
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 9th to 23rd, 2022. 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 $131. Be on the lookout for promo codes! (We will too!)
Charlotte Youth Ballet

Charlotte Youth Ballet is presenting The Nutcracker December 2nd to 4th, 2022, at Halton Theatre, on the CPCC campus. Tickets start at $25.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet features world class performances, artists, designers and choreographers. It will be at Ovens Auditorium Friday, December 16th, 2022. Tickets start at $34. There’s a discount available from Groupon for a package that includes a ticket and souvenir (poster, ornament, book are some choices.)
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 15th to 20th, 2022. Tickets range from $30 to $45. There are also some special children’s shows during the daytime, and these range in price from $25 to $40.
Charlotte City Ballet
Charlotte City Ballet, a pre-professional, community-based, non-profit ballet company, is presenting Prelude to the Holidays, on Saturday, November 12th, 2022, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. It takes place at Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews, NC.
This annual performance of favorite Nutcracker pieces also features original works from Artistic Directors Melissa Hale Coyle and Lisa Leone. Children are invited to dress up in their holiday or dancer-inspired party wear. Following each performance there will be a Cupcake Meet & Greet with company dancers. Tickets are $12. Purchase here.
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 26th and 27th, 2022. Tickets range from $19.99 to $59.99.
YMCA Nutcracker Ballet

Harris YMCA Performing Company is presenting The Nutcracker on December 17th and 18th, 2022. Tickets are $15 to $20. Performances are at Halton Theatre, at CPCC. Check out the Meet and Greet Shows, which include cast introductions, photos, and refreshments for the family.
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 2022.
- Holiday Market and Craft Fair, on Saturday, November 5th, 2022, 12 to 5 p.m., at The Academy of Dance and Fine Arts, 780 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC. Special Nutcracker performance at 2 p.m.
- Holiday Benefit Show (Variety show with singers and dancers, followed by The Nutcracker Ballet, on Saturday, December 10th, 2022, 5 p.m., at Mooresville Performing Arts Center, 103 West Center Avenue, Mooresville, NC, $27.05
- Nutcracker Ballet, Sunday, December 11th, 2022, 3 p.m., Mooresville Performing Arts Center, 103 West Center Avenue, Mooresville, NC, $27.05
Piedmont Dance Theatre
Piedmont Dance Theatre is presenting The Nutcracker December 3rd, 2022, at Mooresville Performing Arts Center, on December 17th and 18th, 2022, at Keppel Auditorium at Catawba College in Salisbury, with the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra. Tickets range from $27.45 to $37.45.
Matthews Ballet and Dance
Matthews Ballet and Dance performs The Nutcracker on November 26th and 27th, and December 3rd and 4th, at Matthews Community Center. Tickets are $7. Purchase here.
Gaston Dance Theatre
Gaston Dance Theatre is presenting The Nutcracker December 2nd to 4th, 2022, at Gaston Day School. Check back soon for ticket prices.
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 huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area or see a few here.
AH says
Does Charlotte Ballet typically offer discount tickets after Nov 1 ?