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2022-2023 Season

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Mikko Nissinen's

The Nutcracker

Nov 25–Dec 31, 2022

Clara, Flowers, and Arabian Dance

Chisako Oga; Ji Young Chae with Artists of Boston Ballet; Chyrstyn Fentroy and Lasha Khozashvili

Liza Voll

Chisako Oga; Ji Young Chae with Artists of Boston Ballet; Chyrstyn Fentroy and Lasha Khozashvili

Liza Voll

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2022-2023 Season

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Believe in the impossible

Dare to dream big with New England’s favorite holiday tradition. Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker mesmerizes audiences of all ages with its beloved characters, swoon-worthy sets, and unparalleled choreography. 

Slip away into the warm drawing room of the Silberhaus family and watch as Clara’s surroundings transform before your eyes. From the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the awe-inspiring snow scene, this classical ballet—set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score—continues to delight audiences year after year. 

Gather your family and friends and embark on a journey to a dreamworld where bravery and imagination save the day. Join us for the first time or continue a holiday tradition and find out why Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the "gold standard" (The Boston Globe).


PERFORMANCE CALENDAR
Tickets go on sale September 1, 2022. Subscribe today for early access.

Nutcracker 2022 Performance Calendar

Important message for attending live indoor performances:
HEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES

Highlight Clip from Act II of The Nutcracker

Arabian Coffee

Video by Ernesto Galan

Highlight Clip from the Party Scene

Nutcracker Bear, Harlequin, and Ballerina Doll

Video by Ernesto Galan

Highlight Clip from Act II of The Nutcracker

Russian Troika

Video by Ernesto Galan

Highlight Clip from Act I of The Nutcracker

Children's Dance from the Party Scene

Video by Ernesto Galan

Highlight Clip from Act II of The Nutcracker

Mother Ginger

Video by Ernesto Galan

Highlight Clip from Act II of The Nutcracker

French Marzipan

Video by Ernesto Galan

On Stage: The Nutcracker

Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker

Video Credit: Ernesto Galan

Final Preparations for The Nutcracker

Final Preparations for The Nutcracker

Video by Ernesto Galan

Dancer Insight: The Nutcracker Ensemble

Dancer Insight: The Nutcracker Ensemble

Video by Ernesto Galan

Inside Look: Mother Ginger's Polichinelles

Inside Look: Mother Ginger's Polichinelles

Video by Ernesto Galan

The Party Scene, Act I by Rosalie O'Connor

Act I | The Party Scene

Photo Credit: Rosalie O'Connor

The Nutcracker Bear

Act I | The Party Scene, The Bear

Photo Credit: Liza Voll Photography

The Battle Scene, Act I by Rosalie O'Connor

Act I | The Battle Scene

Photo credit: Rosalie O'Connor

Act I | The Snow Scene, Lauren Herfindahl and Reina Sawai

Photo Credit: Liza Voll Photography

The Snow Scene, Act I by Rosalie O'Connor

Act I | The Snow Scene with Ashley Ellis and Lasha Khozashvili

Photo credit: Rosalie O'Connor

Boston Ballet School Students as Polichinelles

Act II | Polichinelles, Students of Boston Ballet School

Photo Credit: Liza Voll Photography

Waltz of the Flowers, Act II by Rosalie O'Connor

Act II | Waltz of the Flowers

Photo credit: Rosalie O'Connor

Sketch by Robert Perdziola

Clara Silberhaus

Sketch by Robert Perdziola

Herr Drosselmeier

Sketch by Robert Perdziola

Sugar Plum Fairy

The Nutcracker

Nutcracker Bear

Sketch by Robert Perdziola

Nutcracker Prince

Sketch by Robert Perdziola

Snow Queen

The Company

…when it comes to sheer spectacle, virtuosic skill, and sonic sweep, nothing comes close to the Boston Ballet’s soaring production.

Michael Andor Brodeur, The Boston Globe

…it remains a masterpiece of music, movement and theatrical spectacle.

Jed Gottlieb, The Boston Herald

It’s an immediate plunge into theatrical splendor that seems to follow audiences right out the door at the ballet’s end.

Karen Campbell, The Boston Globe
Behind the Scenes

Read the full story: The Nutcracker

It is Christmas Eve in a small town in Germany, in the 1820s. In the town square, the mysterious Drosselmeier presents a performance in his Children’s Street Theatre and then hurries off to the Silberhaus’ Christmas party with his gifts.

