NYCB: The Nutcracker

An enchanting and unforgettable Holiday experience

The New York City Ballet's annual production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is at the heart of New York City's year-end holiday season, and this year marks the 65th annual performance of the Big Apple's best loved Nutcracker! Whether it is a family tradition or a once-in-a-lifetime visit, your experience of this glittering classic ballet will stay with you forever and warm your spirit.

From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, a glowing one-ton Christmas tree that seemingly grows forever, mischievous mice, crystalline waltzing snowflakes, the Land of Sweets and some of the most breathtaking costumes, sets and dancing on earth.

One of the world's premiere Nutcracker ballets

Almost 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 32 stagehands and two casts of 50 young students from the School of American Ballet join forces to make each performance as magical as possible. The elaborate stage elements and intricate lighting unleash the viewers' imagination by providing visual effects that are extraordinarily grand. The most famous example is the massive Christmas tree that grows from a height of 12 ft to 40, evoking audible gasps of disbelief from the audience every time.