The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Op. 71), first performed on 18 December 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, with choreography by Lev Ivanov and a libretto by Marius Petipa based on E. T. A. Hoffmann's tale "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King". Despite a lukewarm critical reception at its premiere, it grew into arguably the most performed ballet in the world - a fixture of the Christmas season on every continent. Tchaikovsky's score introduced the celesta to Russian audiences and contains some of his most recognisable melodies, from the Waltz of the Snowflakes to the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The Bolshoi Theatre staged 33 performances of The Nutcracker between 17 December 2025 and 11 January 2026, with tickets selling out within two hours of going on sale.
The Mariinsky Theatre ran two simultaneous productions of The Nutcracker - the 1934 Vainonen staging and the Shemyakin/Gergiev version - from December 2025 through January 2026 in St. Petersburg.
Grand Classic Ballet launched a tour of The Nutcracker across dozens of German cities from January 2026.
The Czech National Ballet presented its Nutcracker production at the National Theatre in Prague in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 seasons, with choreography by Youri Vámos.
English National Ballet announced its acclaimed 2024 Nutcracker production - choreographed by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith - will return to the London Coliseum for Christmas 2026.
A family-friendly "Nutcracker" show at Rathaussaal Porz in Cologne - a festive evening with Tchaikovsky's beloved music.
A festive "Nutcracker" ballet for the whole family - Tchaikovsky's classic in a magical New Year setting in Frankfurt.
A festive "Nutcracker" ballet performance at Haus Leipzig - a magical evening for children and adults alike.
A New Year's "Nutcracker" show for children and families at Kulturzentrum Trudering in Munich - a fairy-tale performance full of festive magic.
The Classical Ballet of Naples performs Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" in Langenfeld - a production blending European choreographic tradition with modern staging, perfect for a festive evening out.
The Classical Ballet of Naples performs Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker", one of the most iconic Christmas ballets, combining traditional choreography with modern staging.
A Christmas ballet for all ages featuring Tchaikovsky's music, blending professional dancers with ballet school students in an enchanting winter tale.
The Classical Ballet of Naples brings Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" to Stuttgart - the iconic Christmas ballet, performed with a blend of traditional choreography and modern staging.
A festive "Nutcracker" ballet for the whole family, with music, dance, and a magical New Year atmosphere at the Brückenforum in Bonn.
A New Year's Nutcracker show for children and families at Kurhaus & Parkhotel in Dresden, bringing festive magic to the holiday season.
A festive "Nutcracker" show for children and families at Fontane-Haus Kulturzentrum in Berlin - New Year magic brought to the stage.
The Classical Ballet of Naples performs Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" in Hamburg - a timeless Christmas ballet in a contemporary staging.
The Classical Ballet of Naples performs Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker", blending traditional European choreography with modern staging in a seasonal favourite.
The Classical Ballet of Naples performs Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker", blending European choreographic tradition with modern staging - a Christmas classic for the whole family.