For many families seeing The Nutcracker is an annual holiday tradition. We are lucky to have a number of Ann Arbor Nutcracker performances to choose from.
Most of the local ballet companies with Ann Arbor Nutcracker performances return every year so you can start a traidtion to see the same show year after year. Or you can rotate through the different shows to get a different spin each year.
We are still updating this list for 2024
Featured Ann Arbor Nutcracker 2024
The Nutcracker presented by iBallet Studio
This December, immerse yourself in Clara’s magical world of toy soldiers, sleigh rides, and dancing sugar plums! The Nutcracker ballet is back in Ann Arbor at the Power Center for...
Nutcracker Ann Arbor 2024
Check out all the great local Nutcracker performances in 2024.
(Needs update for 2024) Ballet Chelsea Nutcracker 2023 performances of the Nutcracker are all in Jackson. The Jackson Symphony Orchestra provides the music for the classic ballet. For the first time since 2019, they have Sugar Plum Teas before their matinee performances of the Nutcracker.
Check out the University of Michigan’s Nutcracker-ish presented by the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
If you know of any Michigan Nutcracker performances that are close to Ann Arbor and not on the list, please let me know either in the comments or via e-mail.
December 6 – The Nutcracker presented by iBallet Studio
Power Center – 121 Fletcher St Ann Arbor
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $25+
This December, immerse yourself in Clara’s magical world of toy soldiers, sleigh rides, and dancing sugar plums! The Nutcracker ballet is back in Ann Arbor at the Power Center for Performing Arts. Take a break from your busy December for a chance to watch a whimsical and engaging ballet with the entire family! The show will be performed Friday at 7p, Saturday at 1p and 5p.
December 7 – The Nutcracker presented by iBallet Studio
Power Center – 121 Fletcher St Ann Arbor
Time: 1:00pm
Cost: $25+
This December, immerse yourself in Clara’s magical world of toy soldiers, sleigh rides, and dancing sugar plums! The Nutcracker ballet is back in Ann Arbor at the Power Center for Performing Arts. Take a break from your busy December for a chance to watch a whimsical and engaging ballet with the entire family! The show will be performed Friday at 7p, Saturday at 1p and 5p.
December 7 – Sugar Plum Tea
Milan Seniors for Healthy Living – 45 Neckel Ct Milan
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm
Cost: Free
The Milan Area Chamber and Milan Seniors for Healthy Living will be hosting a Sugar Plum Tea from 2-3:30p at The Center (45 Neckel Ct). Wear holiday sweaters or dress up for an afternoon of nutcracker fun. There will be hot chocolate, tea, sweet treats, and more. Plus photo opportunities with Sugar Plum Ballerinas, live performances, and prizes. Reserve your spot for this free event
December 7 – The Nutcracker
Milan High School – 200 Big Red Dr Milan
Time: 2:00pm
Cost: $19 online, $22 at the door (Cash Only)
Ann Arbor Dance Classics presents their annual Nutcracker at Milan High School. They have two shows - Saturday December 7 & Sunday December 8 both at 2p
December 7 – The Nutcracker presented by iBallet Studio
Power Center – 121 Fletcher St Ann Arbor
Time: 5:00pm
Cost: $25+
This December, immerse yourself in Clara’s magical world of toy soldiers, sleigh rides, and dancing sugar plums! The Nutcracker ballet is back in Ann Arbor at the Power Center for Performing Arts. Take a break from your busy December for a chance to watch a whimsical and engaging ballet with the entire family! The show will be performed Friday at 7p, Saturday at 1p and 5p.
December 7 – Dancer's Edge Nutcracker Remix
Jane Tasch Theater – 2100 E M-36 Pinckney
Time: 6:00pm
Cost: $20 to include the Nutcracker, Competition Holiday Showcase, and Holiday Concert
Dancer's Edge will be performing the Nutcracker Remix on December 7 & 8. Performances are held at the Jane Tasch Theatre in Pinckney. This twist on the classic nutcracker includes multiple dance genres, not just ballet, to tell the story of Clara's magical journey on Christmas Eve.
December 7 – Milan Christmas Parade
Downtown Milan – Main St Milan
Time: 7:00pm-9:15pm
Cost: Free
Milan's annual Christmas parade has a "Glittering Lights and Nutcracker Sights" theme this year. Start parade morning off with a Fun Run/Walk. Then in the afternoon, there is a Sugar Plum Tea. Don't miss the fun in Tolan Square before and after the parade! Live music starts at 5:30p. Several mascots (Hungry Howies, Little Caesars, and Kona Ice) will be in Tolan Square for photo ops from 5:15-6:15p. For a $5 donation to fund Milan Chamber events, you can take a snow globe photo op and get autographs, The parade will be along West Main to Park Street. Santa will…read more…
December 8 – Dancer's Edge Nutcracker Remix
Jane Tasch Theater – 2100 E M-36 Pinckney
Time: 12:00pm
Cost: $20 to include the Nutcracker, Competition Holiday Showcase, and Holiday Concert
Dancer's Edge will be performing the Nutcracker Remix on December 7 & 8. Performances are held at the Jane Tasch Theatre in Pinckney. This twist on the classic nutcracker includes multiple dance genres, not just ballet, to tell the story of Clara's magical journey on Christmas Eve.
