A magical Christmas tradition for all the family – in a brand-new production for 2025.
“Vibrant” (Financial Times) and “astoundingly pretty” (The London Standard), English National Ballet’s acclaimed production burst onto the stage in 2024. It returns to the London Coliseum to bring you a delicious taste of Christmas delight.
Choreographed by Artistic Director, Aaron S. Watkin, and Olivier Award-winner Arielle Smith, this classic festive ballet combines exquisite dancing with spectacular sets and costumes designed by Dick Bird. English National Ballet Philharmonic perform Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live.
This festive season, join Clara on a fantastical adventure where anything is possible. Embark on a journey full of delight and wonder as English National Ballet brings NUTCRACKER to life with over 100 dancers and musicians.
It’s Christmas Eve in Edwardian London. Clara and her mother are shopping at Drosselmeyer’s Sweets & Delights Emporium where she meets an enchanted Nutcracker doll. They take home liquorice all-sorts, nougat, marzipan and of course, sugarplums, to delight their party guests. As music and laughter fill the house, Clara has a magical sugar plum vision, sparking an adventure in which she bravely defends her home from the Rat King before discovering a dazzling ice realm and its Queen.
Step out of the ordinary and follow Clara as she travels to the Land of Sweets & Delights where the Sugar Plum Fairy has arranged a grand celebration in her honour.
Book your NUTCRACKER tickets with LOVEtheatre today!
It’s Christmas Eve in Edwardian London. Clara and her mother are shopping at Drosselmeyer’s Sweets & Delights Emporium where she meets an enchanted Nutcracker doll. They take home liquorice all-sorts, nougat, marzipan and of course, sugarplums, to delight their party guests. As music and laughter fill the house, Clara has a magical sugar plum vision, sparking an adventure in which she bravely defends her home from the Rat King before discovering a dazzling ice realm and its Queen.
Tickets available for performances from 11 Dec 2025 – 11 Jan 2026.
TBC.
Aaron S. Watkin (Artistic Director, Choreography), Arielle Smith (Choreography), Dick Bird (Costume and Set Design), English National Ballet Philharmonic.
Family-friendly performance:
Saturday 3 January 2026, 14.30.
Children under 5 are allowed in the auditorium. Children under 16 only pay the booking fee (max 2 per full paying adult).
Schools performance:
Wednesday 17 December 2025, 13.00.
This performance welcomes school groups.
Audio-described performance:
Saturday 20 December 2025, 14.30.
This performance includes a Touch Tour for visually impaired audience members at 12.30.
Relaxed performance:
Wednesday 8 January, 13.00.
This performance supports and accepts noise and movement within the auditorium during this show, re-entry as and when needed, and access to a chill-out space outside of the auditorium. The house lights and sound levels may be adjusted throughout the production.
'“A real Christmas gift”'
'“A solid success”'
'“Hits the sweet spot”'
'“A vibrant new Nutcracker”'
'“It’s impressive, deliciously Christmas Eve-ish stuff”'
'“Packed with action, colour and character”'
'“A sweet treat for Christmas"'
