The Nutcracker 2026Pittsburgh · The Steel City

The Nutcracker with kids in Pittsburgh, 2026.

We found five Nutcrackers in and around Pittsburgh with 2026 dates posted: five ballet company productions. One has a sensory-friendly or relaxed performance. The closest, The Nutcracker by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in Pittsburgh, is about 1 miles out. 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?The Nutcracker (sensory-friendly): A relaxed show where extra sound and movement in the seats is expected, with softer sound and effects and quiet spaces in the lobby1 showIs there a shorter kids’ version?None posted near here yet. Check each card’s run time.Not yet

Last checked · 5 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.

4DecFriThe Nutcracker by Pittsburgh Ballet TheatreBallet company · to Dec 27 · Benedum Center5DecSatThe Nutcracker by Texture Ballet SchoolBallet company · to Dec 12 · See Texture's page for venues6DecSunThe Nutcracker (sensory-friendly)Ballet company · Sunday, Dec 6 at 4:30 p.m. · Benedum Center11DecFriThe Nutcracker by Ballet Academy of PittsburghBallet company · to Dec 13 · Thomas Jefferson High School Theater12DecSatJazz NutcrackerBallet company · to Dec 13 · Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Shows

Nutcracker shows near Pittsburgh

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

Dec4to 27

The Nutcracker by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Benedum Center · Pittsburgh, PA · about 1 mile away

Ballet company
Times
Not listed
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec5to 12

The Nutcracker by Texture Ballet School

See Texture's page for venues · Pittsburgh, PA · about 1 mile away

Ballet company
Times
Dec 5 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec 12 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in Greensburg
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec6Sun

The Nutcracker (sensory-friendly)

Benedum Center · Pittsburgh, PA · about 1 mile away

Ballet companySensory-friendly
Times
Sunday, Dec 6 at 4:30 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Sensory-friendly
A relaxed show where extra sound and movement in the seats is expected, with softer sound and effects and quiet spaces in the lobby
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec11to 13

The Nutcracker by Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh

Thomas Jefferson High School Theater · Jefferson Hills, PA · about 12 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Dec 11 at 7 p.m.; Dec 12 and 13 at noon and 5 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
$20 reserved seats
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec12to 13

Jazz Nutcracker

Kelly Strayhorn Theater · Pittsburgh, PA · about 5 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Dec 12 at 7 p.m.; Dec 13 at 2 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
$35; kids under 12 $25

Good to know: Ballet set to a jazz take on the score.

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

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Good questions

The Nutcracker in Pittsburgh: the FAQ

The Nutcracker by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre at Benedum Center: Dec 4 – Dec 27. The Nutcracker by Texture Ballet School at See Texture's page for venues: Dec 5 – Dec 12. The Nutcracker (sensory-friendly) at Benedum Center: Sun, Dec 6, 2026. The Nutcracker by Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh at Thomas Jefferson High School Theater: Dec 11 – Dec 13. Price: $20 reserved seats. Plus one more on this page.

The Nutcracker (sensory-friendly): A relaxed show where extra sound and movement in the seats is expected, with softer sound and effects and quiet spaces in the lobby.

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 Pittsburgh that weekend, holiday shows included.

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