It’s finally the holiday season, which means it’s time for our annual trek to Lincoln Center to watch the New York City Ballet’s (NYCB) enchanting annual performance of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” with score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The perfect way to get into the festive spirit, NYCB’s “The Nutcracker” has impressed year after year ever since debuting in 1954. Complete with 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 40 stagehands, and over 125 children in two alternating casts, “The Nutcracker” is a can’t-miss when it comes to celebrating an NYC holiday season. Here's a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about attending this year’s performance.
See also: The 7 Best Holiday Bars In NYC
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Performances of “The Nutcracker” begin Friday, Nov. 29 and take place throughout the holiday season on select dates. On Saturdays and Sundays, there is both a matinee and an evening show. See a full list of performance dates here. The performance is about 2 hours long, including an intermission.
Tickets for the NYCB's “The Nutcracker” are typically in high demand. Be sure to plan ahead and purchase tickets early to get good seats. Tickets can be purchased directly through the NYCB website, the David H. Koch Theater box office, or authorized ticketing partners.
Ticket prices vary based on seating arrangements and performance dates, but expect to spend anywhere from $90 to $350.
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“The Nutcracker” is staged at the iconic David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. The theater's capacity ensures a good view from all angles, so there are no bad seats! Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance, allowing time to grab a glass of Champagne and find your seat. Late arrivals might face delays in being seated, as ushers typically wait for suitable breaks in the performance. While there is no strict dress code, we encourage you to dress to impress! Attendees often opt for dressy or semi-formal attire to celebrate the season and occasion.
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The theater offers concessions for light refreshments. We recommend enjoying concessions before the show or during intermission to avoid distracting other audience members with wrapper noise. However, remember that food and drinks are generally not allowed inside the auditorium to preserve the theater's cleanliness and ambiance.
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the season, and to support the NYCB. Enjoy the performance and merry everything!
Photography by: Neil Rasmus / BFA Images
