We found five Nutcrackers in and around Indianapolis with 2026 dates posted: four ballet company productions and one shorter kids’ version. Two have a sensory-friendly or relaxed performance. The closest, The Nutcracker by Indianapolis Ballet in Indianapolis, is about 6 miles out.
By date
Tap a show for run time, ages, prices and any sensory-friendly performance.
Ballet company · to Nov 29 · Payne & Mencias Palladium4DecFriThe Nutcracker at IU Jacobs School of MusicBallet company · to Dec 12 · Musical Arts Center, 101 N. Eagleson Ave.11DecFriThe Nutcracker by Central Indiana Dance EnsembleBallet company · to Dec 13 · STAR Bank Performing Arts Center at Zionsville High School17DecThuThe Nutcracker by Indianapolis BalletBallet company · to Dec 22 · Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University27DecSunNutcracker SweetsKids’ version · to Dec 30 · Schrott Center for the Arts, Butler UniversityNothing matches that filter yet.
Shows
Dates, run times, ages and prices come from each ballet company’s or theater’s own page.
Payne & Mencias Palladium · Carmel, IN · about 15 miles away
Good to know: A traditional staging based on Vasily Vainonen's 1934 choreography, with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra playing the score live. Thanksgiving weekend makes it one of the earliest Nutcrackers in the area.
Musical Arts Center, 101 N. Eagleson Ave. · Bloomington, IN · about 50 miles away
Good to know: Sasha Janes's staging follows young Marie and her Aunt Drosselmeier, with Arthur Fagen conducting. This production aired nationally on public television last season.
STAR Bank Performing Arts Center at Zionsville High School · Zionsville, IN · about 17 miles away
Good to know: A Sugar Plum Fairy Dessert Party at 12:30 p.m. before each matinee is ticketed separately.
Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University · Indianapolis, IN · about 6 miles away
Good to know: The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra plays the other six shows live.
Schrott Center for the Arts, Butler University · Indianapolis, IN · about 6 miles away
Good to know: A one-hour version of the ballet from the company's Family Series.
Know one we missed?Send us the company’s or theater’s page and we’ll check the dates and add it.Suggest a showBefore you go
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
November: things to do in IndyEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in IndyEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in IndyFree days, free events and places that never chargeFree museum days in IndyFree days, Museums on Us and EBT discounts, with who gets in
Indoor play in IndyIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Library storytimes in IndyBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branch
Ice skating in IndyHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
Thanksgiving weekend in IndyParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
Noon Year’s Eve in IndyKid-friendly countdowns, home by nap
Christmas parades in IndyParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesChristmas trains in IndyPolar Express, Santa and lights trains with dates
Christmas markets in IndyChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hours
Christmas break in IndyWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1
Playgrounds in IndyParks with a playground, restrooms and shelters
Splash pads in IndySpraygrounds with addresses and last season’s hoursBirthday party places in IndyStarting prices, ages and what’s included
Summer camps in IndyCamps for ages 3–6 and when registration opens
This week in IndyDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
The Nutcracker by Indiana Ballet Conservatory at Payne & Mencias Palladium: Sat Nov 28 and Sun Nov 29. Price: Not listed on the productions page. The Nutcracker at IU Jacobs School of Music at Musical Arts Center, 101 N. Eagleson Ave.: Next: Fri Dec 4, Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6, Fri Dec 11 and 1 more. Price: $29–$65 with no processing fees. The Nutcracker by Central Indiana Dance Ensemble at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center at Zionsville High School: Fri Dec 11, Sat Dec 12 and Sun Dec 13. Price: Not listed on the season page. The Nutcracker by Indianapolis Ballet at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University: Next: Thu Dec 17, Fri Dec 18, Sat Dec 19, Sun Dec 20 and 1 more. Price: From about $45 on Ticketmaster. Plus one more on this page.
The Nutcracker by Central Indiana Dance Ensemble: Both 2 p.m. matinees are relaxed performances, so kids can talk quietly and leave their seats. The Nutcracker by Indianapolis Ballet: Dec 17 at 7:30 p.m. is sensory-friendly: house lights stay low, no strobes, louder moments softened, free movement, a quiet room, and no live orchestra that night.
Nutcracker Sweets at Schrott Center for the Arts, Butler University: Dec 27 – Dec 30, About 1 hour.
It depends on the company. The Nutcracker by Indianapolis Ballet: Recommended for ages 5 and up. Nutcracker Sweets: Made for young kids and first-time ballet-goers. 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.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Indy that weekend, holiday shows included.
