The Nutcracker 2026 in The Hague and Leiden
The most famous and beloved classical ballet in the world, danced by students of the Academy of Classical Russian Ballet: the best outing for children and the whole family around Sinterklaas, Christmas and New Year, in The Hague and Leiden.
Nutcracker 2026: dates and tickets
29Nov 202612:00Buy ticketsThe Nutcracker
- 29Nov 202613:30Buy tickets
The Nutcracker
- 12Dec 202614:00Buy tickets
The Nutcracker
- 13Dec 202614:00Buy tickets
The Nutcracker
Tickets are sold by Ticketkantoor; you go to their website to pay.
The best outing for the whole family
The Nutcracker is the most famous and beloved classical ballet in the world. For every family it is a joy to see this ballet at Christmas time: the best entertainment around Sinterklaas, Christmas and New Year, for children and the whole family. A performance you do not want to miss.
The story of The Nutcracker
On Christmas Eve a girl is given a nutcracker. At night the doll comes to life, fights the Mouse King and turns into a prince. Together they travel to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy and dancers from many lands welcome them with a feast.
This world-famous ballet was created in 19th-century Russia by the great Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky and the ballet master Marius Petipa, from a fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann. It was first danced in 1892 in St Petersburg, at the Mariinsky Theatre, the theatre where Anna Pavlova was also prima ballerina.
Our Nutcracker: for children, danced by children
The new stage version by the Anna Pavlova Foundation and the Academy of Classical Russian Ballet The Hague is made especially for children and danced by children. Many of them are winners and laureates of international ballet competitions. Even the most difficult elements of classical ballet, such as pirouettes and fouettés, they perform at the level of adult professional dancers.
The production is led by Vladislav Kuramshin (member of the International Dance Council CID UNESCO) and Tatiana Petrova. They also created the choreography.
Practical
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Age
- For the whole family (0+)
- Adults (11–64)
- €22.99
- Seniors (65+)
- €19.99
- Children aged 3–10
- €12.99
- Children aged 0–2
- free
- Zeeheldentheater
Trompstraat 342, 2518 BT Den Haag - Het Leidse Volkshuis
Apothekersdijk 33, 2312 DD Leiden
Tickets: online through Ticketkantoor. Questions? Get in touch.
Ask a questionAbout The Nutcracker
When is The Nutcracker 2026 in The Hague?
The performances are on: 29 Nov, 29 Nov, 12 Dec, 13 Dec. Exact times and venues are at the top of this page.
Where do I buy tickets for The Nutcracker?
Online through Ticketkantoor. The ‘Buy tickets’ button at each performance takes you to the right order page.
How much is a ticket for The Nutcracker?
Adults (11–64): €22.99, Children aged 3–10: €12.99, Seniors (65+): €19.99, Children aged 0–2: free. Tickets are sold through Ticketkantoor.
How long is The Nutcracker?
The performance lasts 1 hour.
From what age is The Nutcracker suitable?
This Nutcracker is made especially for children and danced by children: the best outing for the whole family. The performance is suitable for all ages (0+); children aged 0 to 2 have free entrance.
Who dances The Nutcracker?
Children of the Academy of Classical Russian Ballet, many of them winners and laureates of international ballet competitions. They even dance pirouettes and fouettés at the level of adult professionals.
Who created the choreography of this Nutcracker?
Tatiana Petrova and Vladislav Kuramshin, who lead the production by the Anna Pavlova Foundation and the Academy.
Where do the performances take place?
At the Zeeheldentheater in The Hague and at Het Leidse Volkshuis (Apothekersdijk 33) in Leiden. The venue is shown with each date.
Past performances
From the 2023/2024 season to the 2025/2026 season, The Nutcracker was performed 20 times at Zeeheldentheater, Het Koorenhuis and Het Leidse Volkshuis.
See the archiveMore ballet for children
Snow White, The Snow Queen and The Three Little Pigs are also in our repertoire.
All performances and ticketsWant to learn to dance?
The Academy of Classical Russian Ballet teaches children and adults in The Hague and Leiden.
russianballetacademy.nlHelp young dancers onto the stage
Your gift goes to scholarships, free charity concerts and the memory of Anna Pavlova.