From professional ballet companies to local dance schools, performances of The Nutcracker can be found all over Indianapolis. Below we’ve divided out the events by opportunities for families who can handle a full performance (think ages 4+), and those perfect for your wiggle worms (tots + preschool).
Here’s where you can find the Nutcracker Ballet in Indianapolis in 2023:
*Indicates 2022 dates. Indy’s Child will continue to update as 2023 Nutcracker Ballet information is available.
For families ready to see a full performance:
Indiana Ballet Conservatory
November 26-27, 2022| Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts – Carmel
Experience the magic of Indiana’s premier Nutcracker ballet tradition as Indiana Ballet Conservatory presents The Nutcracker. This version is closest to the original Nutcracker ballet that debuted over 100 years ago in Russia, so you won’t want to miss this timeless and beloved holiday favorite!
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble
December 1-3, 2023 | STAR Bank Performing Arts Center – Zionsville, IN
A true holiday classic, The Nutcracker brings to the stage the joy and magic of the Christmas season! After an incredibly challenging past year, CIDE looks forward to enlivening the hearts and imaginations of its audience members with the happiness of the holiday spirit and the beauty of Clara’s fantasy world.
Butler Ballet at Clowes Memorial Hall
November 30-December 3, 2023 | Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University – Indianapolis
Like the holiday season, Butler Ballet‘s family tradition returns once again. Come join us in the celebration of gathering together to revel in the magic and spectacle of live ballet; spectacular dancing, beautiful costumes, glorious scenery, and pyrotechnical flash. Once again, the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s music will be brought to life by the Butler Ballet Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir under the direction of Richard Auldon Clark.
Dance Creations Academy Repertory Company
December 2-3, 2023 | Mt. Vernon High School
Dance Creations Academy will perform The Nutcracker at Mt. Vernon High School on December 2 & 3. The Nutcracker! Performance is approximately 1.5 hrs and includes an intermission. Suitable for young children.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre Troupe at Pike Performing Arts Center
Weekends December 1-10, 2023 | The Florence
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s full-length modern version of The Nutcracker features the highly talented dancers of G2, the pre-professional company of GHDT. G2 is joined by students from The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and other young student dancers as they fill the stage with movement and color.
Ballet Theatre Of Carmel
December 15-17, 2023 | STAR Bank Performing Arts Center – Zionsville, IN
Join the Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy’s pre-professional ballet company for this spectacular holiday tradition in the heart of downtown Zionsville! This is a family-friendly production with plenty of pre- and post-show activities to get everyone into the holiday spirit!
Indianapolis Ballet’s The Nutcracker
December 15-17, 2023 | The Murat at the Old National Centre
An Indianapolis holiday season tradition continues with the Tchaikovsky masterpiece. Join the Indianapolis Ballet at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre to experience Indianapolis Ballet’s iconic holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Indianapolis Ballet is thrilled to bring the audiences joy, laughter, and love through magical storytelling and dancing.
Ballet INitiative presents “Nutcracker with a Twist”
December 15-17, 2023 | The Basile Theatre at the Historic Athenaeum
Follow the classic story of Clara and her Nutcracker doll, with a twist! At a Christmas party in 1920, Clara receives a nutcracker doll and dreams that she comes to life to take her to the beautiful fantasy world full of sugary delights, the Land of Sweets. Set to both the original Tchaikovsky score and Duke Ellington’s jazzy suite, you’ll enjoy tapping soldiers, whirling snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy along with Charleston’s, flappers, and of course, jazz!
For the wiggly worms: Most of these performances are under an hour, and perfect for younger children.
Indianapolis Ballet’s Nutcracker Sweets
December 21-23 & 27-30, 2023 | The Toby at Newfields
The holiday tradition you know and love, deliciously bite-sized. Join the Indianapolis Ballet at The Toby at Newfields to experience Nutcracker Sweets, a one-hour abbreviated version of The Nutcracker. Indianapolis Ballet is thrilled to bring the audience joy, laughter, and love through magical storytelling and dancing.
The Nutcracker Story Time with Central Indiana Dance Ensemble*
November 29, 2021 | Hussey-Mayfield Public Library – Zionsville
Ages 3+. Come listen to the wonderful story of “The Nutcracker” as told by the beautiful dancers. It will be followed by a performance from Clara and The Sugar Plum Fairy! Enjoy pictures and dancing with the characters after the story! Program provided by Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. Registration required.
Nutcracker: Short & Suite
December 10, 2023 | 2 pm & 5 pm | Star Bank Performing Arts Center at Zionsville Community High School
The Village Dance Studio is proud to present you with excerpts from The Nutcracker, a holiday classic ballet. They have designed this production to be family-friendly, as the Nutcracker Ballet is a magical part of the holiday season and should be enjoyed by everyone.
