The Nutcracker 2026Cleveland · The Land

The Nutcracker with kids in Cleveland, 2026.

We found four Nutcrackers in and around Cleveland with 2026 dates posted: four ballet company productions. The closest, The Nutcracker by Cleveland Ballet in Cleveland, is about 1 miles out. 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.

28NovSatThe Nutcracker by Ballet Theatre of OhioBallet company · to Dec 6 · Akron Civic Theatre1DecTueThe Nutcracker by World Ballet CompanyBallet company · Tue Dec 1 at 7 p.m. · Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave11DecFriThe Nutcracker by Cleveland BalletBallet company · to Dec 20 · Connor Palace, Playhouse Square12DecSatThe Uniquely Cleveland NutcrackerBallet company · Dec 12 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. · Lakewood Civic Auditorium

Shows

Nutcracker shows near Cleveland

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

Nov28to Dec 6

The Nutcracker by Ballet Theatre of Ohio

Akron Civic Theatre · Akron, OH · about 40 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Nov 28 and Dec 5 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Nov 29 and Dec 6 at 2 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec1Tue

The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company

Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave · Warren, OH · about 55 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Tue Dec 1 at 7 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Ages 2 and up only
Price
$72.25–$135 with fees

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

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec11to 20

The Nutcracker by Cleveland Ballet

Connor Palace, Playhouse Square · Cleveland, OH · about 1 mile away

Ballet company
Times
Matinees at 1 p.m. on Dec 12, 13, 19 and 20, plus evening shows
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec12Sat

The Uniquely Cleveland Nutcracker

Lakewood Civic Auditorium · Lakewood, OH · about 6 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Dec 12 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Kids $35 in advance, adults $45; more at the door
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem

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 Cleveland

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Good questions

The Nutcracker in Cleveland: the FAQ

The Nutcracker by Ballet Theatre of Ohio at Akron Civic Theatre: Nov 28 – Dec 6. The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company at Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave: Tue Dec 1. Price: $72.25–$135 with fees. The Nutcracker by Cleveland Ballet at Connor Palace, Playhouse Square: Dec 11 – Dec 20. The Uniquely Cleveland Nutcracker at Lakewood Civic Auditorium: Sat, Dec 12, 2026. Price: Kids $35 in advance, adults $45; more at the door.

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 Cleveland that weekend, holiday shows included.

Cleveland skyline