Nutcracker in Durham 2026: 4 shows, Nov. 19 to Dec. 27

This page covers every Nutcracker in Durham each holiday season and is updated as the venues announce their shows.

Durham has four Nutcrackers this season, from Thursday, Nov. 19, to Sunday, Dec. 27. Two are at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) and two at the Carolina Theatre’s Fletcher Hall. All four have tickets on sale through the venues’ own websites.

Know before you go

• Nov. 19, 7 p.m.: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, DPAC, 123 Vivian St.
• Dec. 10-12: Triangle Youth Ballet, Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.
• Dec. 23, 7 p.m.: World Ballet Company, Carolina Theatre
• Dec. 27, 7 p.m.: The Hip Hop Nutcracker, DPAC (no children under 6)
• Doors: 60 minutes before showtime at both venues
• Parking: downtown decks; see getting around Durham

The four productions

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at DPAC, Nov. 19

The first Nutcracker of the season is a one-night touring show at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at DPAC. Lobby doors open at 6 p.m.

• What it is: DPAC bills it as “the largest Nutcracker production in North America,” set to Tchaikovsky’s score with international dancers, acrobatics, costumes and puppets.
• Ages: guests of all ages are welcome, DPAC says. Every guest needs a ticket, and children must be able to sit in their own seat.
• Tickets: on sale on the DPAC event page. DPAC says its prices include fees before tax. Groups of 10 or more email Groups@dpacnc.com.

Triangle Youth Ballet at the Carolina Theatre, Dec. 10-12

This is Durham’s own Nutcracker. Triangle Youth Ballet calls it a hometown tradition since 1995. More than 100 dancers take part, with live music from the Tchaikovsky Virtuosi orchestra.

• Shows: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10; 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.
• For families: the company lists the Saturday matinee as good for little ones.
• Doors: 60 minutes before each show.
• Tickets: through the Carolina Theatre event page. More detail is on the company’s show site.

World Ballet Company at the Carolina Theatre, Dec. 23

The touring World Ballet Company plays Fletcher Hall at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23. Doors open at 6 p.m.

• What it is: 40 professional dancers with a live orchestra, according to the company’s Durham listing.
• Run time: 1 hour 40 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
• Tickets: $74.09 to $149.14 with fees, the company says. Buy through the Carolina Theatre event page.
• Ages: the theater lists the show for ages 2 and up.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker at DPAC, Dec. 27

The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to DPAC at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27. Lobby doors open at 6 p.m.

• What it is: Tchaikovsky’s music with hip-hop dance, directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber. DPAC lists a dozen dancers, a DJ, a violinist and MC Kurtis Blow, who opens the show with a short set.
• Ages: DPAC says children under 6 are not allowed at this performance.
• Tickets: on the DPAC event page.

Parking and getting there

DPAC’s parking page lists three decks:

• 555 Mangum Street: $10 a car or $2.50 an hour, open from 2 1/2 hours before showtime.
• American Tobacco North Deck: $12 a car, credit cards only.
• American Tobacco East Deck: $12 a car, credit cards only. DPAC says it often fills 45 to 60 minutes before showtime.

DPAC says it no longer recommends the Corcoran Street or Church Street garages. The Carolina Theatre is at 309 W. Morgan St. City decks, street parking rules and the fare-free GoDurham buses are on our getting around Durham page. Any downtown street closures are on our road construction and closures page.

What this means for you

• Pick by audience: the Saturday, Dec. 12, matinee for small children, the Hip Hop Nutcracker for older kids and adults.
• Buy from the venue’s own site, so the price and seat are the box office’s own.
• Leave time for parking, especially on Dec. 27, when the American Tobacco East Deck can fill early.

More holiday events: holiday lights and Christmas events, the Christmas parade and tree lighting, the Durham German Market and New Year’s Eve in Durham.

Last checked Oct. 27, 2026, against the DPAC, Carolina Theatre, Triangle Youth Ballet and World Ballet Company websites.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Nutcracker in Durham in 2026?

There are four productions: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at DPAC at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19; Triangle Youth Ballet at the Carolina Theatre Dec. 10-12; World Ballet Company at the Carolina Theatre at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23; and The Hip Hop Nutcracker at DPAC at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27.

Which Durham Nutcracker is the local one?

Triangle Youth Ballet’s production at the Carolina Theatre, which the company calls a hometown tradition since 1995. It has more than 100 dancers and live music from the Tchaikovsky Virtuosi.

How much are Nutcracker tickets in Durham?

World Ballet Company lists $74.09 to $149.14 with fees for Dec. 23. DPAC and the Carolina Theatre did not publish prices for the other shows on their event pages; prices show at checkout through their box offices.

Can young children go to the Nutcracker?

DPAC says guests of all ages are welcome at the Nov. 19 show, but children under 6 are not allowed at The Hip Hop Nutcracker. World Ballet Company recommends ages 2 and up. Every guest needs a ticket at DPAC, whatever their age. Triangle Youth Ballet calls its 2 p.m. Saturday matinee good for little ones.

Where do I park for the Nutcracker at DPAC?

DPAC recommends the 555 Mangum Street deck ($10 a car) and the American Tobacco North and East decks ($12 a car, credit cards only). It warns the East Deck often fills 45 to 60 minutes before showtime.