BalletMet The Nutcracker discounts and special performances

BalletMet The Nutcracker is a favorite holiday tradition in Columbus and will be performed at the historic Ohio Theatre from December 11-28, 2025.

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.

photo: BalletMet The Nutcracker

BalletMet will entertain all ages with the magical choreography, costumes, and sets.

While it isn’t one of the cheapest events in town, it’s one we consider “worth it”. It may not be in the budge for every family, but there are also some amazing discount opportunities to enjoy the show – read more below!

image: BalletMet

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 $121.45 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. 

BalletMet The Nutcracker Performances:

image: BalletMet

• Thursday, December 11, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, December 12, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13, 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. 
• Sunday, December 14, 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 16, 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday. December 17, 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, December 18, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, December 19, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, December 20, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 21, 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. 
• Tuesday, December 23, 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday. December 24, 12:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 26, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, December 27, 12:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 28, 12:00 p.m. 

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 2024, they offered two My First Nutcracker Experiences:

tba for 2025

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. 

image: BalletMet

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

tba for 2025

Details here.

College Student and Teacher Discounts for Balletmet

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

2024 Christmas Theater and Concerts in Columbus

Need more holiday fun in Columbus?