December 8 – The Nutcracker
Milan High School – 200 Big Red Dr Milan
Time: 2:00pm
Cost: $19 online, $22 at the door (Cash Only)
Ann Arbor Dance Classics presents their annual Nutcracker at Milan High School. They have two shows - Saturday December 7 & Sunday December 8 both at 2p
December 13 – Ballet Chelsea's The Nutcracker
George E. Potter Center – 2111 Emmons Rd Jackson
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $12.50-35
Choreographed by Artistic Director Michelle Quenon, the Ballet Chelsea company artists, and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra musicians will come together for the seventh year to present this annual full-length, narrated ballet. See the show on Sunday at 2p and add on Sugarplum Tea before the show. Other Nutcracker Performances: Before the matinees, you can join Ballet Chelsea for an optional Sugar Plum Tea - making its return from COVID.
December 14 – Ballet Chelsea's The Nutcracker
George E. Potter Center – 2111 Emmons Rd Jackson
Time: 12:00pm
Cost: $12.50-35
Choreographed by Artistic Director Michelle Quenon, the Ballet Chelsea company artists, and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra musicians will come together for the seventh year to present this annual full-length, narrated ballet. See the show on Sunday at 2p and add on Sugarplum Tea before the show. Other Nutcracker Performances: Before the matinees, you can join Ballet Chelsea for an optional Sugar Plum Tea - making its return from COVID.
December 14 – The Nutcracker 2024
Dexter High School – 2200 N. Parker Rd Dexter
Time: 2:00pm
Cost: $20/Adult, $10/child Plus fees
MI Academy of Dance's Academy Dancers bring the Nutcracker to Dexter High School's theater. Whisk yourself off to a winter wonderland as you watch Clara, Fritz, and the Nutcracker Prince dance their way through enchanted lands. From the enchanting land of Snow, to the magical Kingdom of Sweets, every scene is filled with joy and wonderment. The ballet is choreographed and directed by Irina Vassileni, Russian Classical Ballet Director and performed by the Academy student dancers who bring the characters to life. The ballet is accompanied by Tchaikovsky's score.
December 14 – Ballet Chelsea's The Nutcracker
George E. Potter Center – 2111 Emmons Rd Jackson
Time: 5:00pm
Cost: $12.50-35
Choreographed by Artistic Director Michelle Quenon, the Ballet Chelsea company artists, and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra musicians will come together for the seventh year to present this annual full-length, narrated ballet. See the show on Sunday at 2p and add on Sugarplum Tea before the show. Other Nutcracker Performances: Before the matinees, you can join Ballet Chelsea for an optional Sugar Plum Tea - making its return from COVID.
December 14 – The Nutcracker 2024
Dexter High School – 2200 N. Parker Rd Dexter
Time: 5:00pm
Cost: $20/Adult, $10/child Plus fees
MI Academy of Dance's Academy Dancers bring the Nutcracker to Dexter High School's theater. Whisk yourself off to a winter wonderland as you watch Clara, Fritz, and the Nutcracker Prince dance their way through enchanted lands. From the enchanting land of Snow, to the magical Kingdom of Sweets, every scene is filled with joy and wonderment. The ballet is choreographed and directed by Irina Vassileni, Russian Classical Ballet Director and performed by the Academy student dancers who bring the characters to life. The ballet is accompanied by Tchaikovsky's score.
December 14 – The Nutcracker
Saline High School – 1300 Campus Parkway Saline
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $20
Dance Alliance presents The Nutcracker at Saline High School Saturday, December 14th at 7p & Sunday, December 15th at 2:00pm. Tickets are $20. Tickets can be paid for online or picked up at the box office 1 hour prior to the show.
December 15 – Sugar Plum Tea
George E. Potter Center – 2111 Emmons Rd Jackson
Time: 12:00pm-1:30pm
Cost: $35
Ballet Chelsea's Sugar Plum Tea returns before the 2p Sunday performance of The Nutcracker. At the Sugar Plum Tea, enjoy a tea party with a character meet and greet, fun crafts, treats from the "Land of Sweets", professional photos, and watch a company class on stage. Note, you'll also need a ticket for the 2p show. Ballet Chelsea Nutcracker & Sugar Plum Tea: Ballet Chelsea performances of the Nutcracker or join their Sugar Plum Tea:
December 15 – Ballet Chelsea's The Nutcracker
George E. Potter Center – 2111 Emmons Rd Jackson
Time: 2:00pm
Cost: $12.50-35
Choreographed by Artistic Director Michelle Quenon, the Ballet Chelsea company artists, and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra musicians will come together for the seventh year to present this annual full-length, narrated ballet. See the show on Sunday at 2p and add on Sugarplum Tea before the show. Other Nutcracker Performances: Before the matinees, you can join Ballet Chelsea for an optional Sugar Plum Tea - making its return from COVID.
