Ring in the holiday season with the timeless family tradition of attending a live performance of The Nutcracker, performed by Ballet Arizona and choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Ib Andersen. From Dec. 6 through 24, The Nutcracker is sure to be a memorable family experience for all. With 15 performances, families can enjoy The Nutcracker throughout the entire holiday season. Shows will take place in the afternoon and evening at Symphony Hall (75 N. 2nd St.) in Downtown Phoenix. All performances are accompanied by live music from The Phoenix Symphony. Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker sold out in both 2022 and 2023.

MORE NEWS: Experience AZ: 10 romantic restaurants to try

In 2013, The New York Times’ senior dance critic Alastair Macaulay hailed Andersen’s The Nutcracker as “one of the three finest productions” of the nearly 20 versions he attended around the country. Ballet Arizona created the production in 2006 at a cost of $1.8 million. 

In honor of the 19th century tradition, The Nutcracker tells a mystical and enchanting tale of a young girl, Clara, who receives a wooden nutcracker on Christmas Eve. Through the magic of the season, Clara finds herself in a battle between the Nutcracker Prince and a frightful Mouse King. Along with the Nutcracker Prince, Clara embarks on a wondrous journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets to meet the magical Snow Queen and her snowflake dancers. Audiences of every age will immerse themselves in this enchanting landscape with many special effects to bring this one-of-a-kind live experience to life.

“From Clara’s tense battle with the Mouse King to the ethereal snow scene, The Nutcracker has something for everyone,” said Ballet Arizona’s Artistic Director, Daniela Cardim. “Our company dancers have worked tirelessly on this show, and I am excited to share our holiday magic with Arizona audiences.”

Enhance your 2024 holiday experience by upgrading your evening at The Nutcracker with the Capture the Magic VIP Premier Package for $125 per family of four. The VIP Premier Package includes:  

  • Early entry to the Symphony Hall lobby to shop and snap your keepsake photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy
  • Hot chocolate for four from the lobby café  
  • Complimentary parking pass
  • One voucher for a Studio of Ballet Arizona class
  • One pair of ballerina pointe shoes signed by one of the dancers 
  • One Ballet Arizona tote bag  
  • One voucher for a future Ballet Arizona class
  • One $20 Ballet Arizona gift card  
  • 15% off at The Nutcracker boutique in the lobby  

Did you know? Fun facts about this season’s The Nutcracker performances include:  

  • More than 100,000 Austrian Swarovski crystals make the spectacular Snow Scene sparkle.  
  • Scenic elements including sets, lights, costumes and special effects require four tractor-trailers and two 24-foot trucks for transportation.  
  • The Mouse King stands at more than nine feet tall with his crown.  
  • More than 7,000 pounds of dry ice are used for the entire run of the production. 
  • During the run of The Nutcracker, Ballet Arizona’s female dancers will use more than 300 pairs of pointe shoes. Pointe shoes are custom-made.
  • The production uses 25 different backdrops.  

The belief that the arts change lives is at the heart of Ballet Arizona’s mission, and their annual The Nutcracker Angel Night on Dec. 12 truly encompasses that. Ballet Arizona partners with community nonprofits, service agencies and generous donors to remove financial barriers so that people across Arizona can see The Nutcracker for free. With just $30, you can sponsor a child and be the start of a magical moment.

Ballet Arizona’s opening night series sponsors are F. Francis and Dionne Najafi of Pivotal Foundation. 

Single tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Ballet Arizona box office at 602-381-1096. Group sales and season subscriptions are also available. For more information, visit https://balletaz.org/performance/the-nutcracker/2024-12-24/.