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 some productions are not “on the cheap,” there is a production for every budget, and we’ll be on the lookout for discounts as well.
Charlotte Ballet
Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker will be performed in Belk Theater from December 8 to 23, 2023. 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 $30 to $151. Be on the lookout for promo codes! (We will too!)
Charlotte Youth Ballet
Charlotte Youth Ballet is presenting The Nutcracker December 1 to 3, 2023, at Halton Theatre, on the CPCC campus. Tickets start at $30.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet features world class performances, artists, designers and choreographers. It will be at Ovens Auditorium December 13 and 14, 2023. Tickets start at $35. There’s a discount available from Groupon.
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 7 to 10, 2023. Tickets start at $30.
South Charlotte Ballet Company
South Charlotte Ballet Company’s Short and Suite Nutcracker runs about an hour. The performances are Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., at Central Piedmont Community College’s Parr Center New Theater, 1201 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets are $17.
Hip Hop Nutcracker
Hip Hop Nutcracker is a holiday mash-up, featuring a reimagined version of the classic, hip hop dance, a DJ, and more. It will be at Knight Theater on December 26 and 27, 2023. Tickets range from $24.50 to $59.50.
Harris YMCA Nutcracker Ballet
The Harris YMCA Performing Company is presenting their 21st Annual The Nutcracker Ballet on December 16 and 17, 2023. On December 16, it will take place 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. On December 17 it will take place at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Performances are at Dale F. Halton Theater on CPCC’s campus, 1206 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets range from $15 to $25. The 1:30 p.m. on Saturday will be narrated in Spanish.
The Academy of Dance and Fine Arts
The Academy of Dance & Fine Arts, in Mooresville, is presenting The Nutcracker Ballet and some related events, in November and December of 2023
- Holiday Market and Craft Fair, on Saturday, November 11, 2023, 12 to 4 p.m., at The Academy of Dance and Fine Arts, 780 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC. Special Nutcracker performance included.
- Nutcracker Tea, November 19, 2023. Sold out!
- Nutcracker Ballet, December 9 and 10, 2023, at Mooresville High School Performing Arts Center, 161 S Magnolia Street, Mooresville, NC. Tickets are $25, and $15 for children age 11 and under. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Piedmont.
Piedmont Dance Theatre
Piedmont Dance Theatre is presenting The Nutcracker December 2, 2023, at Mooresville Performing Arts Center, on December 15 and 16, 2023, at Keppel Auditorium at Catawba College in Salisbury, with the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra. Tickets start at $32.90
Matthews Ballet and Dance
Matthews Ballet and Dance performs The Nutcracker on November 25 and 26, and December 2 and 3, 2023, at Matthews Community Center. Tickets are $7.
- Saturday, November 25: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, November 26: 3 p.m.
- Saturday, December 2: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 3: 3 p.m.
Gaston Dance Theatre
Gaston Dance Theatre is presenting The Nutcracker December 1 to 3, 2023. Tickets are $22.
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.
More Holiday Events
Check out our growing day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area.
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