The Nutcracker 2026Minneapolis–St. Paul · The Twin Cities

The Nutcracker with kids in Minneapolis–St. Paul, 2026.

We found three Nutcrackers in and around Minneapolis–St. Paul with 2026 dates posted: three ballet company productions. The closest, Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy in Minneapolis, 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?None posted near here for 2026 yet.Not yetIs there a shorter kids’ version?None posted near here yet. Check each card’s run time.Not yet

Last checked · 3 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.

11DecFriThe Nutcracker by Minnesota Ballet SchoolBallet company · to Dec 13 · Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center, 17185 Valley View Road12DecSatLoyce Houlton's Nutcracker FantasyBallet company · to Dec 20 · State Theatre18DecFriNutcracker in WonderlandBallet company · to Dec 20 · Ted Mann Concert Hall

Shows

Nutcracker shows near Twin Cities

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

Dec11to 13

The Nutcracker by Minnesota Ballet School

Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center, 17185 Valley View Road · Eden Prairie, MN · about 13 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Fri Dec 11 at 7 p.m.; Sat Dec 12 at 1 and 6 p.m.; Sun Dec 13 at 1 p.m.
Run time
About 2 hours, including a 20-minute intermission
Ages
Not listed
Price
$33–$45; VIP $75. Two adult tickets can include a free ticket for a child under 5.
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec12to 20

Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy

State Theatre · Minneapolis, MN · about 1 mile away

Ballet company
Times
Dec 12 and 19 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec 13 and 20 at 3 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec18to 20

Nutcracker in Wonderland

Ted Mann Concert Hall · Minneapolis, MN · about 2 miles away

Ballet company
Times
Fri Dec 18 at 7 p.m.; Sat Dec 19 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sun Dec 20 at 2 p.m.
Run time
About 90 minutes, plus a 20-minute intermission
Ages
Not listed
Price
From $40, fees included; a matinee VIP add-on is $40

Good to know: The Nutcracker woven together with Alice in Wonderland. A post-show add-on lets kids meet dancers and stand on the stage.

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

More for little kids in Twin Cities

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Good questions

The Nutcracker in Minneapolis–St. Paul: the FAQ

The Nutcracker by Minnesota Ballet School at Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center, 17185 Valley View Road: Dec 11 – Dec 13. Price: $33–$45; VIP $75. Two adult tickets can include a free ticket for a child under 5. Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy at State Theatre: Dec 12 – Dec 20. Price: Not listed. Nutcracker in Wonderland at Ted Mann Concert Hall: Dec 18 – Dec 20. Price: From $40, fees included; a matinee VIP add-on is $40.

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 Nov 4, 2026, and we recheck them every week through December. How we choose and check.

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