The Nutcracker 2026Buffalo · The Queen City of the Lakes

The Nutcracker with kids in Buffalo, 2026.

We found four Nutcrackers in and around Buffalo with 2026 dates posted: four ballet company productions. The closest, The Nutcracker by American Academy of Ballet, is in Amherst. Each card has the run time, the youngest age the company allows and the ticket price as posted.

The quick answersChecked
Is there a sensory-friendly show?None posted near here for 2026 yet.Not yetIs there a shorter kids’ version?None posted near here yet. Check each card’s run time.Not yet

Last checked · 4 shows · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every Nutcracker, by opening date

Tap a show for run time, ages, prices and any sensory-friendly performance.

4DecFriThe Nutcracker by Neglia BalletBallet company · to Dec 6 · Shea's Buffalo Theatre, 646 Main St.5DecSatThe Nutcracker by American Academy of BalletBallet company · Sat Dec 5 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. · UB Center for the Arts Mainstage Theatre, 103 Center for the Arts12DecSatThe Nutcracker by The Classical Ballet of WNYBallet company · to Dec 13 · Historic Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave.26DecSatThe Nutcracker by World Ballet CompanyBallet company · Sat Dec 26 at 7 p.m. · Historic Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave

Shows

Nutcracker shows near Buffalo

Dates, run times, ages and prices come from each ballet company’s or theater’s own page.

Dec4to 6

The Nutcracker by Neglia Ballet

Shea's Buffalo Theatre, 646 Main St. · Buffalo, NY · about 1 mile away

Ballet company
Times
Fri Dec 4 at 7 p.m.; Sat Dec 5 at 2 p.m.; Sun Dec 6 at 1 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed

Good to know: The lobby opens an hour before showtime, which gives kids time to settle in.

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Dec5Sat

The Nutcracker by American Academy of Ballet

UB Center for the Arts Mainstage Theatre, 103 Center for the Arts · Amherst, NY · UB North Campus

Ballet company
Times
Sat Dec 5 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed

Good to know: A child-friendly Nutcracker in its 30th year, with a dragon in China and Santa's elves at the North Pole along Clara's journey.

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Dec12to 13

The Nutcracker by The Classical Ballet of WNY

Historic Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave. · Lockport, NY · about 25 miles from Buffalo

Ballet company
Times
Sat Dec 12 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sun Dec 13 at 2 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed

Good to know: A Lockport tradition since 2002, now in its 24th year, with handmade costumes and sets by local artisans.

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Dec26Sat

The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company

Historic Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave · Lockport, NY · about 25 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Sat Dec 26 at 7 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Ages 2 and up only
Price
$44–$89 with fees

Good to know: A touring show, about 1 hour 40 minutes with a 20-minute intermission.

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Before you go

Making the ballet work with little ones

TimingPick a matineeAfternoon shows fit around naps, and most full Nutcrackers run about two hours with an intermission.
SeatsSit on an aisleAn aisle seat makes a quick break in the lobby easy. Check the company’s age rule before you buy, since many ask that every child have a ticket.
SoundBring ear protection if they need itThe battle scene can be loud. Sensory-friendly shows keep the house lights up and the sound lower.

Keep planning

More for little kids in Buffalo

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Good questions

The Nutcracker in Buffalo: the FAQ

The Nutcracker by Neglia Ballet at Shea's Buffalo Theatre, 646 Main St.: Dec 4 – Dec 6. The Nutcracker by American Academy of Ballet at UB Center for the Arts Mainstage Theatre, 103 Center for the Arts: Sat Dec 5. The Nutcracker by The Classical Ballet of WNY at Historic Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave.: Sat Dec 12 and Sun Dec 13. The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company at Historic Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave: Sat Dec 26. Price: $44–$89 with fees.

Not one we could confirm on an official page for 2026. We add one as soon as a company posts it.

It depends on the company. The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company: Ages 2 and up only. A full Nutcracker usually runs about two hours with an intermission, so a matinee is easier with preschoolers.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Buffalo that weekend, holiday shows included.

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