We found three Nutcrackers in and around Lakeland with 2026 dates posted: three ballet company productions. The closest, The Nutcracker by International Ballet of Florida, is in Lakeland. Each card has the run time, the youngest age the company allows and the ticket price as posted.
By date
Tap a show for run time, ages, prices and any sensory-friendly performance.
Ballet company · to Dec 27 · Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center5DecSatThe Nutcracker by Tampa City BalletBallet company · to Dec 19 · University of South Florida, then New Tampa Performing Arts Center20DecSunThe Nutcracker by International Ballet of FloridaBallet company · Dec 20 at 2 p.m. · Polk TheatreNothing matches that filter yet.
Shows
Dates, run times, ages and prices come from each ballet company’s or theater’s own page.
Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center · Orlando, FL · about 55 miles from Lakeland
Good to know: The professional company's full production, with dates running from early December through the 27th.
University of South Florida, then New Tampa Performing Arts Center · Tampa, FL · about 35 miles from Lakeland
Good to know: Two runs: Dec. 5 to 8 at the University of South Florida, then Dec. 11 to 19 at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Showtimes are on the ticket page.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL · downtown
Good to know: Choreographed by Vadim Fedotov, with international guest dancers.
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
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Free things to do in LakelandFree days, free events and places that never charge
Thanksgiving weekend in LakelandParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
Christmas parades in LakelandParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesChristmas trains in LakelandPolar Express, Santa and lights trains with dates
Christmas markets in LakelandChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hours
This week in LakelandDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
The Nutcracker by Orlando Ballet at Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center: Dec 4 – Dec 27. Price: No ticket listed. The Nutcracker by Tampa City Ballet at University of South Florida, then New Tampa Performing Arts Center: Dec 5 – Dec 19. Price: No ticket listed. The Nutcracker by International Ballet of Florida at Polk Theatre: Sun, Dec 20, 2026.
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.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Lakeland that weekend, holiday shows included.
