We found three Nutcrackers in and around Portland with 2026 dates posted: one ballet company production and two shorter kids’ versions. One has a sensory-friendly or relaxed performance. The closest, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker in Portland, 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 · Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St.12DecSatA Nutcracker TeaKids’ version · to Dec 20 · See the company page for the venue23DecWedDominic Walsh's Storybook Nutcracker (sensory-friendly)Kids’ version · Wednesday, Dec 23 at 10:30 a.m. · Keller AuditoriumNothing matches that filter yet.
Shows
Dates, run times, ages and prices come from each ballet company’s or theater’s own page.
Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St. · Portland, OR · about 1 mile away
Good to know: Live music from the OBT Orchestra at every show. Everyone needs a ticket, babies included.
See the company page for the venue · Portland, OR · about 8 miles away
Good to know: A Nutcracker ballet with a tea, danced by the pre-professional company.
Keller Auditorium · Portland, OR · about 1 mile away
Good to know: Danced by OBT2. Single tickets go on sale later in the fall.
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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Christmas break in PortlandWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1
This week in PortlandDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St.: Dec 5 – Dec 24. Price: From $39, fees included. A Nutcracker Tea at See the company page for the venue: Dec 12 – Dec 20. Dominic Walsh's Storybook Nutcracker (sensory-friendly) at Keller Auditorium: Wed, Dec 23, 2026.
Dominic Walsh's Storybook Nutcracker (sensory-friendly): A short, narrated version made for young kids, with recorded music and softer sound and lighting.
A Nutcracker Tea at See the company page for the venue: Dec 12 – Dec 20. Dominic Walsh's Storybook Nutcracker (sensory-friendly) at Keller Auditorium: Wed, Dec 23, 2026.
It depends on the company. George Balanchine's The Nutcracker: All ages welcome. 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 Portland that weekend, holiday shows included.
