The Nutcracker
Audiences watch the Champaign Urbana Ballet perform the classic story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. The two-act production features a dramatic battle between soldiers and the Rat Queen's legions, dancing snowflakes in the Land of Snow, and confections in the Land of Sweets. Dancers and local youth bring characters like Herr Drosselmeyer and the Sugar Plum Fairy to life on stage.
Dec 4 – Dec 6, 2026 All ages
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
$48 Adult | $30 Student | $19 Youth (12 & under); All-in pricing includes all ticketing fees.
Hours
Fri 7:30pm; Sat 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Sun 2:00pm and 6:00pm.
Accessibility
The production uses special lighting effects, including strobe.
Tips & Advice
- Doors open 40 minutes before each performance, so arrive then if you'd like time to find your reserved seats before the ballet starts.
- If anyone in your group is sensitive to flashing lights, be aware the production uses strobe and other special lighting effects.
- With young children, plan for about an hour and 45 minutes in two acts, with a 20-minute intermission to stretch.
- Choose a Saturday or Sunday afternoon performance if an evening show would be too late for little ones.
- Buy youth tickets for kids 12 and under, and student tickets for students, since both cost less than adult tickets and the prices already include all fees.
Links & Contact
Run by Champaign Urbana 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 website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Nutcracker good for kids?
Yes, it's meant for audiences of all ages. Local children dance in the production alongside CU Ballet company dancers.
How long is the ballet?
It runs about 1 hour and 45 minutes in two acts, including a 20-minute intermission.
What happens in the show?
It opens at the Stahlbaum family's Christmas Eve party, where Herr Drosselmeyer gives Clara's family a nutcracker. Then comes a battle between the Nutcracker's soldiers and the Rat Queen's army. Act II moves through the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets, with the Sugar Plum Fairy, the waltz of flowers and dances of foreign confections.
Is there anything sensitive viewers should know?
Yes. The production uses special lighting effects, including strobe and other visual effects.
Who dances in the production?
CU Ballet company dancers and local children, with characters including Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Herr Drosselmeyer and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Browse Christmas in Champaign
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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