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New York City Ballet's Nutcracker Description

Seeing The Nutcracker is a right of passage for many children; seeing the New York City Ballet's version of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The holiday classic takes on even greater grandeur here, with more than 100 dancers that move with infinite grace and precision in their portrayals of beloved characters like Marie, the Nutcracker prince, the playful mice, toy soldiers, the Sugarplum Fairy, and Mother Ginger in her 85-pound dress. Gorgeous costumes, a one-ton Christmas tree that seemingly never stops growing, an on-stage snow storm, and a 62-piece orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's timeless music make this performance truly unforgettable.

Kid Tips

Toddlers & Pre-K: There are no age requirements for the Nutcracker (other New York City Ballet performances require children to be 5 years old), however the ballet does recommend that children be at least 5 years old to attend the performance. All attendees must have a ticket, including babies.

Pre-Teens & Teens: If aspiring ballerinas covet an autograph, the best spot to get one is at the Stage Entrance of the theater, located at 62nd Street and Columbus Avenue, after the performance.

Planning Notes

Order tickets online or by telephone. The highly-coveted center seats are available only for purchase online; however, the equally in-demand ring seats are only available for purchase over the telephone. Best bet: Look online first for seats, then call for additional availability before purchasing.

A bargain or a splurge. Although a very limited number of standing room tickets are sold for $10, the majority of tickets cost $50 and up, with top ticket prices reaching $215 per seat.

Save time during intermission. The theater offers Express Intermission Service at the Promenade Bar. Order and pay for your intermission refreshments before the show begins, then pick them up at the express-only center section of the bar during intermission.

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