The Nutcracker Online
Watching the Nutcracker is a holiday tradition for many families. I went to see the Nutcracker with my mom as a kid in New York. It is one of my fondest memories, watching all those characters come to life on stage. It is an experience that I want to share with my own kids. While you may have thought you would have to forego your Nutcracker experience this year, many of the ballets around the US have taken their version of The Nutcracker online. So not only can you watch the ballet, you can watch some of the best dancers in the world perform the ballet.
Free Versions of The Nutcracker Online
Here are some places to watch The Nutcracker Online for free.
American Midwest Ballet
As a holiday gift to families, American Midwest Ballet is sharing The Nutcracker in an at-home cinema edition. This version of The Nutcracker is not just a video of a live performance, it includes close-ups and alternate angles to make the ballet come alive for at-home viewers.
Dates: December 12 to 25
Cost: Free
Central Florida Ballet
Our very own Central Florida Ballet’s version of the Nutcracker is world renowned. It fuses dance with Cirque and pyrotechnics to create an amazing spectacle for all ages. Central Florida Ballet will be doing both a 1-hour Nutcracker for kids and a full-length performance.
Premiere Date: December 12 for 1-hour performance and December 26 for full-length performance
Cost: Free
Emerald Ballet Theatre
The Emerald Ballet Theatre will be streaming a recording of its 2019 production online. The production features talented youth and adult performers, as well as gorgeous sets and stunning costumes.
Dates: December 11 at 7pm to December 13
Cost: Free, but donations requested
Have a little dancer at home? They will love getting any of these dance gifts for the holidays.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will be performing the Fireside Nutcracker, which is a special adaptation of the Nutcracker created specially for film. Pre-register to receive a link to the film when released.
Dates: December 17-31
Cost: Free, but donations requested
Saint Louis Ballet
The Saint Louis Ballet will be presenting The Nutcracker Extravaganza this year. It includes favorite dances and scenes from years gone by, as well as newly set performances from the current roster of dancers and behind-the-scenes interviews.
Dates: December 12, 13, 19 and 20 at set times (see website for schedule), December 21-23 all day
Cost: Free
Related Post: 20 Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids
Paid Versions of the Nutcracker Online
Here are paid options for the Nutcracker Online.
Ballet Chicago
Ballet Chicago will be bringing two joyous versions of the Nutcracker to families at home. The first version is a full performance of the Nutcracker from a prior season. The second includes dancers from their current roster.
Dates: December 18-30 at specific times (see website for schedule)
Cost: $51
Digital Theatre – Royal Opera House Performance
Digital Theatre has a filmed version of a prior live performance of Royal Opera House’s Nutcracker. You are able to watch the full ballet from a similar vantage point of an audience member.
Dates: Always available
Cost: $11
Your young ballerina will absolutely adore this ballet bundle for little kids.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a unique version of The Nutcracker. Hip hop moves are performed to the original score of The Nutcracker. It also features a DJ and MC Kurtis Blow who opens the show with a short set. This is a great version of The Nutcracker for older kids and teens.
Dates: November 26 to January 23 at specific times (see website for schedule)
Cost: $25
Related Post: Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs
Pacific Northwest Ballet
The Pacific Northwest Ballet will be streaming a recording of their performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. You are able to purchase just the recording or upgrade to the Plus package which includes Olivia’s reading list, a gallery of costume sketches by Ian Falconer and videos of dancers discussing their roles. You can also add on a Nutcracker gift box filled with Nutcracker cheer and hand-selected goods from the gifts shop.
Dates: December 11 to 26 for Plus Package and December 18 to 26 for Performance alone
Cost: $39 for performance/$55 for plus package/$75 for gift box
San Francisco Ballet
You can stream San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker online. Along with the performance you can tour their virtual opera house full of activities, send downloadable snaps to friends and family, enjoy highlights from past performances and even learn some choreography.
Dates: November 27 to December 31
Cost: $49 (48 hours access)
Texas Ballet
Families will be able to watch Texas Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker online. When you purchase a ticket for the Nutcracker, you will also receive access to their annual spoof, The Nutty Nutcracker.
Dates: December 14 -26
Cost: $30
The Washington Ballet
The Washington Ballet will have a virtual Nutcracker experience including behind-the-scenes content, interviews and special performances.
Dates: December 1-31
Cost: TBD
