Nutcracker
Ticket Add-On
Capture the Magic VIP Package
Upgrade your experience and add a little magic with these VIP perks for your group. Make your night one-of-a-kind for your family!
After selecting your tickets for The Nutcracker, go to your cart, then you will see a prompt at the top of the screen with the opportunity to purchase your Capture the Magic VIP package. You can also call the box office to purchase a package at 602-381-1096.
Price: $125 (with parking) / Reduced rate available the week of performance
- Early lobby entry for your entire party (90 minutes before the performance begins) to shop and take photos without the crowds!
- Photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy
- Four (4) hot chocolate vouchers
- Parking pass (with advanced purchase)
- SBAZ drop-in class voucher
- Pair of autographed pointe shoes
- Ballet Arizona tote bag
- $20 Ballet Arizona gift card
- 20% off at the Nutcracker Boutique
Season Subscriptions
See The Nutcracker and more — save all season
Subscribe to the 2026–27 season for the best seats, exclusive presale access, and free ticket exchanges.
About The Show
Location
Symphony Hall — 75 N 2nd St, Phoenix, Arizona
Dates
December 11 – 27, 2026
Casting & Program
Coming Soon
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Program
Runtime
Approximately 2 hours, inclusive of one intermission
Best For
Genre
Classical Ballet · Live Orchestra
Watch a Preview
Get a sneak peek here!
Content Guidance
The Nutcracker is a family-friendly production suitable for audiences of all ages. Younger patrons will delight in the dancing snowflakes, life-sized toys, and the grandeur of the Land of Sweets.
Please note the production includes brief moments of theatrical fog, atmospheric lighting, and a festive battle scene with toy cannons. There are no strobe effects.
With Gratitude to
Our Sponsors
Give the Gift of Ballet
Angel Night
Each holiday season, Ballet Arizona welcomes hundreds of children, families, and community members to experience the wonder of The Nutcracker free of charge. Your Angel Night gift makes these magical evenings possible — ensuring the joy of live ballet reaches everyone, regardless of means.
$50 welcomes one child to their first ballet
$200 brings an entire family to the theatre
$500 sponsors a classroom of young students
100% of your gift is tax-deductible
Synopsis
Act I
Herr Stahlbaum and his wife are giving a Christmas Party. Clara and Fritz, their children, greet the guests. The parents give toys to all the children. Suddenly, the mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer arrives and entertains the children with his magical tricks and wind-up dolls.
Dr. Drosselmeyer brings a special gift for Clara – a wooden nutcracker. In a jealous fit, Fritz breaks it. Dr. Drosselmeyer quickly repairs it.
The party ends, the guests leave, and the Stahlbaums retire for the night. Clara awakens as a mouse runs through her room. The clock strikes midnight. Suddenly, the room fills with giant mice who attack Clara. Life-sized toy soldiers, led by her valiant Nutcracker, come to her rescue. The Mouse King attacks the Nutcracker, but Clara hits him with her shoe and the Nutcracker wins the battle. After the battle, the Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince.
The Prince rewards Clara for her bravery by presenting her with a crown and introduces her to the Snow Queen and King who send them on their journey to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy in an enchanted sleigh.
Act II
The Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes Clara and the Prince to her kingdom. After the Prince tells of his battle with the Mouse King and how Clara bravely helped him to victory, the Sugar Plum Fairy invites them to a special celebration in their honor. They are entertained by delightful dances including Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea and Russian Trepak, in addition to a shimmering performance by the Dew Drop Fairy and her Waltzing Flowers. The celebration ends with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier dancing for the honored guests. Clara wakes from her magical dream to find herself safely at home with her Nutcracker in her arms.
Creative Credits
Choreography
Ib Andersen
Music
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Live Orchestra
The Phoenix Symphony
Conducted by Matthew Kasper
Set Design
Carey Wong and Ib Andersen
Costume Design
Fabio Toblini
Lighting & Projection Design
Michael Korsch
Photography
Rosalie O'Connor
Tzu-Chia Huang
Michael Higgins
Need More Information?
