The Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker

A Nutcracker Set in Washington

The Washington Ballet's Nutcracker opens Saturday, November 28 at 7pm at the Warner Theatre and runs through December 27. This is the DC version of the story, and for America's 250th it has George Washington facing off against King George, plus Lady Liberty. Kids who've seen a regular Nutcracker get a kick out of spotting the local twists.

The show is about two hours. Opening weekend has performances Saturday at 7 and Sunday at 1 and 6. Prices depend on the performance and the seat. Before fees, Saturday evening runs about $51 to $170, the Sunday matinee $61 to $180 and Sunday evening $49 to $159. December dates have their own prices on the ballet's site.

The ballet doesn't set an age limit, but two hours is a long sit. I'd wait until around 5, and pick a matinee for a first time so nobody is up past bedtime. The Warner Theatre is downtown on 13th Street, close to Metro Center and Federal Triangle.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Pick a matinee first. Two hours is long for a first ballet.
• ✓Compare dates. Prices change by performance, so check a few.
• ✓Prep the story. Kids enjoy it more if they know the Nutcracker before they go.
• ✓Look for the DC twists. George Washington and Lady Liberty are part of this version.
• ✓Leave time for the walk. Downtown is busy in December. Metro saves the parking hunt.

Questions Parents Ask

When is The Washington Ballet's Nutcracker 2026?

November 28 to December 27, 2026, at the Warner Theatre in downtown DC.

How much are Washington Ballet Nutcracker tickets?

Before fees, seats range from about $49 to $180 depending on the performance and seat location.

How long is The Nutcracker?

About two hours.

What age is the Nutcracker good for?

There's no posted age limit, but because it runs about two hours, it works best for kids around 5 and up.