We’re currently experiencing technical difficulties with all Boston Ballet School registration (excluding Adult Dance Program). Thank you for your patience while we work to resolve this issue. If you have any questions please email school@bostonballet.org.
Our website service provider is currently performing scheduled maintenance to improve reliability and performance. During this time, parts of our website may load slowly or be temporarily unavailable. We appreciate your patience and understanding while this work is completed. If you are having trouble ordering online, please reference the following:
For tickets or subscriptions: Call 617.695.6955 or email tickets@bostonballet.org.
For Boston Ballet School, please call 617.456.6333 or email school@bostonballet.org.
For Donor Relations, please call 617.456.6332 or email annualfund@bostonballet.org.
Artists of Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker by Ernesto Galan
November 28–December 28, 2025
Step into a world filled with happiness and wonder. Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker mesmerizes audiences of all ages with its beloved characters, swoon-worthy sets, and unparalleled choreography. 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).
Presenting Sponsor:
Seo Hye Han in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker by Liza Voll
Join Clara Silberhaus one magical Christmas Eve as she travels to the Kingdom of the Sweets. Along the way, experience the excitement of the dancing bear, the growing Christmas tree, the battle with the mice, and the nutcracker who comes to life! The Nutcracker is based on the libretto by Alexandre Dumas père titled The Tale of the Nutcracker, which is adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
Daniel R. Durrett with Artists of Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker by Brooke Trisolini
At Boston Ballet, The Nutcracker is so much more than a holiday show. This spectacular program includes some of the most captivating and exhilirating choreography in classical ballet. From the grand pas de deux and the enchanting snow scene to the high-flying Russian Troika, the ballet includes stunning performances from every single dancer on stage. It also includes exciting performances of 83 students from the Boston Ballet School.
“The performance was exquisite. The dancers are impeccable. The orchestra played beautifully. The sets are stunning. Funny mice, great bear, cute kids—all part of the charm. The athleticism of the dancers is wonderful.”
–Audience Member
Boston Ballet Orchestra by Liza Voll
P.I. Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker score is the backbone of the ballet and one of the world’s most beloved holiday soundtracks ever written. The memorable and magical score is performed brilliantly by the Boston Ballet Orchestra at every single performance, led by Music Director Mischa Santora.
“There was no lack of strong emotion in the performance of the Boston Ballet Orchestra under the direction of Mischa Santora. The music was, as usual, superb.”
– Critical Dance
Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker by Brooke Trisolini
This version of the classic tale, created for Boston Ballet in 2012, is one of the largest productions the Company has ever created, incorporating exquisite scenery and dazzling costumes by acclaimed designer Robert Perdziola.
Craftspeople from across the United States transformed his sketches into larger-than-life sets that range from calm, subtle colors in the Act I Party Scene to vibrant colors in Act II’s Kingdom of the Sweets. The production incorporates more than 350 beautifully intricate costumes, designed by Perdziola. The opulent sets and costumes were hand-painted and crafted right here in Massachusetts.
“To be a ballet company of the future, which is what we aim, is to be truly relevant for today’s people. I don’t want us to be a museum or a church, but a living theater for today’s people.”
– Mikko Nissinen, Boston Ballet’s Artistic Director and choreographer of The Nutcracker
PERFORMANCE CALENDAR
We are the only official seller of tickets to The Nutcracker.
For important information about attending performances, CHECK OUT OUR FAQs.
Performance Run Time: Approximately two hours including one intermission.
Please Note: The music in some ballets may be loud depending on where you are sitting and your own comfort level.
Please plan accordingly.
With Appreciation
This production of Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker is generously supported by Presenting Sponsor, PNC Bank, Media Partner, WBUR, and Hotel Partner, Mandarin Oriental, Boston.
Haley Schwan, Sun Woo Lee, and Kaitlyn Casey with Students of Boston Ballet School in Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker
Photo by Liza Voll
Highlight Clip from Act II of The Nutcracker
Nutcracker Bear, Harlequin, and Ballerina Doll
Video by Ernesto Galan
Highlight Clip from Act I of The Nutcracker
Children's Dance from the Party Scene
Video by Ernesto Galan
Choreography
Mikko Nissinen
Music
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Set and Costume Design
Robert Perdziola
Assistant Scenic Design
Nicholas Kostner
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
Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker is based on the libretto by Alexandre Dumas père titled The Tale of the Nutcracker, which is adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
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.
Explore
Hear from Second Soloist Daniel Durrett on what it means to him to perform the role of The Nutcracker Prince in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker.
“Honestly, I never saw myself in a leading Prince type role. After my Snow King debut on Dec 12, 2022 I finally realized that those kinds of roles are achievable. When Mikko told me about the Nutcracker Prince, I was in complete shock and knew that I had a lot of work to do. Grateful to have made my debut Dec 7, 2023 as the Nutcracker Prince, and I’m looking forward to more wonderful opportunities to keep pushing and growing as a black artist.” – Second Soloist, Daniel Durrett
Uncover the chronicles of Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition that has captured the hearts of audiences for over five decades.
Explore
How well do you know Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker? Get the inside scoop on New England’s most beloved holiday tradition.
Explore
From studio to stage, bringing Mother Ginger to life is a feat as large as her skirt.
Explore
Go behind the scenes and get your paws on the secrets behind Boston’s most beloved Bear.
Explore
Go behind the scenes as the Nutcracker Prince and Mouse King get ready for the season’s biggest showdown.
