The Nutcracker 2026Columbus · Ohio’s capital

The Nutcracker with kids in Columbus, 2026.

We found four Nutcrackers in and around Columbus with 2026 dates posted: three ballet company productions and one shorter kids’ version. One has a sensory-friendly or relaxed performance. The closest, The Nutcracker by BalletMet in Columbus, is about 1 miles out.

The quick answersChecked
Is there a sensory-friendly show?My First Nutcracker: Both shows are sensory-friendly: open seating, dimmer house lights, lower volume, a calming area, and you can come and go as needed1 showIs there a shorter kids’ version?My First Nutcracker, About 1 hour: from Dec 22.1 show

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.

27NovFriThe Nutcracker by Central Ohio Youth BalletBallet company · to Nov 29 · Midland Theatre10DecThuThe Nutcracker by BalletMetBallet company · to Dec 27 · Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.11DecFriThe Nutcracker by New Albany Children's Ballet TheatreBallet company · to Dec 13 · McCoy Center for the Arts22DecTueMy First NutcrackerKids’ version · to Dec 23 · Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

Shows

Nutcracker shows near Columbus

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

Nov27to 29

The Nutcracker by Central Ohio Youth Ballet

Midland Theatre · Newark, OH · about 35 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Nov 27 and Nov 29
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
$24 to $29
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec10to 27

The Nutcracker by BalletMet

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. · Columbus, OH · about 1 mile away

Ballet company
Times
Evenings at 7:30 p.m. with weekend and holiday matinees, including Dec 19 at 2 p.m. and Dec 24 at noon
Run time
About 1 hour 50 minutes with a 20-minute intermission
Ages
Billed for all ages
Price
Not listed

Good to know: Dec 18 is an ugly holiday sweater night. Dec 20 is Columbus Zoo Day.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec11to 13

The Nutcracker by New Albany Children's Ballet Theatre

McCoy Center for the Arts · New Albany, OH · about 15 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Not listed
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec22to 23

My First Nutcracker

Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. · Columbus, OH · about 1 mile away

Kids’ versionSensory-friendly
Times
Dec 22 and 23 at 11 a.m.
Run time
About 1 hour
Ages
Made for the youngest fans; everyone needs a ticket, babies included
Price
Not listed
Sensory-friendly
Both shows are sensory-friendly: open seating, dimmer house lights, lower volume, a calming area, and you can come and go as needed

Good to know: A shortened version of the full ballet with a character guide on the BalletMet site.

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 Columbus

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Good questions

The Nutcracker in Columbus: the FAQ

The Nutcracker by Central Ohio Youth Ballet at Midland Theatre: Nov 27 – Nov 29. Price: $24 to $29. The Nutcracker by BalletMet at Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.: Dec 10 – Dec 27. The Nutcracker by New Albany Children's Ballet Theatre at McCoy Center for the Arts: Dec 11 – Dec 13. My First Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.: Dec 22 – Dec 23.

My First Nutcracker: Both shows are sensory-friendly: open seating, dimmer house lights, lower volume, a calming area, and you can come and go as needed.

My First Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.: Dec 22 – Dec 23, About 1 hour.

It depends on the company. The Nutcracker by BalletMet: Billed for all ages. My First Nutcracker: Made for the youngest fans; everyone needs a ticket, babies included. 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 Columbus that weekend, holiday shows included.

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