Columbus’ grandest Christmas tradition takes the city’s grandest stage: BalletMet’s “The Nutcracker” runs December 10–27, 2026 at the Ohio Theatre — 22 performances of Tchaikovsky, snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy beneath the palace’s famous chandelier.
One of the largest Nutcracker productions in America, BalletMet’s staging fills the stage with company dancers plus scores of local academy students — for many Columbus families, a child’s first stage appearance and first theatre memory in one. The run includes the abridged “My First Nutcracker” performances for the youngest fans.
Tickets move early every year; the Christmas-week performances go first.
There are bigger cities with Nutcrackers. There is no prettier room for one than the Ohio Theatre in December.
