Event · Arts & crafts

José Mateo Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker

When

Through Dec 2014 public performances December 5-20, 2026; performance-by-performance schedule is on the company's Showclix ticket link.

Where

The Strand TheatreDorchester, MAOpen in Google Maps ↗

Ages

Family show (children ages 6-18 perform in the cast)

Cost

Ticket prices not printed on the page; EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare cardholders receive $5 tickets, up to 2 per cardholderWheelchair and accessible seating available; ADA accessible elevator.

Organizer

José Mateo Ballet Theatre

José Mateo Ballet Theatre presents its 38th annual Nutcracker at the historic Strand Theatre in Dorchester's Upham's Corner, with 14 public performances between December 5 and 20, 2026. Mateo's choreography to Tchaikovsky's score tells Clara's story from the Silberhaus party through the battle with the Rat King, the snowflake forest and the Kingdom of the Sweets, and more than 100 local children ages 6-18 dance alongside professional guest artists each year. Boston Magazine named it Best Family-Friendly Show in 2020, and the company pitches it as an affordable holiday outing. Performances run about two hours with a 15-minute intermission; the lobby opens an hour before curtain and there is no late seating after the first 15 minutes. Street parking fills quickly, so allow extra time. EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare cardholders can get $5 tickets (up to two per card) through the Card to Culture program.