The Nutcracker 2026Hartford and New Haven · The Insurance Capital

The Nutcracker with kids in Hartford and New Haven, 2026.

We found three Nutcrackers in and around Hartford and New Haven with 2026 dates posted: three ballet company productions. The closest, The Nutcracker by New Haven Ballet, is in New Haven. 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 · 3 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.

11DecFriThe Nutcracker by New Haven BalletBallet company · to Dec 13 · Shubert Theatre19DecSatThe Nutcracker by Connecticut Ballet with the Hartford SymphonyBallet company · to Dec 20 · The Bushnell, Belding Theater, 166 Capitol Ave.19DecSatThe Nutcracker by Woodbury BalletBallet company · Sat Dec 19 at 4 p.m. · Palace Theater, 100 E. Main St.

Shows

Nutcracker shows near Hartford

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

Dec11to 13

The Nutcracker by New Haven Ballet

Shubert Theatre · New Haven, CT · downtown

Ballet company
Times
Dec 11 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec 12 at 1 and 5 p.m.; Dec 13 at 1 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec19to 20

The Nutcracker by Connecticut Ballet with the Hartford Symphony

The Bushnell, Belding Theater, 166 Capitol Ave. · Hartford, CT · downtown

Ballet company
Times
Dec 19 at 2 and 6 p.m.; Dec 20 at 1 and 5 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
From $93.50

Good to know: Live orchestra and a meet-and-greet in the lobby after each show. Free parking across the street at 107 Capitol Ave.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec19Sat

The Nutcracker by Woodbury Ballet

Palace Theater, 100 E. Main St. · Waterbury, CT

Ballet company
Times
Sat Dec 19 at 4 p.m. (one show only)
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed

Good to know: Woodbury Ballet's yearly Nutcracker, billed by the theater as family-friendly. There's just the one matinee.

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 Hartford

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Good questions

The Nutcracker in Hartford and New Haven: the FAQ

The Nutcracker by New Haven Ballet at Shubert Theatre: Dec 11 – Dec 13. The Nutcracker by Connecticut Ballet with the Hartford Symphony at The Bushnell, Belding Theater, 166 Capitol Ave.: Dec 19 – Dec 20. Price: From $93.50. The Nutcracker by Woodbury Ballet at Palace Theater, 100 E. Main St.: Sat Dec 19.

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

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 Hartford that weekend, holiday shows included.

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