We found four Nutcrackers in and around New York City with 2026 dates posted: three ballet company productions and one shorter kids’ version. One has a sensory-friendly or relaxed performance. The closest, My First Nutcracker in Manhattan, is about 1 miles out.
By date
Tap a show for run time, ages, prices and any sensory-friendly performance.
Ballet company · to Jan 2 · David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center27NovFriThe Nutcracker by World Ballet CompanyBallet company · Fri Nov 27 at 7 p.m. · Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, 46 Washington Ave5DecSatMy First NutcrackerKids’ version · to Dec 22 · Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St.12DecSatThe Brooklyn NutcrackerBallet company · to Dec 20 · The Theater at City Tech, 275 Jay St.Nothing matches that filter yet.
Shows
Dates, run times, ages and prices come from each ballet company’s or theater’s own page.
David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center · Manhattan, NY · about 3 miles away
Good to know: NYCB lists a sensory-friendly performance on Jan 3, 2027 at 1 p.m., just after the regular run.
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, 46 Washington Ave · Carteret, NJ · about 20 miles away
Good to know: A touring show, about 1 hour 40 minutes with a 20-minute intermission.
Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St. · Manhattan, NY · about 1 mile away
Good to know: Interactive, so kids can move and answer along.
The Theater at City Tech, 275 Jay St. · Brooklyn, NY · about 2 miles away
Good to know: Mixes ballet with hip-hop and other Brooklyn dance styles.
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 NYCEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in NYCEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in NYCFree days, free events and places that never charge
Indoor play in NYCIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Ice skating in NYCHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
Thanksgiving weekend in NYCParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
Noon Year’s Eve in NYCKid-friendly countdowns, home by nap
Christmas parades in NYCParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesChristmas trains in NYCPolar Express, Santa and lights trains with dates
Christmas markets in NYCChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hours
Christmas break in NYCWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1
This week in NYCDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center: Nov 27 – Jan 2. The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company at Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, 46 Washington Ave: Fri Nov 27. Price: $47.50–$113.50 with fees. My First Nutcracker at Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St.: Dec 5 – Dec 22. The Brooklyn Nutcracker at The Theater at City Tech, 275 Jay St.: Dec 12 – Dec 20.
My First Nutcracker: Some dates are sensory-friendly; they are marked on the show calendar.
My First Nutcracker at Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St.: Dec 5 – Dec 22, About 50 minutes.
It depends on the company. The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company: Ages 2 and up only. My First Nutcracker: Ages 3 to 8. 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 NYC that weekend, holiday shows included.
