserve the right to replace tickets with comparable or upgraded tickets. When this occurs, we are considered to have fulfilled our obligations. Confirm location, description, and price before you order. Call 888-684-3582 with questions.

Essential Event-Day Checklist

Before You Leave

Digital Tickets: Download tickets to your phone's wallet now. Venue Wi-Fi is notoriously unreliable.
ID Check: Bring a valid photo ID; many venues require it for entry or "Will Call" pickup.
Bag Policy: Most venues enforce clear bag policies or limits (typically A4 size or smaller). Check the specific venue site to avoid being turned away.
Cash & Cards: While many venues are now cashless, bring some cash as a backup.

Pro-Tips

Power Up: Bring a portable power bank. Using your phone for video and ride-sharing will drain your battery fast.
Hearing Safety: Use high-fidelity earplugs to enjoy the event while protecting your hearing.
Hydration & Energy: Eat a full meal and stay hydrated beforehand.

Dress for Success

Footwear: Wear broken-in sneakers or boots. You could be standing for 3–5 hours; avoid new shoes.
Layer Up: Wear light layers (flannel or light jacket). Venues can range from chilly to very hot.
Style: Be yourself, but it always helps to have pockets or a small crossbody bag to keep essentials secure and hands-free.

Logistics & Safety

Arrive Early: Get there 60 minutes before doors to beat the merch and security lines.
Transport: Pre-book your ride share or scout parking garages in advance to avoid post-show surges.
Stay Safe: Identify your nearest exit upon arrival and designate a meeting spot for your group.

The Nutcracker Schedule

Date	Venue	Location
Sat, Nov 7 at 6:30pm	Vaillant Live	Derby
Mon, Nov 9 at 7:00pm	Marion Cultural and Civic Center	Marion, IL
Sun, Nov 22 at 6:00pm	Givens Performing Arts Center	Pembroke, NC
Mon, Nov 23 at 7:00pm	Dennison Theatre	Missoula, MT
Sat, Nov 28 at 1:00pm	Ellie Caulkins Opera House	Denver, CO
Sat, Nov 28 at 2:00pm	Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts - Muriel Kauffman Theatre	Kansas City, MO
Sat, Nov 28 at 6:30pm	Ellie Caulkins Opera House	Denver, CO
Sat, Nov 28 at 7:00pm	Santander Performing Arts Center	Reading, PA
Sat, Nov 28 at 7:30pm	Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts - Muriel Kauffman Theatre	Kansas City, MO
Sun, Nov 29 at 1:00pm	Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts - Muriel Kauffman Theatre	Kansas City, MO
Sun, Nov 29 at 5:30pm	Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts - Muriel Kauffman Theatre	Kansas City, MO
Sun, Nov 29 at 6:00pm	Mansfield Theater Great Falls	Great Falls, MT
Sun, Nov 29 at 6:30pm	Ellie Caulkins Opera House	Denver, CO
Mon, Nov 30 at 7:00pm	Cheyenne Civic Center	Cheyenne, WY
Thu, Dec 3 at 7:30pm	Ellie Caulkins Opera House	Denver, CO
Fri, Dec 4 at 11:00am	Benedum Center	Pittsburgh, PA
Fri, Dec 4 at 7:00pm	Benedum Center	Pittsburgh, PA
Fri, Dec 4 at 7:00pm	Kimmel Center - Academy of Music	Philadelphia, PA
Fri, Dec 4 at 7:00pm	Lyric Opera House	Chicago, IL
Fri, Dec 4 at 7:00pm	Harrison Opera House	Norfolk, VA
Fri, Dec 4 at 7:30pm	Ellie Caulkins Opera House	Denver, CO
Fri, Dec 4 at 7:30pm	Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts - Muriel Kauffman Theatre	Kansas City, MO
Sat, Dec 5 at 11:00am	Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts - Fletcher Opera Theater	Raleigh, NC
Sat, Dec 5 at 12:00pm	Kimmel Center - Academy of Music	Philadelphia, PA
Sat, Dec 5 at 1:00pm	Ellie Caulkins Opera House	Denver, CO
Sat, Dec 5 at 1:30pm	Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts - Fletcher Opera Theater	Raleigh, NC
Sat, Dec 5 at 2:00pm	Benedum Center	Pittsburgh, PA
Sat, Dec 5 at 2:00pm	Lyric Opera House	Chicago, IL
Sat, Dec 5 at 2:00pm	Tulsa Performing Arts Center - Chapman Music Hall	Tulsa, OK
Sat, Dec 5 at 2:00pm	Hattiesburg Saenger Theater	Hattiesburg, MS
Sat, Dec 5 at 2:00pm	Steinmetz Hall at Dr Phillips Center	Orlando, FL
Sat, Dec 5 at 5:00pm	Kimmel Center - Academy of Music	Philadelphia, PA
Sat, Dec 5 at 5:30pm	Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts - Fletcher Opera Theater	Raleigh, NC
Sat, Dec 5 at 6:00pm	Hattiesburg Saenger Theater	Hattiesburg, MS
Sat, Dec 5 at 7:00pm	Benedum Center	Pittsburgh, PA
Sat, Dec 5 at 7:00pm	Lyric Opera House	Chicago, IL
Sat, Dec 5 at 7:00pm	Harrison Opera House	Norfolk, VA
Sun, Dec 6 at 12:00pm	Benedum Center	Pittsburgh, PA
Sun, Dec 6 at 12:00pm	Kimmel Center - Academy of Music	Philadelphia, PA
Sun, Dec 6 at 1:00pm	Ellie Caulkins Opera House	Denver, CO
Sun, Dec 6 at 1:00pm	Lyric Opera House	Chicago, IL
Sun, Dec 6 at 1:00pm	Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts - Muriel Kauffman Theatre	Kansas City, MO
Sun, Dec 6 at 2:00pm	Tulsa Performing Arts Center - Chapman Music Hall	Tulsa, OK
Sun, Dec 6 at 2:00pm	Harrison Opera House	Norfolk, VA
Sun, Dec 6 at 4:30pm	Benedum Center	Pittsburgh, PA
Sun, Dec 6 at 5:00pm	Kimmel Center - Academy of Music	Philadelphia, PA
Sun, Dec 6 at 5:30pm	Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts - Muriel Kauffman Theatre	Kansas City, MO
Sun, Dec 6 at 6:00pm	Lyric Opera House	Chicago, IL
Sun, Dec 6 at 6:00pm	Pueblo Memorial Hall	Pueblo, CO
Sun, Dec 6 at 6:30pm	Ellie Caulkins Opera House	Denver, CO

The Nutcracker Tickets