Celebrate the holiday season with the cherished tradition of “The Nutcracker,” performed by Ballet Arizona and choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Ib Andersen. Running Dec. 12 through 27 at Symphony Hall (75 N. 2nd St.) in Downtown Phoenix, this magical production offers afternoon and evening performances, each accompanied by live music from The Phoenix Symphony. A beloved family experience, “The Nutcracker” has sold out three consecutive years and promises to enchant audiences once again. 

In honor of the 19th century tradition, “The Nutcracker” tells a mystical and enchanting tale of a young girl, Clara, who receives a wooden nutcracker on Christmas Eve. Through the magic of the season, Clara finds herself in a battle between the Nutcracker Prince and a frightful Mouse King. Along with the Nutcracker Prince, Clara embarks on a wondrous journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets to meet the magical Snow Queen and her snowflake dancers. Audiences of every age will immerse themselves in this enchanting landscape with many special effects to bring this one-of-a-kind live experience to life. 

“The Nutcracker is more than a holiday tradition; it is a celebration of imagination, wonder, and the joy of live performance,” said Ballet Arizona’s Artistic Director, Daniela Cardim. “We strive to bring fresh energy and artistry to this timeless classic each year and are thrilled to share its magic with audiences of all ages this season.” 

In 2013, The New York Times’ senior dance critic Alastair Macaulay hailed Andersen’s “The Nutcracker” as “one of the three finest productions” of the nearly 20 versions he attended around the country. Ballet Arizona created the production in 2006 at a cost of $1.8 million.  

Ballet Arizona’s 2025 experience offers families of four an incredible VIP experience with the Capture the Magic VIP Premier Package for $125.

 The VIP Premier Package includes: 

• Early entry to the Symphony Hall lobby to shop and snap your keepsake photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy  

• Hot chocolate for four from the lobby café 

• Complimentary parking 

• One voucher for a School of Ballet Arizona class 

• One pair of ballerina pointe shoes signed by one of the dancers 

• One Ballet Arizona tote bag  

• One voucher for a future Ballet Arizona class 

• One $20 Ballet Arizona gift card 

• 15% off at “The Nutcracker” boutique in the lobby  

 Fun facts about this season’s “The Nutcracker” performances include: 

• More than 100,000 Austrian Swarovski crystals make the spectacular Snow Scene sparkle.

• Scenic elements including sets, lights, costumes and special effects require four tractor-trailers and two 24-foot trucks for transportation.

• The Mouse King stands at more than nine feet tall with his crown.

• More than 7,000 pounds of dry ice are used for the entire run of the production.

• During the run of “The Nutcracker,” Ballet Arizona’s female dancers will use more than 300 pairs of custom-made pointe shoes.

• The production uses 25 different backdrops.

Tickets for “The Nutcracker” range from $40 – $229 and are available now. Discounts are offered for seniors, college students, active military, and groups. For the best tickets and prices, always purchase directly from Ballet Arizona at balletaz.org.