The Nutcracker 2026Denver · Mile High City

The Nutcracker with kids in Denver, 2026.

We found five Nutcrackers in and around Denver with 2026 dates posted: five ballet company productions. One has a sensory-friendly or relaxed performance. The closest, The Nutcracker by Colorado Ballet in Denver, 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?The Nutcracker (sensory-friendly): Relaxed house rules: kids can get up, move around, and leave and come back whenever they need to. The battle explosion is cut and the lights stay steady1 showIs there a shorter kids’ version?None posted near here yet. Check each card’s run time.Not yet

Last checked · 5 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 Belliston BalletBallet company · to Nov 29 · Newman Center, University of Denver28NovSatThe Nutcracker by Colorado BalletBallet company · to Dec 27 · Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St.29NovSunThe Nutcracker (sensory-friendly)Ballet company · Sunday, Nov 29 at 1 p.m. · Ellie Caulkins Opera House6DecSunThe Nutcracker by Colorado Dance ArtsBallet company · Dec 6 at 1 and 4 p.m. · D'Evelyn Jr-Sr High School13DecSunThe Nutcracker by Littleton Youth BalletBallet company · to Dec 20 · See the ballet's page for venues

Shows

Nutcracker shows near Denver

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

Nov28to 29

The Nutcracker by Belliston Ballet

Newman Center, University of Denver · Denver, CO · about 5 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Nov 28 at 2 and 6:30 p.m.; Nov 29 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov28to Dec 27

The Nutcracker by Colorado Ballet

Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St. · Denver, CO · about 1 mile away

Ballet company
Times
Not listed
Run time
1 hour 50 minutes with one intermission
Ages
Not listed
Price
From $40

Good to know: There is a small on-stage explosion, dry ice and some lighting effects.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov29Sun

The Nutcracker (sensory-friendly)

Ellie Caulkins Opera House · Denver, CO · about 1 mile away

Ballet companySensory-friendly
Times
Sunday, Nov 29 at 1 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Sensory-friendly
Relaxed house rules: kids can get up, move around, and leave and come back whenever they need to. The battle explosion is cut and the lights stay steady
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec6Sun

The Nutcracker by Colorado Dance Arts

D'Evelyn Jr-Sr High School · Lakewood, CO · about 10 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Dec 6 at 1 and 4 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
$35; kids 3 to 17 $30; under 3 free on a lap
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec13to 20

The Nutcracker by Littleton Youth Ballet

See the ballet's page for venues · Littleton, CO · about 12 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Dec 13 at 5 p.m.; Dec 18 to 20 with matinees and evenings
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Know one we missed?Send us the company’s or theater’s page and we’ll check the dates and add it.Suggest a show

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 Denver

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Good questions

The Nutcracker in Denver: the FAQ

The Nutcracker by Belliston Ballet at Newman Center, University of Denver: Nov 28 – Nov 29. The Nutcracker by Colorado Ballet at Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St.: Nov 28 – Dec 27. Price: From $40. The Nutcracker (sensory-friendly) at Ellie Caulkins Opera House: Sun, Nov 29, 2026. The Nutcracker by Colorado Dance Arts at D'Evelyn Jr-Sr High School: Sun, Dec 6, 2026. Price: $35; kids 3 to 17 $30; under 3 free on a lap. Plus one more on this page.

The Nutcracker (sensory-friendly): Relaxed house rules: kids can get up, move around, and leave and come back whenever they need to. The battle explosion is cut and the lights stay steady.

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 Denver that weekend, holiday shows included.

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