The Nutcracker – Boston Ballet
The Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker: A Beloved Boston Tradition
The Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker isn’t just a performance — it’s one of New England’s most cherished holiday traditions. For many families, the season doesn’t officially begin until they’ve taken their seats at the Citizens Bank Opera House, waiting for the curtain to rise on Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and that enchanted Christmas Eve.
The tradition dates back to 1974, when the Boston Ballet staged its first full-length Nutcracker. Since then, generations of Bostonians have returned year after year, often bringing children who grow up and later bring children of their own. It’s woven into the rhythm of December in a way few events are.
One of the hallmarks of Boston’s production is its breathtaking staging and choreography. In 2012, world-renowned choreographer Mikko Nissinen, Boston Ballet’s Artistic Director, unveiled a spectacular new version with lavish sets, dazzling costumes, and magical visual effects that feel like walking straight into a snow globe. The iconic Snow Scene — with its swirling flurries and shimmering tutus — is often considered one of the most spellbinding moments in any Nutcracker in the world.
The Boston Ballet also casts dozens of local children each year, creating a beautiful sense of community involvement. Many Boston dancers and artists proudly say they first “fell in love with the stage” as little mice, party children, or soldiers in The Nutcracker. For these young performers, it’s a rite of passage.
And of course, the story itself remains timeless: the joy of receiving a Christmas gift, the magic of imagination, the triumph over the Mouse King, and the dreamy journey to the Land of Sweets. Tchaikovsky’s score, familiar from childhood, movies, and holiday memories fills the Opera House with warmth and nostalgia.
For Boston, The Nutcracker is more than a ballet.
It’s a celebration of the season, a gathering of generations, a reminder of wonder — and one of the most enchanting holiday traditions the city offers.
AT the Citizens Bank Opera House, Nov 28–Dec 28, 2025 — classic ballet, magical for kids and grown-ups alike. If you haven’t started it already, this makes a wonderful holiday tradition in New England.