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The Nutcracker

November 28–December 28, 2025

Artists of Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker by Ernesto Galan

The Nutcracker

November 28–December 28, 2025

“Thank you to Boston Ballet for an unbelievable memory. It was truly amazing.”

–Audience Member

Dare to let your dreams take you on a journey 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).

2025–2026 subscribers and groups 10+ get early access to tickets to The Nutcracker.

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GROUPS

Seo Hye Han in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker by Liza Voll

The Story

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.

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Daniel R. Durrett with Artists of Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker by Brooke Trisolini

The Dancing

At Boston Ballet, The Nutcracker is so much more than a holiday show. This spectacular program includes some of the most technically challenging 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

The Music

P.I. Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker score is the soundtrack to the holiday season. The memorable and magical score is performed brilliantly by the Boston Ballet Orchestra at every single performance, led by Music Director Mischa Santora and Assistant Conductor Alyssa Wang.

“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

The History

This version of the classic tale, created for Boston Ballet in 2012, is one of the largest productions the Company has ever created, engaging craftspeople from across the United States. Acclaimed scenic and costume designer Robert Perdziola illustrated more than 40 sketches. These were transformed into the production’s 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 also incorporated 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

READ MORE ABOUT MIKKO

PERFORMANCE CALENDAR

*SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE

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.

Chisako Oga and Daniel R. Durrett in Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker

Photo by Brooke Trisolini

Chyrstyn Fentroy and Artists of Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker

Photo by Liza Voll

Alexis Workowski and Artists of Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker

Photo by Liza Voll

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

Arabian Coffee

Video by Ernesto Galan

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

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

Final Preparations for The Nutcracker

Final Preparations for The Nutcracker

Video by Ernesto Galan
THE DETAILS

Choreography

Mikko Nissinen

Music

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

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

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.

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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Cracking the Code on The Nutcracker’s Grand Pas de Deux

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Daniel Durrett as the Nutcracker Prince

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

Chyrstyn Fentroy and Patrick Yocum on The Nutcracker’s Snow Scene

Principal Dancers Chyrstyn Fentroy and Patrick Yocum share why they love to perform Snow Queen and King in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker. Discover how this snowy scene brings so much warmth to the stage.

Viktorina Kapitonova on performing Sugar Plum Fairy

Principal Dancer Viktorina Kapitonova shares how she hopes everyone will believe in magic when they watch her twinkle on stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Mikko Nissinen’s THE NUTCRACKER.

Lia Cirio and Seo Hye Han on Dew Drop

Hear from Principal Dancers Lia Cirio and Seo Hye Han on performing Dew Drop in Mikko Nissinen’s THE NUTCRACKER. From the glistening tutu to the ethereal music, hear about their favorite parts of performing this role with the support of their beautiful flowers.

Jeffrey Cirio on performing the Nutcracker Prince

Principal Dancer Jeffrey Cirio shares why performing the role of the Nutcracker Prince in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker is so special to him.  

John Lam and Paul Craig on Drosselmeier

Principal Dancers John Lam and Paul Craig share their take on Drosselmeier, Clara’s beloved uncle. Hear how performing this role brings the magic of THE NUTCRACKER alive.

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

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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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.

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.

Two Dancers, 14 Roles

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

Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker November 28-December 28, 2025
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