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

The Nutcracker: A Shorter Tale

This abridged, narrated production of Saint Louis Ballet's classic holiday production is designed for young children and school groups. The show features the same sets, costumes, special effects, and dancing as the company's full-length presentations. Prior to the performance, attending school groups have the opportunity to interact with the ballet's artists.

Dec 1 – Dec 18, 2026

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Tickets

School groups are invited to attend at a field trip rate with a minimum of 15 students; one teacher ticket is free for every 15 students. Additional adults pay the regular full ticket cost. Title 1 schools may request free tickets for students, class, or school.

Hours

Both performances are at 11am.

Accessibility

At the Touhill, use the Main Entrance drop-off for patrons with mobility issues; accessible parking spaces are available nearby and may fill quickly during large events.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children and school groups

Vibe

Festive and theatrical

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Low

Tips & Advice

  • If attending with a school group, arrive in time for the pre-show artist interaction, which takes place before the performance begins.
  • Organize at least 15 K–12 students to qualify for the field-trip rate; one teacher ticket is free per 15 students.
  • Title I schools can request free tickets for students, a class, or the whole school by emailing tickets@stlouisballet.org.
  • Budget regular-price tickets for adults beyond the teachers, since additional adults are not eligible for the student field-trip rate.
  • Plan restroom or movement breaks before or after the show: the 70-minute performance has no intermission.

Special Events & Promotions

  • School groups with at least 15 students receive the field-trip rate.
  • School groups receive one free teacher ticket per 15 students.
  • Title 1 schools may request free tickets for students, a class, or a school.
  • Additional adults on school trips pay the regular full ticket cost.
  • Groups of 15 or more save 15%.

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

Who is this version of The Nutcracker for?

It was created for younger audiences and those with limited attention spans, and is suitable for school field trips.

How long is the performance, and is there an intermission?

It lasts 70 minutes and has no intermission.

What do school groups receive?

School groups can interact with Saint Louis Ballet artists before the performance. Groups need at least 15 students for the field-trip rate; one teacher ticket is free for every 15 students.

Are there ticket options for Title 1 schools?

Title 1 schools may request free tickets for students, a class or the school by emailing tickets@stlouisballet.org.

Is food or drink available at the theater?

At the Touhill, concessions offer a full bar, soft drinks, snacks and light meals. Drinks in containers with lids are allowed in the theaters, but food is not.

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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