Our Ultimate Guide to The Nutcracker Shows in Boston

Lia Cirio and Lasha Khozashvili in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker. / Photo by Gene Schiavone courtesy of Boston Ballet

Visions of sugar plums dancing in your head? Well, how could they not be? ’Tis the season, after all, with more than 50 holiday-themed events taking place throughout the city.

Several of those events are various productions of The Nutcracker, the beloved story of about girl, a kernel shell crusher, and a whole lotta glitter and fake snow. Here in Boston, shows range from a primo production by the Boston Ballet, Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre’s kid-friendly version, the modern and hip Urban Nutcracker, and even The Slutcracker.

Below, check out our guide to Nutcracker productions around town, read interviews with lead characters from four different shows, and go behind the scenes of the Boston Ballet’s costume shop. (So much tulle!) —Yiqing Shao

Meet the Dancers

Get to know some local performers who share what it’s like to bring your favorite Nutcracker characters to life.

Behind the Scenes

Each year, the Boston Ballet’s costumes and wardrobe team makes 350 original Nutcracker costumes look brand new. Check out photos of all the glitter and tulle.

Photo by Olga Khvan

A Sugar-Plum Dance-Off

Which Boston production of The Nutcracker is for you? Here’s a handy cheat sheet to help you find the Drosselmeyer of your dreams.

Urban Nutcracker Photo Courtesy of Anthony Williams