Holiday magic returns to downtown Las Vegas as Nevada Ballet Theatre presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® at Reynolds Hall in The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, December 12–27, 2026. The beloved production returns after its magnificent debut with the company in 2025, bringing impressive scenic design, imaginative costumes and loads of holiday spirit to the city’s favorite holiday stage.
The story follows young Marie Stahlbaum, who receives a handsome wooden Nutcracker from her godfather, Herr Drosselmeier, on Christmas Eve. When giant mice invade and the Christmas tree grows to towering heights, Marie helps her Nutcracker defeat the Mouse King — and is whisked through a waltzing forest of snowflakes to the Land of the Sweets. There, the Sugarplum Fairy, a shimmering Dewdrop, Mother Ginger and her Polichinelles, and the dances of Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate celebrate the children in a journey of pure imagination and childlike wonder.
Balanchine, who danced the ballet as a young student in St. Petersburg, premiered his version with New York City Ballet on February 2, 1954, and it quickly became a cherished holiday tradition across America. Tchaikovsky’s towering, timeless score highlights the on-stage magic, and the Las Vegas Philharmonic joins the orchestra pit for the December 12 and 13 performances. With Act I running 49 minutes and Act II 41 minutes, it is a joyful first ballet for families and a treasured tradition for longtime fans.
Performances run December 12–27 at The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Tickets are on sale now through Nevada Ballet Theatre and The Smith Center.
Photo: Virginia Trudeau / Nevada Ballet Theatre