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Behind the Scenes

The Rich Legacy of Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Uncover the chronicles of Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition that has captured the hearts of audiences for over five decades.

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Behind the Scenes

Holiday Traditions with The Nutcracker

Audience members share how they celebrate the holiday season with The Nutcracker.

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Behind the Scenes

Ten Things to Know about Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker

How well do you know Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker? Get the inside scoop on New England’s most beloved holiday tradition.

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Behind the Scenes

The Making of Mother Ginger

From studio to stage, bringing Mother Ginger to life is a feat as large as her skirt.

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Behind the Scenes

Becoming The Nutcracker Bear

Go behind the scenes and get your paws on the secrets behind Boston’s most beloved Bear.

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Inside Look: Mother Ginger's Polichinelles

Go behind the scenes of The Nutcracker's larger-than-life spectacle with the students of Boston Ballet School. 

Inside Look: Mother Ginger's Polichinelles

Mother Ginger's playful Polichinelles are performed by the students of Boston Ballet School. Discover how they keep hidden under her enormous hoop skirt before emerging to the surprise and delight of the audience. 

Video by Ernesto Galan 

Mother Ginger's playful Polichinelles are performed by the students of Boston Ballet School. Discover how they keep hidden under her enormous hoop skirt before emerging to the surprise and delight of the audience. 

Video by Ernesto Galan 

Dancer Insight: The Nutcracker Ensemble

Step behind the curtain and discover what it's like to perform the demanding corps roles in this magical production.

Dancer Insight: The Nutcracker Ensemble

From The Waltz of the Flowers to the Snow Scene, some of the most enchanting moments in The Nutcracker are brought to life by a powerful ensemble of dancers. Hear from Second Soloist Lauren Herfindahl and Artist Haley Schwan on what it's like to be a part of the magic.

Video by Ernesto Galan

From The Waltz of the Flowers to the Snow Scene, some of the most enchanting moments in The Nutcracker are brought to life by a powerful ensemble of dancers. Hear from Second Soloist Lauren Herfindahl and Artist Haley Schwan on what it's like to be a part of the magic.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Spotlight: Nutcracker Prince vs. Mouse King

Go behind the scenes as the Nutcracker Prince and Mouse King get ready for the season's biggest showdown.

Spotlight: Nutcracker Prince vs. Mouse King

In a battle between the Nutcracker Prince and Mouse King, who will prevail? Watch their long-standing rivalry play out as they train for their epic face-off and the ultimate prize—possession of the Castle of the Snow King and Queen.

In a battle between the Nutcracker Prince and Mouse King, who will prevail? Watch their long-standing rivalry play out as they train for their epic face-off and the ultimate prize—possession of the Castle of the Snow King and Queen.

Spotlight: Getting Ready for The Nutcracker

Peek inside the prep for Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker and get ready for the magic to unfold on stage.

Spotlight: Getting Ready for The Nutcracker

The Boston Opera House buzzes with behind-the-scenes preparations before the curtain opens on The Nutcracker. From the sparkling sets and costumes to the final moments backstage, get swept away in the magical making of this beloved holiday tradition.

Video by Ernesto Galan

The Boston Opera House buzzes with behind-the-scenes preparations before the curtain opens on The Nutcracker. From the sparkling sets and costumes to the final moments backstage, get swept away in the magical making of this beloved holiday tradition.

Video by Ernesto Galan

The Nutcracker Russian Dance

Catch a glimpse of the fast-paced and thrilling Russian Dance of Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker.

The Nutcracker Russian Dance

Catch a glimpse of the fast-paced and thrilling Russian Dance of Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker.

Video by Ernesto Galan 

Catch a glimpse of the fast-paced and thrilling Russian Dance of Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker.

Video by Ernesto Galan 

Spotlight: Clara's Enchanted Journey

Follow Clara on her magical adventure to the Kingdom of the Nutcracker Prince where her wildest dreams come to life.

Spotlight: Clara's Enchanted Journey

The clock strikes midnight, a tree magically grows, and a young girl is transformed by her enchanted adventure to the Kingdom of the Nutcracker Prince. Join Clara on a remarkable journey that will leave you wondering, was it all a dream?

