The Brown-Forman Nutcracker
Visitors experience the classic holiday ballet following Marie and her Nutcracker Prince on an enchanted journey from a Christmas Eve party to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The stage comes alive with whimsical characters, toy soldiers battling giant rats, dancing snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy's court. Most performances feature Tchaikovsky's iconic score played live by the Louisville Orchestra.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Hours
Fri, Dec 11: 7:30 p.m.; Sat, Dec 12: 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun, Dec 13: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Fri, Dec 18: 7:30 p.m.; Sat, Dec 19: 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun, Dec 20: 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Mon, Dec 21: 3 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Louisville
Parking
Parking options listed for The Kentucky Center include the Kentucky Center Garage, Riverfront Garage on Sixth St., The Galt House, the Humana building, and metered street parking on Main St and surrounding streets.
Accessibility
Wheelchair seating is available, audio description is available upon request, and ASL interpretation is provided for pre-show talks and curtain speeches.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Add the Backstage Pass or Character Keepsake at checkout when single tickets go on sale, because these add-ons are offered only for select performances.
- Pick a regular performance if hearing the Louisville Orchestra live matters to you, because the Sensory Friendly and No-Shush shows use no live orchestra.
- Choose the Sensory Friendly or No-Shush performance for children who may need to move or make noise during the show.
- If you chose Will Call, you can pick up tickets at the theater an hour before the show. Digital tickets appear a few hours before.
- Stop by the Nutcracker Gift Shop in the North Lobby for ornaments, nutcrackers and totes, since all proceeds benefit The Louisville Ballet School.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sensory Friendly performance on Sunday, December 13, with no live orchestra.
- No-Shush performance on Monday, December 21, with relaxed etiquette and no live orchestra.
- Backstage Pass add-on with a backstage tour and a photo with a dancer, for select performances.
- Character Keepsake add-on with a signed program, keepsake ornament and a note from one of the characters, for select performances.
- Save up to 20% with a ticket package.
Links & Contact
Run by Louisville Ballet
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 contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
About 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
Is the music live?
Yes. The Louisville Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky's score live at every performance except the Sensory Friendly and No-Shush performances.
Is there a performance for kids who need to move or make noise?
Yes. The Sensory Friendly performance uses excerpts from both acts in a setting designed for people with sensory sensitivities. The No-Shush performance is the full ballet with relaxed theater etiquette.
What access services are offered?
ASL interpretation is provided for the pre-show talks and curtain speeches at every performance. Audio description is available on request, and there is wheelchair seating.
Where should I park?
Options include the Kentucky Center Garage, the Riverfront Garage on Sixth St., The Galt House, the Humana building, and metered street parking on Main St and nearby streets.
Browse Christmas in Louisville
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.