RVA's Nutcracker Ballet Returns: A Family-Friendly Holiday Tradition

It’s time to travel to the magical kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy! The Richmond Ballet is performing The Nutcracker at Dominion Energy Center December 6 to December 23, 2025. Grab your tickets NOW!

During this 2 hour show, you will see all your favorite characters from The Nutcracker & hear Tchaikovsky’s masterpieces performed by The Richmond Symphony.

This playful and vibrant performance is family-friendly, particularly at the matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays!

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2025 Showtimes:

Saturday, December 6 – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 7 – 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM

Friday, December 12 – 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 13 – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 14 – 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM

Thursday, December 18 – 7:00 PM

Friday, December 19 – 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 20 – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 21 – 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM

Monday, December 22 – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Tuesday, December 23 – 1:00 PM 

Tips and Tricks for Attending The Richmond Ballet's The Nutcracker with Kids:

1. It’s showing now through December 23 with shows at 1pm, 2pm, 5:30pm & 7pm. My favorite shows to attend with kids are 1pm on Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays.

2. Tickets start at $31.60. Everyone 2 & older needs a ticket. If your child is under 2, (s)he will sit in your lap during the performance.

3. Only use Etix or call the Richmond Ballet Box Office to get your tickets. Otherwise you will pay a premium! Call the box office directly to get the best price on tickets & to avoid additional fees.

4. While The Dominion Energy Theatre does not have a dress code for The Nutcracker, most guests wear their Sunday Best or Holiday Best. Think festive Christmas attire!

   
   

5. The show runs for 2 hours, including a 20m intermission. Strobe lighting and smoke effects are used in the production.

   
   

6. The theatre opens 1 hour before the show starts, and seating begins 30m before your performance. I like to arrive an hour in advance so that we can shop. pick up snacks at the concession, and watch The Richmond Symphony warm up. You can explore the entire theatre - you don't have to go directly to your seats. It also makes finding a parking spot easier!

5. Concessions have beer, wine, soft drinks, popcorn & candy. Drinks & snacks are allowed in the theater.

6. Nutcracker themed gifts are sold in the lobby - ornaments, stuffies & nutcrackers.

7. You can borrow a booster seat for little kids - perfect for 7 and younger. Grab them when you walk in OR find them around the theater lobby!

8. I’d recommend this for children 3 & older, but it definitely depends on your kid! If your kiddo gets antsy, it’s easy to exit the theater and walk around the lobby.

   
   

9. Even if ballet isn’t always seen as a "typical" event for boys, it's a holiday classic that all kids will enjoy! There's a lot of scenes and characters that will draw all children in: the children in the ballet, Mouse King’s drama, the toy-vs-mouse battle, the mischievous on-stage antics, the larger-than-life dancing bear and the magical movements of all the ballet dancers! I also prepped my children for attending this ballet by listening to the music and reading A Story Orchestra's The Nutcracker. In this book, you can listen to portions of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent scores on each page!

9. There are several paid parking lots around the theater & street parking. These fill up on weekends - arrive early. Most lots cost $10 to park during the show - credit card only!

Things to do nearby the Dominion Energy Center:

1. The Quirk Hotel: This gorgeous, modern hotel in the heart of the city has a coffee bar open daily from 7-1! It’s perfect for a create your own Christmas Tea. The Quirk Hotel has the most spectacular pink Christmas trees in the lobby & you can enjoy your treats around it! The hotel is decorated now through New Year’s.

   
   

   *This is .7 of a mile from the theatre; ~4m drive.

   
   

2. The Jefferson Hotel:The Jefferson Hotel’s spectacular gingerbread house is now on display & it’s a must see! You can visit The Jefferson Hotel through January 4, 2026 to see it without a reservation. The hotel is open to the public!

   
   

   The 2025 gingerbread display is a Christmas Village with 4 buildings & 8ft Christmas tree that spins! It took 22 days & 600 hours to create.

   
   

   *This is .8 of a mile from the theatre; ~3m drive.

Heads Up: The Secret Sandwich Society is now closed!

If you're looking for more Christmas fun, check out my guide to finding Santa in Richmond, 2025

If you're looking for can't miss Christmas performances, check out my guide on Holiday Magic on Stage in Richmond!

If you're looking for holiday fun that doesn't break the bank, check out my guide on 20 Free Christmas Events in Richmond This Holiday Season!

*For more details on these fun, festive spots and more Richmond adventures, follow our family on @thewestendmom on Instagram!