Family-friendly experience boasts imaginative, high-impact splendor, fully immersing audiences in the magic of the holiday season.

Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker, presented by Orlando Health, returns to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Steinmetz Hall, on Dec. 5-24 for its third season under the artistic direction and choreography of Jorden Morris. What began as a reimagined take on this classic ballet has quickly become an unforgettable holiday tradition for families across Florida.

Audiences are invited to step into the world of holiday magic and follow Clara’s mesmerizing journey through the land of snowflakes and enchantment filled with soaring choreography, dazzling costumes and whimsical wonder.

This production blends classical ballet with imaginative, high-impact theatrical design, featuring larger-than-life puppetry, detailed animatronics and immersive stage designs that will delight audiences of all ages. Opulent costumes, lighting and sets add to the remarkable holiday cheer that radiates from this production, which is driven by the iconic music of composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

The Orlando Ballet company of 27 dancers, 15 second company dancers, 16 trainees and 72 young dancers from the Orlando Ballet School take to the stage to display their delicate yet intensely technical repertoire. Their jaw-dropping athleticism is marked by grand jetes, pirouettes and acrobatics. The festive presentation relies on the talents of more than 60 artists, technicians and craftspeople, from puppet builders to aerial riggers, working in sync to create a level of production rarely seen in a holiday performance. 

“Our creative and production teams are extraordinary. With our Nutcracker production, I wanted to create an experience that is whimsical and visually stunning,” said Morris, who debuted his reimagined version in December 2024. “Children and adults alike will enjoy how all the creative elements come together to offer an unforgettable experience.” 

Morris’ background in major-scale productions, including his work in cirque, continues to shape this ballet’s signature moments, including the aerial sequences that bring a new dimension to Clara’s story. 

Audiences can expect returning favorites, including animated characters, thoughtfully crafted puppets – including the beloved flying goose – and the 20-foot tall Mother Goose that comes to life on stage. The production champions Clara’s courage, honors the comfort in traditions and invites audiences to embrace the wonder of seeing the holidays through a child’s eyes.

“Every season, we hear from families who tell us this production has become a cherished part of their holiday traditions,” said Executive Director Bradley Renner. “With the support of Orlando Health, we’re proud to bring this experience to even more people across Central Florida.”

The performance schedule includes evening performances, matinees and two family holiday matinees on Dec. 13 and 20. These select dates include pre-show activities such as crafts, Nutcracker story time, interactive dance classes, face painting and themed photo opportunities for families.

Ticket prices start at $39 plus tax and fees. Performance run time is 1 hour, 57 minutes.

Performances are scheduled for:

Friday, December 5 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 7 – 2 p.m., 7 p.m.

Thursday, December 11 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 12 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 13 – 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 14 – 2 p.m., 7 p.m.

Wednesday, December 17 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 18 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 19 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 20 – 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 21 – 2 p.m., 7 p.m.

Tuesday, December 23 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 24 – 1 p.m.

Select family-friendly matinees on Dec. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Orlandoballet.org, call (407) 918-9828 or email boxoffice@orlandoballet.org. Ticket fees are included in online and phone transactions. Exclusive pricing is available for groups of 10 or more. For group reservations, call (407) 918-9828 or email boxoffice@orlandoballet.org.

About Orlando Ballet
Founded in 1974, Orlando Ballet is Central Florida’s only fully residential professional ballet company. Orlando Ballet produces main stage productions at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, featuring timeless masterpieces and innovative contemporary world premieres, achieving the highest level of professionalism and artistic excellence. Orlando Ballet promotes dance education through community enrichment programs, performance lecture demonstrations, the renowned Orlando Ballet School, and Orlando Ballet II, a second pre-professional company to train and support dancers as they approach the start of their dance careers.