American Repertory Ballet (ARB) invites audiences to celebrate the season with The Nutcracker, a timeless story filled with magic, beauty, and holiday spirit. For more than 60 years, this timeless production has delighted generations, captivating newcomers while remaining a beloved tradition for longtime fans. Join the celebration with performances running from Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 21, 2025, at venues in Princeton, Red Bank, and New Brunswick.
Featuring exhilarating choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, American Repertory Ballet’s The Nutcracker showcases the company’s professional artists alongside over 100 talented students from Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet. Together they tell the beloved story of a young girl named Clara, who receives a mysterious Christmas gift and embarks on a wondrous adventure. Guided by her Nutcracker Prince, Clara faces an epic battle against mischievous mice, glides through a snow-filled forest, and arrives in the radiant Land of Sweets. There, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier welcome her with a series of dazzling dances before she awakens, uncertain whether her magical journey was real or just a dream.
“Nothing compares to this production’s festive spirit, inspiring familiarity, warmth, beauty, and cheer,” says Julie Diana Hench, Executive Director. “For over 60 years, generations of families have come to see our production and kick off the holiday season – creating wonderful memories together.”
This year, American Repertory Ballet has expanded opportunities for its youngest talents from Princeton Ballet School, introducing new children’s roles – including the adorable “Lambs” in Act II’s Marzipan dance. These budding dancers will share the stage with ARB’s professional Company artists, creating heartwarming moments that blend youthful exuberance with world-class technique.
Students in The Nutcracker hail from across the region, including Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Somerset Counties in New Jersey; Richmond County, New York; and Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Among the 107 young performers, 24 will be making their Nutcracker debut, adding fresh excitement to this cherished holiday tradition.
Also new this season are “Cookies & Cocoa” special events where attendees of all ages can join Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mouse King before the performance and enjoy fresh cookies, hot cocoa, and a dash of sparkling activities before the curtain rises. Attendees will be entered to win an exclusive backstage tour immediately following the performance. Winners will be announced by the Sugar Plum Fairy!
The performance schedule for American Repertory Ballet’s The Nutcracker is as follows:
Experience the magic at McCarter Theatre Center | Princeton, NJ with performances on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM (with a special “Cookies & Cocoa Package” available for a $30 add-on) and 6:00 PM; and Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM. Tickets range from $49 to $79.
Catch the holiday spirit at Two River Theater | Red Bank, NJ on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM (featuring the “Cookies & Cocoa Package” for a $30 add-on) and 6:00 PM, followed by Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM. Tickets are priced between $47 and $79.
Finally, enjoy an enchanting presentation featuring musicians of the Nutcracker Orchestra conducted by Kenneth T. Bean and singers from the Princeton GirlChoir at State Theatre New Jersey | New Brunswick, NJ. Performances run Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7:30 PM; Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7:30 PM; Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; and Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Tickets range from $52 to $87.
In addition to traditional performances, ARB is also hosting an Immersive Nutcracker Party for the whole family on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM at The Peacock Inn, located at 20 Bayard Lane, Princeton, NJ. This delightful experience for all ages will include hors d’oeuvres and delicacies from the Land of Sweets, jolly holiday beverages, live period music, themed characters, a party scene dance lesson, a children’s story time, photo opportunities with dancers, and much more! Guests are welcome to come in Victorian garb or in an outfit inspired by any of the characters in The Nutcracker. Costumes are optional, but dress should be festive. Individual tickets range from $75 to $200 and Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $5,000. Free valet parking is available. All proceeds from the event will support ARB, a non-profit organization providing excellent dance and dance education for over 70 years.
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