Boston Ballet: The Nutcracker
When:
Friday, Nov 28, 2025 7:00p -
Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 11:30p
Friday, Nov 28, 2025 7:00p -
Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 11:30p
Where:
Citizens Bank Opera House
539 Washington St
Boston, MA 02111
Admission:
Unknown
Hosted by:
Categories:
Art, Kid Friendly, Shows
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).
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.
The Dancing
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
The Music
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
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, 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.