Video by Ernesto Galan

The clock strikes midnight, a tree magically grows, and a young girl is transformed by her enchanted adventure to the Kingdom of the Nutcracker Prince. Join Clara on a remarkable journey that will leave you wondering, was it all a dream?

Video by Ernesto Galan

Spotlight: Ji Young Chae as Dew Drop

Get Principal Dancer Ji Young Chae’s perspective on performing the dazzling role of Dew Drop in The Nutcracker.

Spotlight: Ji Young Chae as Dew Drop

Principal Dancer Ji Young Chae shares her magical memories of performing the role of Dew Drop in The Nutcracker. Discover how she feels in the exhilarating moments before stepping on stage to lead the Waltz of the Flowers.   

Video by Ernesto Galan

Principal Dancer Ji Young Chae shares her magical memories of performing the role of Dew Drop in The Nutcracker. Discover how she feels in the exhilarating moments before stepping on stage to lead the Waltz of the Flowers.   

Video by Ernesto Galan

Kids React: The Nutcracker

Discover this beloved holiday classic through the eyes of our youngest fans. 

Kids React: The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is filled with magical moments to delight audiences of all ages. Hear from our youngest fans on their favorites, from the enchanting dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the lighthearted dancing bear.

Video by Ernesto Galan

The Nutcracker is filled with magical moments to delight audiences of all ages. Hear from our youngest fans on their favorites, from the enchanting dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the lighthearted dancing bear.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Spotlight: Snow Queen

Get a dancer's perspective on The Nutcracker from the wings.

Spotlight: Snow Queen

Boston Ballet's Principal Dancer Lia Cirio takes you behind-the-scenes for a dancer's perspective on The Nutcracker from the wings.
Video by Ernesto Galan

Boston Ballet's Principal Dancer Lia Cirio takes you behind-the-scenes for a dancer's perspective on The Nutcracker from the wings.
Video by Ernesto Galan

Spotlight: Drosselmeier in The Nutcracker

Get Principal Dancer Lasha Khozashvili’s perspective on dancing the role of Drosselmeier in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker.

Spotlight: Drosselmeier in The Nutcracker

Go behind the scenes to see the magic of The Nutcracker unfold. Principal Dancer Lasha Khozashvili shares an inside look at the role of Drosselmeier, Clara’s beloved uncle who sets her enchanted journey to The Nutcracker Prince’s kingdom in motion.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Go behind the scenes to see the magic of The Nutcracker unfold. Principal Dancer Lasha Khozashvili shares an inside look at the role of Drosselmeier, Clara’s beloved uncle who sets her enchanted journey to The Nutcracker Prince’s kingdom in motion.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Frozen Snowflakes

Watch Boston Ballet's dancers in this slo-mo sneak peek of The Nutcracker's Snow Scene.

Frozen Snowflakes

Watch Boston Ballet's dancers in this sneak peek of The Nutcracker's Snow Scene with a little extra sparkle and magic thrown in.
Video by Ernesto Galan

Watch Boston Ballet's dancers in this sneak peek of The Nutcracker's Snow Scene with a little extra sparkle and magic thrown in.
Video by Ernesto Galan

Two Dancers, 14 Roles

Go behind-the-scenes and see the many characters performed during The Nutcracker. 

Two Dancers, 14 Roles

Principal Dancer Paul Craig and Second Soloist Diana Albrecht demonstrate a whirlwind of costume changes in The Nutcracker.
Video by Ernesto Galan 

Principal Dancer Paul Craig and Second Soloist Diana Albrecht demonstrate a whirlwind of costume changes in The Nutcracker.
Video by Ernesto Galan 

The Nutcracker Top Ten

From a dancing bear to the most beautiful snow scene, don’t miss out on the magic this holiday season. Here’s the top ten reasons you should join us this year!

The Details

Music

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Choreography

Mikko Nissinen

Set and Costume Design

Robert Perdziola

Lighting Design

Mikki Kunttu

Original Premiere

Dec 18, 1892, Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg, Russia

World Premiere

Nov 23, 2012, Boston Ballet, Citizens Bank Opera House, Boston, USA

Our Instagram Photos from Boston Ballet

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Great dance will take you on an emotional journey and recharge your spirit.

Mikko Nissinen, Artistic Director
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