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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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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