Box Office
Welcoming Every Guest
Sensory-Adapted Performance
The Sensory Adapted Performance provides the same top quality artistic experience but adapted to better suit a wider range of audience needs. This abbreviated (Act II) performance features softened recorded music, soft light, designated quiet spaces, access to fidget devices, and more.
Lighting & Sound
Freedom to Move
Quiet Space & Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the venue?
The performance takes place at Symphony Hall, located in Downtown Phoenix, at 75 N 2nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Click here to view a map and additional venue details.
Where can I park?
There are several parking garages around the venue, Symphony Hall. We recommend parking at the Phoenix Convention Center West Garage on 2nd Street, next door to the venue, if available.
If you purchase a Capture The Magic Package with parking or a parking pass as a Subscriber, your parking pass will grant you entry to the West Garage.
Additional parking garages and meters are available nearby. Click here to view a map.
- Regency Garage – 2nd St, south of Adams
- Civic Plaza West Garage – Off 2nd St south of Monroe St
- Chase Garage – NW corner of Monroe and 2nd St
- Heritage Garage – Monroe & 5th St
- Phoenix Convention Center East Garage – 5th St and Washington
- Wells Fargo Garage – SW corner of 1st Ave and Adams
There are also Valley Metro Light Rail stops within walking distance of Symphony Hall at Washington/Central Ave, Jefferson/3rd St and Jefferson/1st Ave.
Where should I park if I purchased a Capture The Magic VIP Package?
If you purchase a Capture The Magic Package with parking, your parking pass will grant you entry to the Phoenix Convention Center West Garage right next door to Symphony Hall on 2nd Street.
Please note that the parking garage only accepts physical parking passes, so patrons should purchase a Capture the Magic package at least a week in advance so that the Box Office can mail parking passes to patrons. If purchased closer to showtime, parking passes will not be included, but packages can be purchased for a reduced rate. The reduced price will be available automatically.
What is included in the Capture The Magic VIP package?
Ballet Arizona’s Capture The Magic VIP package includes a number of experience enhancements and gifts. Each package will include:
- Early entry for your entire party to the Symphony Hall lobby (90 minutes before the performance begins) to shop and take your Sugar Plum Fairy photo without the crowds!
- Complimentary photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy
- Four (4) hot chocolate vouchers
- Complimentary parking pass (with advanced purchase)
- Complimentary SBAZ drop-in class voucher
- One pair of autographed pointe shoes
- Ballet Arizona tote bag
- $20 Ballet Arizona gift card
- 20% off at the Nutcracker Boutique in the lobby
One (1) package includes ALL of the above items.
How do I purchase a Capture The Magic VIP package?
When purchasing your tickets online, you will be given the opportunity to add the package to your cart.
You can also add the Capture the Magic package by calling our Box Office Monday – Friday between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm at 602-381-1096.
Please note that the parking garage only accepts physical parking passes, so patrons should purchase a Capture the Magic package at least a week in advance so that the Box Office can mail parking passes to patrons. If purchased closer to showtime, parking passes will not be included but packages can be purchased for a reduced rate. The reduced price will be available automatically.
Is there a bag policy? What is the security process?
Phoenix Convention Center & Venues has implemented a screening process for all public shows at Symphony Hall and Orpheum Theatre. For the safety and security of all patrons, everyone will pass through metal detectors to screen for prohibited items.
Yes, there is also a bag policy. Clutch bags no larger than 8.5” x 5.5” and clear bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” are permitted. Medical and family bags are allowed. No other bags are permitted, and all bags are subject to search.
When does the Box Office open at Symphony Hall during my performance day? When can I enter the Lobby?
Lobby doors, Will Call, and Box Office will open on site at Symphony Hall 1 hour prior to the performance time.
For those with Capture The Magic packages, Will Call, Box Office, and Lobby doors are open 90 minutes before showtime for early preshow access.
What is your Late Seating Policy?
There will be no late seating. We highly recommend all attendees arrive early to provide ample time to find parking, go through security, find your seats, and enjoy the holiday experience! If there are long lines at the security checkpoint, don’t fret – our team will always monitor and communicate those to the Stage and House Managers.
