Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker Returns With Expanded Holiday Schedule for 2026

Orlando Ballet is bringing its signature holiday production of The Nutcracker back to Central Florida this December, with an expanded performance schedule, family-friendly activities and additional opportunities to experience the beloved holiday tradition.

Presented by Orlando Health, the production runs Dec. 4-27 at Steinmetz Hall inside the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Now in its fourth season, the production will extend beyond Christmas for the first time, with performances continuing through Dec. 27.

Choreographed and directed by Orlando Ballet Artistic Director Jorden Morris, this reimagined version of The Nutcracker brings the classic story of Clara and her extraordinary adventure to life through elaborate costumes, imaginative stage design and theatrical effects.

The production features whimsical characters, intricate puppetry and animatronics, including a flying goose and a towering 20-foot Mother Goose. Aerial sequences and other large-scale production elements add to the experience, creating a theatrical presentation designed to appeal to both longtime ballet audiences and families experiencing the art form for the first time.

The performance brings together 27 Orlando Ballet company dancers, 15 Second Company dancers, 16 trainees and 72 young performers from Orlando Ballet School. More than 60 additional artists, technicians and craftspeople also contribute to the production, including puppet builders and aerial riggers.

This season also carries special significance for Morris, who plans to conclude his tenure as artistic director at the end of the 2026-27 season. With more than 50 years of experience as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and artistic leader, Morris has played an important role in shaping Orlando Ballet’s artistic identity.

His interpretation of The Nutcracker , which debuted during the company’s 50th anniversary season, has become a signature production.

Family-Friendly Activities and Student Performances

In addition to the expanded performance schedule, select matinees will feature pre-show activities designed to make the experience more engaging for younger audiences and their families.

Activities will include holiday crafts, The Nutcracker story time, interactive dance classes, and themed photo opportunities. Family-friendly matinees are scheduled for Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26 and 27.

Orlando Ballet will also mark the 26th anniversary of its Intro to Ballet program, a longstanding partnership with Orange County Public Schools. Special student performances of The Nutcracker will take place Dec. 8-18 at Steinmetz Hall.

Since launching in 2000, the educational program has introduced more than 400,000 Orange County second-grade students to professional ballet, giving many children their first opportunity to attend a live performance.

Additional field trip performances are scheduled for Dec. 9 and 16 at 12:30 p.m. These specially curated, one-hour performances are available to school groups of 10 or more students on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets cost $16 for students and $20 for adults.

Orlando Ballet’s 2026 Nutcracker Performance Schedule

Performances will take place on the following dates:

Friday, Dec. 4: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6: 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13: 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24: 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27: 2 p.m. Tickets and Additional Information

Tickets for Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker start at $39 plus applicable fees. The performance runs approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes.

Tickets are available through Orlando Ballet by calling (407) 918-9828 or emailing [email protected]. Exclusive group pricing is available for parties of 10 or more.

Schools interested in attending the additional field trip performances can contact [email protected] for reservations.

With its expanded schedule, elaborate theatrical production, and activities for younger audiences, Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker offers Central Florida families another opportunity to make the ballet part of their holiday traditions.

Ava McDonnell

Ava McDonnell is the Editorial Manager & Digital Content Creator for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with English BA in 2026. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines. Originally from Clermont and now in Tampa, Ava loves all things local. Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers. Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker Returns With Expanded Holiday Schedule for 2026

Comments