Orchestra
The main floor, closest to the stage — faces, footwork, and the Stahlbaums’ Christmas party up close.
Balanchine’s holiday classic, performed by New York City Ballet at the David H. Koch Theater.
It begins at the Stahlbaum family’s Christmas Eve party, where young Clara receives a nutcracker from her godfather, Drosselmeyer. At midnight the tree grows, the Mouse King attacks — and Clara’s Nutcracker, transformed into a Prince, leads her through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets.
George Balanchine reimagined E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale in 1954, and his production has been New York’s holiday centerpiece ever since: Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, a Christmas tree that grows until it towers over the stage, and the Sugar Plum Fairy’s famous pas de deux.
Every performance is at the David H. Koch Theater. Here’s how the house’s six sections compare.
The main floor, closest to the stage — faces, footwork, and the Stahlbaums’ Christmas party up close.
Just behind the main Orchestra, still close to the stage — at a more affordable price.
The first elevated level. For the growing Christmas tree and the Waltz of the Snowflakes, this is the full-picture seat.
Above the First Ring — clear sightlines over the whole stage, at mid-range pricing.
Higher up, with a complete view of the stage — an economical way to take in the full spectacle.
The highest section and the most budget-friendly way in — the whole production, from the top of the house.
The essentials for a night at the ballet.
The David H. Koch Theater stands at 20 Lincoln Center Plaza. Take the 1 train to 66th St–Lincoln Center; paid parking is available in garages around Lincoln Center.
About two hours, including one intermission — a first ballet that generations of families return to every year.
Late seating is held until a suitable break in the performance — arrive after curtain and you may miss the opening. Plan to arrive early.
Wheelchair seating and assistive-listening devices are available. Let us know when you order and we’ll help arrange the right seats.
What to expect, and how you’ll receive them.
Performances run from late November through the New Year. Holiday weeks and weekend matinees sell first — book early for the best choice of seats.
E-tickets arrive by email or mobile. For security, every order is reviewed for fraud and delivery may be delayed until the day before the event — tickets are 100% guaranteed to arrive before curtain, or a full refund is issued.
Order with the cardholder’s name and matching contact details, and respond promptly to any verification message — mismatched details can delay delivery.
Talk with a ticket specialist about dates, sections, or ordering.
The delivery method appears on each ticket listing and again on the first page of checkout.
Different listings for the same event may offer different methods.
Email delivery
Mobile e-tickets
Print at home
Shipping
Will Call pickup
All purchases are automatically reviewed for potential fraud. To help prevent unauthorized transactions, delivery may be delayed until the day before the event.
You may receive a mobile message asking the cardholder to verify the email address associated with the purchase.
Purchases are monitored so patrons receive their tickets in time for the event.
The name on the order should match the payment card.
Your address, email, and phone number should also match the card details.
Watch for a mobile message asking you to confirm the email address associated with the purchase. Mismatched details can lead to cancellation and non-delivery.