I can't make the performance and need to change my tickets! What are my options?
Not a worry! We understand that things come up. Please contact the Box Office before your performance at 602-381-1096 or email boxoffice@balletaz.org and our team will be happy to help you with an exchange or box office credit.
Please note: There is a $5 exchange fee per ticket. Box office credit can be applied toward another performance of The Nutcracker or a future performance of your choice in Ballet Arizona’s 2026-27 performance season and expires June 12, 2027. Box office credit cannot be applied toward next year’s Nutcracker.
Is there a coat check at Symphony Hall?
Yes, there is a Coat Check available at Symphony Hall. It will be located on the west side of the lobby once you enter the venue.
Are booster seats available?
Yes, you can check out a booster seat from Coat Check once you enter Symphony Hall. The Coat Check is located on the west side of the lobby once you enter Symphony Hall.
Is there a place to store strollers or mobility devices?
Yes, there are places to store a stroller or mobility device at Symphony Hall. Please seek a friendly usher for help. Ushers can also take mobility devices to store and return them to guests in the ADA sections.
Are there photo opportunities?
Yes! We have plenty of photo opportunities to enjoy before the performance and during intermission. Audiences love taking photos in front of our Christmas tree displays as well as at our Sugar Plum Fairy photo display. Sugar Plum Fairy photographs are taken with a ballerina by professional photographers and are available as digital and printed keepsakes. Photographs range from $20-30. Prints are available same-day during your performance. If you purchase a Capture The Magic package, your photo keepsake is included as part of your purchase!
Do you have merchandise I can buy for gifts and mementos?
Yes! We have an array of special ornaments, plush toys, nutcrackers, snow globes, commemorative t-shirts, and more holiday decor to help you and your loved ones celebrate the season. Explore our Nutcracker Boutique before your performance, during intermission, or after the performance concludes.
Please note: There are no online orders available at this time. Cash is accepted, but credit or debit card purchases are recommended. If you purchase a Capture The Magic package, you will also receive a 20% discount on all boutique purchases!
Does Ballet Arizona's performance of The Nutcracker have a live symphony orchestra?
Yes, Ballet Arizona’s performances of The Nutcracker feature live music by The Phoenix Symphony! This sets this production apart from other Nutcracker presentations around the Valley and truly makes the performance even more magical.
Please note we offer a Sensory Adapted performance of The Nutcracker which includes recorded music that can be played at a softer volume for those with sensory needs. If this sounds preferable, please visit our Sensory Adapted Nutcracker page for more information and to purchase tickets for this special performance.
How many people can accompany ADA accessible seats as companions?
Up to three adjacent companion seats (depending on availability) are allowed per patron with an ADA seat. If you need recommendations or assistance in choosing your seats, please contact our Box Office at 602-381-1096 or email boxoffice@balletaz.org.
I don't need wheelchair accessible chair, but I can't use stairs. Is there anywhere in Symphony Hall I can sit?
Yes, we recommend choosing seating in the Front Orchestra or Loge seating. If you need support in choosing your seats, please contact our Box Office at 602-381-1096 or email boxoffice@balletaz.org.
It's my first time at a ballet. What should I bring with me?
Welcome! We are so glad you’ll be experiencing your first ballet with Ballet Arizona. We recommend bringing a small bag (no larger than 8.5” x 5.5”) or a clear bag (no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”) and a sweater or a jacket.
What should I wear?
We want your Nutcracker experience to be the very best! To ensure you’re comfortable, we recommend dressing in layers in case the theater feels too cool or too warm for you. If you’re curious about style, we see a lot of holiday flair, so feel free to dress to celebrate the season!
Can I buy Nutcracker Boutique items without a ticket?
Unfortunately, we are currently only able to offer our Nutcracker Boutique experience in-person to guests with a ticket to the performance.
What if I have more questions?
We are here to help! You can give our Box Office at call at 602-381-1096 Monday through Friday 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (times may vary during performance days) or email boxoffice@balletaz.org.
For more general questions, email questions@balletaz.org
