This holiday season, step into a world of wonder as Nashville Ballet presents the return of a beloved tradition, “Nashville’s Nutcracker,” choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Paul Vasterling. A dazzling blend of history, imagination, and timeless storytelling, this Emmy Award-winning production has become the crown jewel of Middle Tennessee’s holiday season and a cherished experience for audiences of all ages in Jackson Hall of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in downtown Nashville.
From its exquisite costumes and grand sets to its joyful, heartwarming spirit, “Nashville’s Nutcracker” is a celebration of community, creativity, and the magic of the holidays. Beloved by generations of Tennesseans, this festive favorite continues to capture the wonder of the season with every pirouette. Whether it’s a treasured annual tradition or your very first time, Nashville’s Nutcracker is the perfect holiday gift to share with friends and family. This unforgettable holiday classic lights up the stage and the season — a sparkling celebration of joy, music, and dance that only Nashville Ballet can deliver.
Set against the rich backdrop of Music City’s past, this uniquely Nashville retelling of the classic tale invites you to journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince through a magical world of twinkling snowflakes, the breathtaking Kingdom of the Sweets, and a daring battle with the Mouse King, all brought to life with live accompaniment by the Nashville Symphony. “Nashville’s Nutcracker” not only showcases the incredible cast of company dancers and members of NB2, Nashville Ballet’s official second company, but also more than 200 local community youth and School of Nashville Ballet students.
“Each year, ‘Nashville’s Nutcracker’ brings together artists, students, families and audiences to celebrate the joy of the holiday season through dance,” said Nick Mullikin, Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director and CEO. “What makes this production so special is how it reflects the heart and spirit of Music City. From the vibrant storytelling to the extraordinary live music performed by The Nashville Symphony, this production showcases the power of collaboration between our city’s finest artists. Nashville’s Nutcracker isn’t just a performance, it’s a celebration of who we are as a community. This year, we’re thrilled to expand that celebration with new themed evenings that highlight the diversity, inclusion and creativity that define Nashville today.”
Audiences have come to love that Nashville’s Nutcracker weaves Music City’s rich history into the classic children’s story of Clara Stahlbaum, the brave Nutcracker Prince and the magical kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Inspired by the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, the production showcases the unique history and cultural innovation of Music City with scenes set in Nashville landmarks such as Shelby Bottoms, Centennial Park and the Belle Meade Mansion. The whimsical story follows Clara and her Uncle Drosselmeyer as they explore the Exposition, where they experience inventions from across the globe and are introduced to the Nutcracker for the first time, before embarking on a magical adventure.
This cherished production is an experience designed for the entire family. Families with children are encouraged to arrive up to 40 minutes early to participate in pre-performance story times hosted by Nashville Ballet teaching artists, enjoy meet-and-greets with favorite Nutcracker characters, take photos in the commemorative photo booth and shop exclusive holiday merchandise featuring Nashville’s Nutcracker dolls and ornaments.
Tickets are still available, so get your tickets now as it’s expected to sell out. Single tickets start at just $45. For more information and / or to purchase tickets, please visit: NashvilleBallet.com
