In our December events plan ahead earlier this week, you may have noticed one major holiday tradition that was missing: The Nutcracker.
Don’t fret, Clara and the Mouse King are still pirouetting their way across Indy. Here are a few places you can catch the beloved ballet this month.
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble | Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 3 | Times vary | Star Bank Performing Arts Center, 1000 Mulberry St., Zionsville | $20+ | Get your sugar rush on before the matinees by snagging tickets to the Sugar Plum Fairy Dessert Party. If you’d rather enjoy the show in your jammies, Saturday’s performances also offer live stream or on-demand options.
Butler Ballet | Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 3 | Times vary | Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis | $25+ | You asked for pyrotechnics? Yep, you’ll get them here — along with beautiful costumes, glorious scenery, and live accompaniment by the Butler Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet | Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 7 p.m. | Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey, Indianapolis | $34.50+ | The international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists put on a spectacular show with jaw-dropping acrobatics and larger than life puppets.
Nutcracker Sweets | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. | Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St., Indianapolis | Free | Have young ones who won’t want to sit through the full show? Enjoy scenes performed by the Indianapolis School of Ballet, then join the dancers for a mini ballet lesson.
Nutcracker with a Twist | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | IndyFringe Basile Theatre, 719 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis | $20+ | Ballet INitiative puts a spin on the traditional show by placing it in a 1920s setting, complete with jazz music and flappers.
Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Star Bank Performing Arts Center, 1000 Mulberry St., Zionsville | $20+ | This pre-professional performance comes complete with festive lobby activities, including a shopping boutique, bake sale, and post-show cast meet + greet.
Indianapolis Ballet | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey, Indianapolis | $24.50+ | Indy’s only professional ballet company performs alongside the talented students of Indianapolis School of Ballet for an unforgettable experience.
Indianapolis Ballet Family Series: Nutcracker Sweets | Thursday, Dec. 31-Saturday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | The Toby at Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | $25+ | This deliciously bite-sized one-hour version of the ballet is sure to please audiences of all ages.
