Nothing evokes the Christmas spirit more than The Nutcracker, a time-honored classic full of whimsical costumes, beautiful dancing and that spark of magic that’s sure to excite both young and old. We’re lucky that Indy offers such a wide array of opportunities to see this holiday classic in its old world charm, but you’ll also find a few new and fresh interpretations. Plus, little wiggle bottoms will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a showing of the Nutcracker that was created with their needs in mind.
For Wiggle Bottoms
Indianapolis School of Ballet Presents “Nutcracker Sweets”
Location: Central Library
Date: November 10
Time: 3 pm
Cost: Free
Children of all ages and families are invited to get a taste of an Indy holiday tradition during this Indianapolis School of Ballet “Nutcracker Sweets” preview performance. This short and “suite” performance will feature many popular scenes and songs from The Nutcracker.
The Nutcracker Storytime with Central Indiana Dance Ensemble
Location: Carmel Clay Public Library
Date: November 29
Time: 10:30 am
Cost: Free
Come and listen to the magical story of The Nutcracker as told by the beautiful dancers of Central Indiana Dance Ensemble and see your favorite characters come to life – Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Nutcracker, and dancers from the Kingdom of the Sweets! Following the performance have your picture taken with your favorite character!
Nutcracker Short & Suite
Location: Monon Community Center
Date: December 2
Time: 1 pm
Price: $5 for youth (3-12); $10 for adults (13+)
The Village Dance Studio, in partnership with the Adaptive Programs through Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, brings you excerpts from The Nutcracker, a holiday classic ballet. This performance is a community outreach initiative to bring dance performance to all abilities. The house lights will be raised, sound will be lowered, and a movement space will be open in the back for anyone who wants to dance along.
The Nutcracker Tea Party with Butler Ballet
Location: Howard L. Schrott Center for Performing Arts, Butler University
Date: November 11
Time: 12 pm
Cost: $25 for adults and $15 for children age 12 and under
Come join your favorite characters for an afternoon of festivities and sweet treats. Learn about the story of the Nutcracker, create a themed craft to take home, and take pictures with the Sugarplum Fairy, Nutcracker Prince, and all their royal attendants. Light lunch will be provided as well as a goodie bag filled with special gifts from each one of the members of the Kingdom of the Sweets, just for you!
A Nutcracker Family Affair and Sugar Plum Breakfast
Location: Indiana History Center
Date: December 2
Time: 10 am-2 pm
Price: Adults – $30 ($25 for members); Youth – $22 ($17 for members); Kids under 3 – Free
Spend your morning at the History Center with breakfast treats and sweets, photographs with your favorite character from The Nutcracker, and special holiday crafts. After breakfast, get into Festival of Trees early to beat the crowds. Then make sure to check out the vignettes from The Nutcracker at 12:30 and 2 pm performed by members of The Dance Refinery.
Nutcracker Storytime & Performance
Location: The Urban Chalkboard
Date: December 3
Time: 10 am
Price: $12
Create a beautiful holiday memory by experiencing a toddler-size performance of The Nutcracker by Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. Children will be immersed in the Nutcracker Story as the book is read in collaboration with a dance performance. Afterwards everyone will have a chance to meet the performers, touch the costumes & take photos with their favorite character.
Formal Performances
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker with Butler Ballet
Location: Clowes Memorial Hall
Date: November 29-December 2
Time: Varies
Cost: $19.50-$28.50
Butler Ballet proudly presents, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. A holiday tradition, children and adults will be dazzled and delighted by impressive dancing, stunning costumes, glorious scenery, and pyrotechnical magic. The brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s music will be brought to life by the Butler Ballet Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir under the direction of Richard Auldon Clark.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Location: The Murat Theater at Old National
Date: December 7
Time: 7:30 pm
Price: $45-$55
Celebrate the holiday season with NJPACs very own holiday smash – an urban dance retelling of the timeless fairy tale. The Hip Hop Nutcracker resets Tchaikovskys classic score to explosive hip-hop choreography courtesy of Jennifer Weber. A dozen all-star dancers – plus a DJ, a violinist, and awesome digital scenery – bring the traditional Nutcracker story to new life, but with a distinctly urban twist.
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble Presents the Nutcracker
Location: Zionsville Performing Arts Center
Date: December 12-14
Time: Varies
Price: Adults $25; Students (up to 18) $18; Dessert Party is an additional $12 per person add-on.
Begin your holiday season as a guest at the Stahlbaum family holiday celebration and share in Clara’s dreamlike journey with her Nutcracker Prince. Watch as Clara battles the evil Rat King, dances with the Snow Maidens, and accompanies the Sugar Plum Fairy through the Land of the Sweets. Enjoy the enchanted music of Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score and the beautiful voices of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. Young and old alike will delight in this holiday tradition.
Ballet Theatre of Carmel Presents The Nutcracker
Location: Dale E. Graham Auditorium at Carmel High School
Date: December 15 & 16
Time: Varies
Price: $18-25
A Holiday Tradition in the Heart of Downtown Carmel. Don’t miss this popular annual ballet about Clara’s magical story to be enjoyed by your entire family.
The Nutcracker presented by the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre
Location: Pike Performing Arts Center
Date: November 30-December 1
Time: TBD
Price: Varies
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s full-length modern version follows the same overall story line as the original, but with a uniquely different twist. This magical version portrays Klara as a homeless orphan girl who discovers the true meaning of the season through the gift and giving spirit of a homeless man. THE NUTCRACKER is a family favorite and is sure to add joy and cheer to the holiday season.
The Nutcracker Presented by the Indiana Ballet Conservatory
Location: The Tobias Theater at Newfields
Date: December 13-16
Time: Varies
Price: TBD
Children and adults of all ages will be transformed by this heartwarming tale of a young girl and her beloved Nutcracker as she battles off evil and learns the value and resiliency of the human spirit. This version is closest to that of the original Nutcracker ballet that debuted over 100 years ago in Russia, so you won’t want to miss this timeless and beloved holiday favorite!
The Nutcracker Presented by Indianapolis Ballet
Location: The Murat Theater at Old National Center
Date: December 14-16
Time: Varies
Price: Varies
After establishing its production of The Nutcracker as a local must-see during the holidays across the last 11 years, the Indianapolis School of Ballet will continue to be a part of Indiana’s grandest staging of the classic Christmas tale alongside the 20 members of the new Indianapolis Ballet professional company.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
Location: The Murat Theater at Old National Center
Date: December 24
Time: 3 pm
Price: Varies
Christmas is coming and so is the one and only Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls-Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages. ‘Kids wide-eyed with delight’ says the New York Times. Experience the Dove of Peace Tour, spreading goodwill in over 100 cities across North America. Get seats now for the whole family and make memories for a lifetime at Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker!
