We found four Nutcrackers in and around Kansas City 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 Kansas City Ballet in Kansas City, is about 1 miles out.
By date
Tap a show for run time, ages, prices and any sensory-friendly performance.
Ballet company · to Dec 24 · Muriel Kauffman Theatre, Kauffman Center, 1601 Broadway Blvd.3DecThuSensory-Friendly NutcrackerBallet company · Thursday, Dec 3 at 6 p.m. · Muriel Kauffman Theatre, Kauffman Center5DecSatNutcracker Tea PartyKids’ version · to Dec 6 · See the event page for the venue11DecFriThe Nutcracker, A Kansas BalletBallet company · to Dec 13 · Lawrence Arts CenterNothing matches that filter yet.
Shows
Dates, run times, ages and prices come from each ballet company’s or theater’s own page.
Muriel Kauffman Theatre, Kauffman Center, 1601 Broadway Blvd. · Kansas City, MO · about 1 mile away
Muriel Kauffman Theatre, Kauffman Center · Kansas City, MO · about 1 mile away
See the event page for the venue · Overland Park, KS · about 12 miles away
Good to know: A one-hour version of the ballet with a tea party, made for kids not ready for a two-hour show.
Lawrence Arts Center · Lawrence, KS · about 40 miles away
Before 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 KCEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in KCEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in KCFree days, free events and places that never chargeFree museum days in KCFree days, Museums on Us and EBT discounts, with who gets in
Indoor play in KCIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Library storytimes in KCStorytimes for ages 0–6, by day and branch
Ice skating in KCHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
Thanksgiving weekend in KCParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
Noon Year’s Eve in KCKid-friendly countdowns, home by nap
Christmas parades in KCParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesChristmas trains in KCPolar Express, Santa and lights trains with dates
Christmas markets in KCChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hours
Christmas tree farms in KCChoose-and-cut farms, wagon rides and kid notesTree lighting in KCDates, times and what the organizer posts for kidsChristmas break in KCWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1
Playgrounds in KCParks with a playground, restrooms and shelters
Splash pads in KCSpraygrounds with addresses and last season’s hoursBirthday party places in KCStarting prices, ages and what’s included
Youth soccer, T-ball and basketball in KCSoccer, T-ball and basketball for kids under 6, with sign-up dates
More things to do with kids in Kansas City this weekDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
The Nutcracker by Kansas City Ballet at Muriel Kauffman Theatre, Kauffman Center, 1601 Broadway Blvd.: Nov 28 – Dec 24. Price: $39 to $154. Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker at Muriel Kauffman Theatre, Kauffman Center: Thu, Dec 3, 2026. Price: $25. Nutcracker Tea Party at See the event page for the venue: Dec 5 – Dec 6. Price: $65 to $125. The Nutcracker, A Kansas Ballet at Lawrence Arts Center: Dec 11 – Dec 13. Price: From $30.
Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker: Lower sound with the loud surprises softened, house lights stay half up, and kids can get up, move around and talk during the show.
Nutcracker Tea Party at See the event page for the venue: Dec 5 – Dec 6, Under 1 hour.
It depends on the company. Nutcracker Tea Party: Best for ages 3 to 10. 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.
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