Many people love to see the ballet, The Nutcracker, during the Christmas season, and the Charlotte area always affords several chances to do so.
Performances are presented by youth and adult groups, and include both traditional presentations and performances with innovative twists.
We’ve also included events that present highlights from The Nutcracker, instead of the whole ballet, as those might be particularly appropriate for very young children.
Although tickets to most productions are not “on the cheap,” there is a production for every budget, and we’ll be on the lookout for discounts as well.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet features world class performances, artists, designers and choreographers. It will be at Ovens Auditorium November 15, 2025. Tickets start at $51.52. However, there’s a discount ticket available for $32 on Groupon. (Limited time.)
Harris YMCA Nutcracker Ballet
The Harris YMCA Performing Company is presenting their 23rd Annual The Nutcracker Ballet on December 20 and 21, 2025. Performances are at Dale F. Halton Theater on CPCC’s campus, 1206 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets range from $18 to $30.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Charlotte Ballet
Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker will be performed in Belk Theater from December 5 to 21, 2025. This is the highlight of the season for many fans of Charlotte Ballet, and is the gold standard of Nutcracker performances in Charlotte.
Tickets range from $45 to $200. Be on the lookout for promo codes! (We will too!)
Charlotte Youth Ballet
Charlotte Youth Ballet is presenting The Nutcracker December 5 to 7, 2025, at Halton Theatre, on the CPCC campus. Tickets start at $35.58. Tickets here.
Caroline Calouche & Co.
Caroline Calouche’ & Co.’s Clara’s Trip provides a contemporary twist on the holiday classic, with electrifying aerial dancing. It will be at Booth Playhouse from December 12 to 14, 2025. Tickets start at $46.58. Several of the shows are Children’s Shows, which are 70 minutes long, with no intermission. Full Shows run for a total of 90 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission.
Open Door Studios
Open Door Studios is presenting Nutcracker (…in a Nutshell) on December 13 and 14, 2025, at Open Door Studios, 4716 Central Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina. The show will be presented at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Tickets are $17.50. Join the Youth Ensemble dancers as they take you through the Magical Holiday Story of the Nutcracker. This exciting abbreviated performance has a run time of just under an hour, perfect for all ages!
South Charlotte Ballet Company
South Charlotte Ballet Company’s Short and Suite Nutcracker runs about an hour. The performances are Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Central Piedmont Community College’s Parr Center New Theater, 1201 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina. Check back for ticket prices.
Piedmont Dance Theatre
Piedmont Dance Theatre is presenting The Nutcracker December 6 and 7, 2025, at Kannapolis Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $28.50.
Matthews Ballet and Dance
Matthews Ballet and Dance performs The Nutcracker on November 29 and 30, and December 6 and 7, 2025, at Matthews Community Center. Check back soon for ticket prices. In 2024, they were $7.
- Saturday, November 29: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, November 30: 3 p.m.
- Saturday, December 6: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 7: 3 p.m.
Gaston Dance Theatre
Gaston Dance Theatre is presenting The Nutcracker December 5 to 7, 2025 at Gaston Day School, 2001 Gaston Day School Road, Gastonia, North Carolina. Tickets are $10 for ages 3-5, $15 for ages 6-18 and 60+ and $25 for regular tickets.
Union County Youth Ballet
Union County Youth Ballet’s 32nd Annual Nutcracker ballet will be presented December 19 and 20, 2025, with four performances at all, at George A. Batte Fine Arts Center, 403 N Camden Road, Wingate, North Carolina. Check back soon for ticket prices. In 2024 they were $25.
The Academy of Dance and Fine Arts
The Academy of Dance & Fine Arts, in Mooresville, presents The Nutcracker Ballet and some related events, during the holiday season.
Ignite Dance Productions
Check back soon for 2025 info.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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More Holiday Events
Check out our comprehensive day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area.
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