Ballet

The Nutcracker

Houston Ballet

Experience the ultimate holiday tradition with Houston Ballet's spectacular production of The Nutcracker, featuring Tchaikovsky's beloved score and breathtaking choreography.

Event Details

Dates

November 28 – December 28, 2025

Location

Houston Ballet at Wortham Theater Center

501 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002

Pricing

Tickets start around $60+. Pricing varies by performance date and seating section.

Age Groups

Ideal for families, older children, and adults. May be less suited for very young toddlers unless accustomed to longer performances.

Overview

Houston Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is the ultimate holiday tradition, enchanting audiences for over 30 years with its magical blend of Tchaikovsky's immortal score, stunning choreography, and spectacular production design. Follow young Clara's Christmas Eve journey through a world of dancing snowflakes, battling toy soldiers, and the enchanted Kingdom of Sweets. This beloved ballet combines technical excellence with theatrical magic, creating an unforgettable experience that has introduced generations of Houstonians to the beauty of classical dance.

What to Expect

World-Class Ballet

Experience the artistry of Houston Ballet's professional dancers performing Stanton Welch's acclaimed choreography, from the delicate Snow Scene to the virtuosic Grand Pas de Deux.

Tchaikovsky's Masterpiece

Hear the Houston Ballet Orchestra perform Tchaikovsky's beloved score live, including iconic pieces like 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy' and 'Waltz of the Flowers.'

Spectacular Production

Marvel at the elaborate sets and costumes, including the magical growing Christmas tree, the battle with the Mouse King, and the glittering Kingdom of Sweets.

Holiday Magic

Witness the transformation of Clara's Christmas Eve into a fantastical adventure, capturing the wonder and imagination of the holiday season through dance.

Practical Information

Performance Length

Approximately 2 hours including intermission

Ticket Pricing

Starting around $60+, varies by date and seating

Age Recommendation

Best for ages 5+, though all ages welcome

Parking

Wortham Center parking and nearby Theatre District garages

Helpful Tips

  • For best experience, choose orchestra or first mezzanine seats for optimal view of the choreography and stage details
  • The production runs approximately 2 hours with intermission - plan accordingly for younger children
  • Consider matinee performances for families with younger children - they tend to be more relaxed
  • Book early for popular dates like Christmas week and weekend performances
  • Arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for parking, finding seats, and soaking in the pre-show atmosphere
  • Many families make this an annual tradition - consider dressing up for a special holiday outing
  • The Wortham Center offers excellent sightlines throughout, but avoid extreme side seats for best view

Historical Context

Houston Ballet, founded in 1969, has grown into one of the nation's premier ballet companies. Their production of The Nutcracker, staged annually since the company's early years, has become Houston's quintessential holiday tradition. Artistic Director Stanton Welch's acclaimed version honors the classical ballet tradition while adding fresh theatrical elements that keep the production vibrant and relevant for contemporary audiences. The production has introduced countless Houston children to the art of ballet, many of whom have gone on to dance professionally.

Location