George Balanchine's The Nutcracker by New York City Ballet

About this adventure

Nothing signals the arrival of the New York holiday season like the opening night of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center! Premiering annually on the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend, New York City Ballet's legendary production at the David H. Koch Theater is the gold standard of classical holiday dance theater. Audiences are swept into a dreamscape powered by Tschaikovsky’s immortal score performed live by the 62-piece New York City Ballet Orchestra. Young theatergoers gaze wide-eyed as a 40-foot Christmas tree grows before their eyes, a fierce battle erupts between mouse soldiers and toy infantry, real stage snow flurries during the Waltz of the Snowflakes, and the Sugarplum Fairy welcomes Marie and her Prince into the Land of Sweets. Family Tips: Recommended for children ages 5 and up. Complimentary booster seats are available in the lobby to help younger kids see over the seats in front of them. The theater features stroller check and coat check services. Performances run Friday evening, Saturday matinee/evening, and Sunday matinee over Thanksgiving weekend. Arrive 45 minutes prior to curtain to admire the soaring promenade and take family photos by the grand chandeliers.