The Nutcracker in Miami 2026: Dec. 11-27 at the Arsht

Last checked Oct. 14, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami City Ballet and the Arsht’s parking and transportation page.

Miami City Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker runs Friday, Dec. 11, to Sunday, Dec. 27, 2026, at the Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. There are 20 performances, with the Miami City Ballet Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s score live. The Arsht lists tickets from $40.95 to $345.15, including fees.

Who to call

• Arsht Center accessibility: 305-949-6722, Accessibility@ArshtCenter.org
• Tickets: the Arsht Center event page

Every performance

There are no performances Dec. 14-16, Dec. 21 or on Christmas Day. Schedule from the Arsht Center’s event page.

Tickets

• Price range: $40.95 to $345.15, including all fees, according to the Arsht.
• When we checked, the Arsht page said tickets were available through a subscription package, with a ticket link listed for each performance. Miami City Ballet’s season banner says single tickets start at $45.
• Everyone needs a ticket, including babies and toddlers, the Arsht says.

Running time and ages

• About two hours, including one 20-minute intermission, Miami City Ballet says.
• Recommended for ages 4 and up, Miami City Ballet says.
• The weekend noon and 2 p.m. matinees and the 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, performance are the shows that end earliest. Miami-Dade County Public Schools are out from Friday, Dec. 18, for winter break.

Nutcracker Magic, Thursday, Dec. 10

Nutcracker Magic, at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, is a family fundraiser for Miami City Ballet’s community programs: a holiday party followed by a private dress rehearsal of the ballet.

Parking and getting there

The Arsht lists these options on its parking and transportation page:

• Prepaid Arsht parking from $15, which the center strongly recommends.
• Lot P2520, 1367 NE First Ave., $30, and lot P2521, 1550 NE First Court, $15. Both read your license plate, so there are no gates. Availability varies.
• Omni Garage, 453 NE 15th St., one block north of Knight Concert Hall, at the operator’s rates.
• Melody Tower drop-off parking, 245 NE 14th St., near the Ziff Ballet Opera House, $30.
• Valet, $40, credit cards only, at the Ziff Ballet Opera House and Knight Concert Hall.
• Street parking in PayByPhone zones 40602, 40603 and 40918.
• Metromover: the Adrienne Arsht Center station is one block from Knight Concert Hall on NE 15th Street.
• Rideshare drop-off and pickup is on Bayshore Drive between NE 13th and NE 14th streets.

December weekends downtown are busy. Check our road construction and closures page and getting around Miami before you leave.

What this means for you

• Midweek options are Thursday, Dec. 17, Tuesday, Dec. 22, and Wednesday, Dec. 23.
• Budget for parking: $15 to $40, or take the Metromover.
• Christmas Eve has one show, at noon.

More: arts and exhibitions this month, holiday lights and Christmas events and things to do in Miami this month.

Frequently asked questions

When is The Nutcracker in Miami in 2026?

Miami City Ballet performs George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center from Friday, Dec. 11, to Sunday, Dec. 27, 2026, with 20 performances.

How much are Nutcracker tickets at the Arsht?

The Arsht Center lists a price range of $40.95 to $345.15, including all fees.

How long is The Nutcracker?

About two hours, including one 20-minute intermission, according to Miami City Ballet.

Can young children go to The Nutcracker?

Miami City Ballet recommends it for ages 4 and up. The Arsht Center says every person needs a ticket, regardless of age.

Is there a Nutcracker performance on Christmas Eve?

Yes, a single matinee at noon Thursday, Dec. 24. There is no performance on Christmas Day.