NYC NUTCRACKERS

The Nutcracker ballet is a beloved holiday tradition - here's how to make it one for your family, whatever your kids' ages and interests. Note the age recommendations are subjective, you're the best judge of your kids ability to sit through a show.

Feel free to email us with any questions and check our our guide to more NYC holiday shows.

  GET YOUR KIDS NUTCRACKER READY  

Explain that the performers don't talk

Let kids know the story will be told through dance, movement and music only.

Get familiar with the score

Also watch video clips online. Talk about how different songs make them feel or imagine.

Practice general theatre etiquette

Remind kids to stay seated and that there is no speaking during the performance. They can save their questions and thoughts for intermission or applause between songs. Masks required throughout the show.

Get familiar with the story

New York City Ballet has a picture book that follows their version of the story.

Each production is a little different; look for a synopsis in the program before the show.

Most importantly, pick the right production.  There is no standard Nutcracker; each production varies in length, plot, setting and ideal audience age. Fortunately, we've done the research for you…

 NYC NUTCRACKERS

George Balanchines The Nutcracker

GEORGE BALANCHINE'S THE NUTCRACKER

Nov 24-Dec 31 | Upper West Side | $70-$320

Best for parents looking to splurge on a classic experience for kids who can sit still and quiet for 2 hours

New York City Ballet's timeless, gorgeous production that started it all in 1954 is a rightly beloved holiday tradition. The first act is full of action with (actual) children playing at a party, mischievous giant mice battling toy soldiers and a blizzard of ballerinas. The costumes, sets, dancing and theater are stunning but kids can get restless during some lengthy, plotless second act dance numbers. Many of the audience members are grown ups who expect a quiet viewing experience.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 6+

Younger kids are welcome at the shorter, less expensive The New York City Ballet Family Saturday: A Nutcracker Adventure on Dec 23.

THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER WITH NUTCRACKER SWEETS

Dec 2-30 | Brooklyn | $10-$11

Best for young puppet lovers

See classic Christmas tales adapted for hand-painted marionettes - The Steadfast Tin Soldier by Hans Christian Andersen' and Tchaikovsky's 'Land of Sweets' dances.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2+

MOZART FOR MUNCHKINS: WINTER WONDERLAND & BALLET MAGIC

Dec 3 | UWS | Dec 16 | Brooklyn | $40

Best for a relaxed, intimate experience with live music

Hear holiday favorites and selections from the Nutcracker with a woodwind quintet and a special guest dancer. A great introduction to the classic holiday ballet for all ages - the audience is welcome to roll, crawl, squeal and dance along while experiencing professional performances.

Interact with the musicians and dancer throughout and try out instruments after. Holiday bells for all.

RECOMMENDED FOR ALL AGES

my first nutcracker nyc childrens theater

MY FIRST NUTCRACKER

Dec 2-21 | Midtown | $12.50-$64.50

Best for young kids looking for a friendly introduction

Join Clara and the Prince as they travel to a magical kingdom filled with delicious treats, dancing flowers and a pesky mouse king in this holiday classic reimagined by New York City Children's Theater. Clara's narration throughout the performance helps young theatergoers follow the classic holiday story.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 3-8

NEW YORK THEATRE BALLET'S THE NUTCRACKER

Dec 16-17 | Upper East Side | $38.50

Best for first-timers and young kids interested in a full production

This one hour adaptation, set in Art Nouveau style circa 1907, includes clockwork imps, an owl that flies above the audience, mice dressed in polka dots, and dancers dancing with huge chopsticks. This production takes place at Florence Gould Hall, an intimate theatre space providing excellent views. A popular choice for families that sells out quickly.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 3+

* Free performances at Brookfield Place on Dec 1-3 are the same production.

THE KNICKERBOCKER SUITE

Dec 9-19 | Upper West Side | $35-$45

Best for fun settings starring local kids

A New York City themed Nutcracker features famous landmarks woven into the time-honored tale performed by students of the the Manhattan Youth Ballet. Based on the jocular story by artist Elliott Arkin, the first act opens with a satirical animated film narrated by Tony award winner Michael Cerveris with imaginative contemporary visual scenarios and characters inspired by the Nutcracker story. In the second act, modern NYC arts sports, fine dining, parks and even pigeons are magically and cleverly intertwined with the classic Tchaikovsky movements of Candy Canes, Coffee, Waltz of the Flowers and more.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 4+

THE BROOKLYN NUTCRACKER

Dec 16 | Brooklyn | $39-$141

Best for a multicultural vibe

A culturally inclusive production of the beloved holiday ballet fuses ballet, hip-hop and a myriad of world dance genres to create a new tradition for today's audience. From the landscape of the old Dutch Brooklyn to the iconic Flatbush Avenue, familiar Nutcracker characters and scenes transform to represent the diverse traditions and vibrant culture of melting pot Brooklyn.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 4+

DANCES PATRELLE'S THE YORKVILLE NUTCRACKER

Dec 14-17 | Upper East Side | $70-$80

Best for spotting a classmate in the ensemble

This annual production at Hunter College's cozy Kaye Playhouse features dance students, ages 5 to 85, alongside professional artists. The lavish Olde New York settings give this production a more local vibe. Expect ice skating in Central Park, Teddy Roosevelt at Gracie Mansion and a sleigh-ride to the New York Botanical Garden.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 4+

Peridance Contemporary Dance's The Nutcracker

PERIDANCE CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY'S THE NUTCRACKER

Dec 14-15 | Gramercy | $27-$47

Best for fans of tea parties & contemporary dance

In this innovative contemporary Nutcracker, the classic story is blended with a fusion of hip hop and contemporary dance is set to excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s original score as well as new music. Features over 60 performers include professional dancers and young students.

The Nutcracker Sweet Tea Fundraiser between the matinee and evening show includes crafts, snacks and a special appearance by characters from the show ($15).

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 4+

THE NUTCRACKER & A VISIT TO SANTA's TOYLAND

Dec 17 | Long Island City | $40

Best for squeezing in a Santa photo

A special one-hour Nutcracker designed specifically for school-aged students brings to life Clara's holiday dream of a mighty battle between a Mouse King and a Nutcracker, a meeting with her very own Sugar Plum Fairy, and a journey to the "Land of Sweets".

After the show, meet the cast and visit Santa in his magical toyland, where each child will receive a special gift.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 4+

AJKUN BALLET THEATRE'S THE NUTCRACKER

Dec 2-17 | Midtown | $59+

Best for getting up close with dancers

A small local ballet company presents the classic Nutcracker story in an intimate studio setting featuring new choreography by artistic director Chiara Ajkun. Includes complimentary photos with the dancers.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 5+

NUT/CRACKED

Dec 16 | UES | $10-$50

Best for something totally different

The Bang Group's beloved, witty response to The Nutcracker takes 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. Choreographer David Parker finds beauty in the ridiculous, waltzing through many incarnations of Tchaikovsky's score, including versions by Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller, as well as the traditional orchestral suite.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 6+

** The Radio City Christmas Spectacular has a cute 10-minute Nutcracker section danced by giant bears that little kids love. **

The Nutcracker by New York City Ballet

Prep for the ballet with a gorgeous picture book that mimics George Balanchine's choreography and illustrations inspired by the backdrops and scenery from the actual production. A holiday favorite with stylish and modern sensibility.