The Nutcracker 2026Virginia Beach–Norfolk · Hampton Roads

The Nutcracker with kids in Virginia Beach–Norfolk, 2026.

We found four Nutcrackers in and around Virginia Beach–Norfolk with 2026 dates posted: four ballet company productions. The closest, Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, is in Virginia Beach. 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 · 4 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.

25NovWedNutcracker! Magical Christmas BalletBallet company · Nov 25 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. · Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St4DecFriThe Nutcracker by United European BalletBallet company · to Dec 6 · Harrison Opera House11DecFriThe Nutcracker by Ballet VirginiaBallet company · to Dec 13 · Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St.21DecMonThe Nutcracker by World Ballet CompanyBallet company · to Dec 22 · Harrison Opera House, 160 W. Virginia Beach Blvd.

Shows

Nutcracker shows near Hampton Roads

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

Nov25Wed

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St · Virginia Beach, VA · Town Center

Ballet company
Times
Nov 25 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed yet; see the ticket page

Good to know: The national touring production, in town for one stop only.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec4to 6

The Nutcracker by United European Ballet

Harrison Opera House · Norfolk, VA

Ballet company
Times
Fri Dec 4 and Sat Dec 5 at 7 p.m.; Sun Dec 6 at 2 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Venue suggests ages 3 and up
Price
Not listed

Good to know: A touring production with hand-painted sets and a cast of dancers from across Europe. Tickets through Ticketmaster or the Scope box office.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec11to 13

The Nutcracker by Ballet Virginia

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St. · Virginia Beach, VA · about 17 miles from downtown Norfolk

Ballet company
Times
Dec 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec 12 and 13 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed

Good to know: Live music from the Symphonicity orchestra and a cast of more than 100 dancers.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec21to 22

The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company

Harrison Opera House, 160 W. Virginia Beach Blvd. · Norfolk, VA

Ballet company
Times
Mon Dec 21 at 7 p.m.; Tue Dec 22 at 2 p.m.
Run time
Not listed
Ages
Ages 2 and up only
Price
$62.20–$151.30 with fees

Good to know: A touring show with live orchestra, about 1 hour 40 minutes with a 20-minute intermission.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem

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 Hampton Roads

November: things to do in Hampton RoadsEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in Hampton RoadsEvery dated listing for the month, by weekFree things to do in Hampton RoadsFree days, free events and places that never chargeIndoor play in Hampton RoadsIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with pricesLibrary storytimes in Hampton RoadsBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branchThanksgiving weekend in Hampton RoadsParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayNoon Year’s Eve in Hampton RoadsKid-friendly countdowns, home by napChristmas parades in Hampton RoadsParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesChristmas markets in Hampton RoadsChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursChristmas break in Hampton RoadsWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1This week in Hampton RoadsDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

The Nutcracker in Virginia Beach–Norfolk: the FAQ

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St: Wed, Nov 25, 2026. Price: Not listed yet; see the ticket page. The Nutcracker by United European Ballet at Harrison Opera House: Fri Dec 4, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. The Nutcracker by Ballet Virginia at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St.: Dec 11 – Dec 13. The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company at Harrison Opera House, 160 W. Virginia Beach Blvd.: Mon Dec 21 and Tue Dec 22. Price: $62.20–$151.30 with fees.

Not one we could confirm on an official page for 2026. We add one as soon as a company posts it.

It depends on the company. The Nutcracker by United European Ballet: Venue suggests ages 3 and up. The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company: Ages 2 and up only. 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.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Hampton Roads that weekend, holiday shows included.

Virginia Beach–Norfolk skyline