BalletMet The Nutcracker is a favorite holiday tradition in Columbus and will be performed at the historic Ohio Theatre from December 7-23, 2023.
This show has been enjoyed in Columbus since 1974 and is something that you’ll want to see year after year with family and friends.
While it isn’t one of the cheapest events in town, it’s one we consider “worth it”. BalletMet, with live music by Columbus Symphony Orchestra, will entertain all ages with the magical choreography, costumes, and sets.
There are also some amazing discount opportunities to enjoy the show – read more below!
The tale of the imaginative Clara, the nutcracker who turns into a prince, the Mouse King and the Sugarplum Fairy, will feature a large cast including BalletMet’s professional dancers from both its companies – BalletMet and BalletMet 2, along with 152 students from the BalletMet Academy.
Each performance will have more than 122 characters onstage – including academy students in the roles of pages, party children, mice, and soldiers performing alongside BalletMet’s renowned professionals.
Arrive early or stay after and explore the holiday lights of downtown Columbus or dine at a local restaurant or bar. The Columbus Commons is just out the back door of the theatre, and will be illuminated in beautiful Christmas lights.
There are several restaurants located on Main St., Gay St. and 4th Street that are within walking distance. Depending on the time and date you select, you may be able to take advantage of some great happy hours in downtown Columbus!
BalletMet The Nutcracker Tickets
Ticket prices range from $38.50 to $118.30 and can be purchased at the CAPA Ticket Center (39 E. State St.) and balletmet.org. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000.
Tickets are generally less expensive when ordered in person or on the phone through the box office, to avoid Ticketmaster fees. If ordering online, use code NUTVP for a $10/ticket discount (limit 6).
BalletMet The Nutcracker Performances:
- Thursday, December 7, 2023 7:30PM
- Friday, December 8, 2023 7:30PM
- Saturday, December 9, 2023 12:00PM and 5:30PM
- Sunday, December 10, 2023 12:00PM and 5:30PM
- Wednesday, December 13, 2023 7:30PM
- Thursday, December 14, 2023 7:30PM
- Friday, December 15, 2023 7:30PM
- Saturday, December 16, 2023 2:00PM and 7:30PM
- Sunday, December 17, 2023 12:00PM and 5:30PM
- Tuesday, December 19, 2023 7:30PM
- Wednesday, December 20 7:30PM
- Thursday, December 21, 2023 7:30PM
- Friday, December 22, 2023 12:00PM and 7:30PM
- Saturday, December 23, 2023 2:00PM and 7:30PM
My First Nutcracker
Want to introduce a young child to Balletmet the Nutcracker? In past years there has been a special performance for youth. My First Nutcracker is a special one-hour performance suitable for kids ages 4 and under.
For 2023, they are offering two My First Nutcracker Experiences:
Wednesday, December 20 & Thursday, December 21 @ 11:00AM.
There will be crafts, calming areas, and character introductions to make this a comfortable theatre experience for kids. Tickets are a reduced price, and it’s a sensory-friendly event.
Pay What You Want Nights
The Pay What You Want program allows attendees to purchase discounted tickets to select performances on a first-come, first-serve basis. ? In order to cover the cost of the theatre restoration fee and the city ticket fee, you can pay as little as $5. The price attendees choose to pay above that will support BalletMet productions, education, and scholarships.
Purchase Pay What You Want tickets at the theatre box office two hours prior to the performance. First come, first served; seat availability is not guaranteed.
Pay What you Want Performances
Thu, December 7 at 7:30pm
Wed, December 13 at 7:30pm
Tue, December 19 at 7:30pm
Wed, December 20 at 7:30pm
College Student and Teacher Discounts for Balletmet
New for 2023/2024, they’ve opened the rush tickets to teachers as well as college students.
Rush tickets are available for $15 at the theatre starting two hours prior to showtime with a valid college or teaching ID. Dependent on seating availability.
Columbus Metropolitan Library Culture Passes
A limited number of Culture Passes are available at all CML library branches and are good for all BalletMet performances.
Passes are good for two free tickets to the performance of your choice and may be redeemed only at the theatre box office two hours prior to the show time on the day you are attending. Simply bring your pass to the box office and we will exchange it for a ticket!
Read more about Culture Passes here.
Nutcracker photos via BalletMet
Find more upcoming holiday shows
Balletmet kicks off season with On Stage, and more discounted ticket options
Need more holiday fun in Columbus?
Looking for all of the holiday fun in Columbus? Check out these pages!
- Subscribe to Columbus on the Cheap's email list
- Free and cheap events this weekend in Columbus
- Your Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in Columbus
- Over 40 Holiday Art and Craft Festivals
- Turkey Trots and Holiday Races
- Christmas Tree Farms and Lots in Columbus
- Christmas Theater and Concerts in Columbus
- Photos with Santa
- Locations of Mailboxes for Letters to Santa
- Community Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations in Columbus
- Holiday Train Rides in Ohio: Santa Trains and Polar Express
- Free and Cheap Activities for Winter Break in Columbus
- Columbus Happy Hours
Val says
I totally get it! Everyone has different traditions they want to spend money on. While I find it worth it for my husband and I to attend, we do not take our children to this yet, as the cost doesn’t make sense for their age and interest yet. However this year the tickets have increased in price as well, but that may be due to capacity limits and the need to recover some of the costs for money lost during the pandemic. The arts were hit especially hard during that time. Luckily for you, we have plenty of inexpensive and free family fun on our website.
James says
Sorry Val, but $316.25 for my family of five to go see the Nutcracker is in the “NOT worth it” category.