December 15 – The Nutcracker
Saline High School – 1300 Campus Parkway Saline
Time: 2:00pm
Cost: $20
Dance Alliance presents The Nutcracker at Saline High School Saturday, December 14th at 7p & Sunday, December 15th at 2:00pm. Tickets are $20. Tickets can be paid for online or picked up at the box office 1 hour prior to the show.
December 20 – Randazzo Dance Company's The Nutcracker: Clara's Dream
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre – 911 N. University Ann Arbor
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $15-$25
A re-imagining of the Nutcracker story set in 20th century America, in “Clara’s Dream” young Clara and her family are having a Christmas Party complete with a live jazz band. Clara is given a Nutcracker doll as her aunties and cousin and all their friends dance the night away. As the magical dolls come to life, Clara and her cousin defend her beloved Nutcracker against the evil Queen Mouse. Exhausted, she falls asleep and in her dream is taken on a journey of enchantment in the world of snow and sweets. Tchaikovsky’s score gets a new treatment by arranger Eric…read more…
December 20 – Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More
First Presbyterian Church – 1432 Washtenaw Avenue Ann Arbor
Time: 8:45pm-9:45pm
Cost: $26-57.50 depending on seating zone
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Ann Arbor. Get your tickets now to discover music inspired by the winter and holiday spirit at First Presbyterian Ann Arbor under the gentle glow of candlelight. Tentative music included in the program are: Holiday Medley – Various “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” “The First Noël” “Deck the Halls” “O Holy Night” – Adolphe Adam “Ma’oz Tzur” – Traditional Hanukkah Song “The Snow is Dancing” – Claude Debussy “The Seasons, Op. 37a” – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky I. January. “By the Hearth” XII.…read more…
December 21 – Randazzo Dance Company's The Nutcracker with a Twist
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre – 911 N. University Ann Arbor
Time: 3:00pm
Cost: $15-$25
A re-imagining of the Nutcracker story set in 20th century America, in “Clara’s Dream” young Clara and her family are having a Christmas Party complete with a live jazz band. Clara is given a Nutcracker doll as her aunties and cousin and all their friends dance the night away. As the magical dolls come to life, Clara and her cousin defend her beloved Nutcracker against the evil Queen Mouse. Exhausted, she falls asleep and in her dream is taken on a journey of enchantment in the world of snow and sweets. Tchaikovsky’s score gets a new treatment by arranger Eric…read more…
December 21 – Holiday Pops
Hill Auditorium – 825 N. University Ave Ann Arbor
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $31.50-94.50/Adult, $47.25-$15.75/Student or Youth
Featuring your holiday favorites! As in 2023, the 2024 concert features the earlier 7p concert time and a Saturday show. My daughter and I attended the traditional 8p show when she was in elementary school and it was definitely late for her. Join the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra in welcoming the holidays with some of the most beloved music of the season. Hill Auditorium will glow with the magical spirt of this cherished A2SO tradition. The concert will feature special guests Measure for Measure. The concert includes music from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and A Christmas Festival, Glenn Crytzer’s Keep A…read more…
December 22 – Randazzo Dance Company's The Nutcracker with a Twist
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre – 911 N. University Ann Arbor
Time: 3:00pm
Cost: $15-$25
A re-imagining of the Nutcracker story set in 20th century America, in “Clara’s Dream” young Clara and her family are having a Christmas Party complete with a live jazz band. Clara is given a Nutcracker doll as her aunties and cousin and all their friends dance the night away. As the magical dolls come to life, Clara and her cousin defend her beloved Nutcracker against the evil Queen Mouse. Exhausted, she falls asleep and in her dream is taken on a journey of enchantment in the world of snow and sweets. Tchaikovsky’s score gets a new treatment by arranger Eric…read more…
Ann Arbor Nutcrackers We are Watching for the Future
Many nutcracker performances are repeated year after year. Randazzo Dance has moved their nutcracker show to every other year. So they did not be performing in 2024
Each year Theater Nova performs a holiday panto. Their 2022 show was Sugar Plum Panto and was included on our Nutcracker ballet Ann Arbor list. Their 2024 show is not Nutcracker themed, but details can be found in our Ann Arbor holiday performances.
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