Charlotte Nutcracker 2026: Belk Theater, Dec. 4-23 shows

Last checked Oct. 26, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Dates, times and prices come from Charlotte Ballet and Charlotte Youth Ballet, linked below.

Yes, it is on this year. Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker runs Friday, Dec. 4, to Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2026, at the Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St., in Uptown. There are 19 performances, and tickets are on sale now through the Blumenthal box office.

The production is Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Nutcracker, with Tchaikovsky’s score played live by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Charlotte Ballet says it is suitable for all audiences. The Belk Theater is the ballet’s venue for Nutcracker only; its other shows are at the Knight Theater and its own Center for Dance.

Who to call

• Tickets and exchanges: Blumenthal box office, 704-372-1000
• Charlotte Ballet office: 704-372-0101
• Charlotte Youth Ballet: cyb@charlotteyouthballet.org
• Emergency: 911

Charlotte Ballet performance times

From the ballet’s Nutcracker page:

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ winter break starts Monday, Dec. 21, on its 2026-27 traditional calendar (PDF), so the Tuesday and Wednesday matinees fall in the school break.

Tickets and the VIP add-on

• Prices: the ballet’s ticketing FAQ says tickets for its shows start at $30. It has no child price, and every person needs a ticket, babies included. Prices for each Nutcracker seat level are shown when you book.
• VIP experience, $85 a ticket on top of the seat: free parking, a drink, a gift from the Nutcracker shop, a photo with a costumed ballerina and light snacks on the Mezzanine level of the Belk Theater lobby. It is offered at five shows only: the Dec. 4 evening and the Dec. 13, 19, 22 and 23 matinees.
• Exchanges and refunds: no refunds. Non-subscribers can exchange for $5 a ticket up to 72 hours before the show by calling the box office.
• On the day: will call opens two hours before each show and the lobby one hour before. If a show has not sold out, the box office sells tickets at the door, and student rush tickets (student ID required) are offered at some performances.

Parking and getting there

Charlotte Ballet’s plan-a-visit page lists a $10 patron rate at the Bank of America Center Parking Garage, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s designated deck. The rate applies after 5 p.m. on weekdays and at any time on weekends. The deck takes cash only on the way in, not on exit.

December weekends are busy in Uptown, with holiday events and the ACC Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 5. Allow extra time to park. The LYNX Blue Line and Gold Line both serve Uptown; decks, meters and transit are on our getting around page. Check the road construction and closures page before you drive.

Charlotte Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker, Dec. 4-6

Charlotte Youth Ballet, a nonprofit youth company, stages its 45th Nutcracker at CPCC’s Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave.:

• Friday, Dec. 4: preview performances at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. for students, home-schoolers, preschoolers and seniors 55 and older, and a 7 p.m. show
• Saturday, Dec. 5: 2 and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 6: 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35 to $41, including taxes and fees. Parking is free in the CPCC Faculty and Theater Deck, 1225 E. Fourth St. Girl Scout troops can book a “Before the Curtain” presentation, discounted tickets and a patch.

What this means for you

• The VIP matinees on Dec. 19, 22 and 23 suit families. The ballet says a child who can sit through a movie is ready for a live show.
• Book the youth ballet for a shorter trip and free parking near Elizabeth.
• More this season: holiday lights and Christmas events, arts and exhibitions this month and things to do this month.

Frequently asked questions

When is The Nutcracker in Charlotte in 2026?

Charlotte Ballet performs Nutcracker Dec. 4-23, 2026, at the Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St., with 19 performances. Evening shows start at 7 or 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m.

Is the Charlotte Symphony playing live at the Nutcracker?

Yes. Charlotte Ballet says Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Nutcracker is set to Tchaikovsky’s score performed live by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

Where do you park for the Nutcracker at the Belk Theater?

Charlotte Ballet says patrons get a $10 rate at the Bank of America Center Parking Garage, after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. Cash is taken on the way in, not on exit.

Do children need a ticket for the Nutcracker?

Yes. Charlotte Ballet says everyone, whatever their age, needs a ticket, including babies. It has no child price; its tickets start at $30.

Is there a cheaper Nutcracker in Charlotte?

Charlotte Youth Ballet performs The Nutcracker Dec. 4-6 at CPCC’s Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., with tickets from $35 to $41 including taxes and fees and free parking in the CPCC deck.