Nutcracker

What is Nutcracker about?

English National Ballet's Nutcracker returns to the London Coliseum for the festive season, running from 17 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. Set in Edwardian London on Christmas Eve, the ballet follows young Clara from Drosselmeyer's Sweets and Delights Emporium into a night of enchantment. When her living room becomes a battleground between toy soldiers and the Rat King, Clara is swept through the shimmering Land of Snow into the Kingdom of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy leads a celebration in her honour. Tchaikovsky's beloved score is performed live at every performance by the English National Ballet Philharmonic.

Why see Nutcracker?

Choreographed by ENB's Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award-winning choreographer Arielle Smith, this production premiered in 2024 and has quickly become one of London's best-loved Christmas traditions. Dick Bird's sets and costumes bring the world of sweets to life in rich colour and detail, and the famous Christmas tree grows on stage before your eyes. Over 100 dancers and musicians fill London's largest West End theatre, and the snow scene, danced by the full corps de ballet, regularly draws gasps from the audience. It is festive theatre on the grandest scale and a wonderful first ballet for children.

Practical information for visitors

Nutcracker plays at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane, a short walk from Leicester Square, Charing Cross and Covent Garden Tube stations. The performance lasts approximately two hours including one interval. Age guidance is 5 and above. Evening performances usually begin at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinees on selected dates, and start times vary over Christmas and New Year, so check the live calendar above for exact dates and times.

Similar shows you might enjoy

For more family entertainment over the festive season, consider The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, or A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong for festive comedy.