Illustration of a sugar plum dancer on pointe beside a nutcracker soldier on a ballet stage (The Nutcracker)
Christmas Shows

The Nutcracker

Audiences join Clara on a time-traveling holiday adventure set in the city of Dayton. The production features choreography by Brandon Ragland, enchanting sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky's classic score. Dancers from Dayton Ballet take the stage accompanied by live music from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dec 11 – Dec 20, 2026

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Hours

Fri, December 11 at 7:30pm; Sat, December 12 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Sun, December 13 at 2:30pm; Fri, December 18 at 7:30pm; Sat, December 19 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Sun, December 20 at 2:30pm.

Accessibility

A separate sensory-friendly performance is offered; the event pages provide no other accessibility details.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Schuster Center · 1 W 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and ballet lovers

Vibe

Magical and theatrical

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Select your preferred performance date when booking, since the production has several performances across two weekends.
  • Choose best-available seating or use the seat map to select your own seat when booking.
  • Keep in mind that the sensory-friendly performance is a separate offering on December 18.
  • Allow time to reach the Winsupply Theatre at the Schuster Center before your chosen performance.
  • If booking more than one performance, use the option to add more performances to your cart.

Special Events & Promotions

  • A sensory-friendly performance is offered on December 18.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the production suitable for children?

The Nutcracker is described as a tradition for all ages.

What happens in this version of The Nutcracker?

Clara goes on a time-traveling adventure set in Dayton, with choreography, sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s score.

Is the music performed live?

The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra accompanies dancers from Dayton Ballet.

How do I choose a performance when booking?

Select a preferred performance date from the available list. The booking page also offers best-available seating or the option to choose your own seat.

Are there different conductors across the performance dates?

Keitaro Harada conducts the December 11–13 performances, and Caleb Thompson conducts the December 18–20 performances.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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Contributors & Updates

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