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Ballet Wichita's 52nd Nutcracker
Featuring the Ballet Wichita Symphony. December 18-20, 2026 at Century II.
you're invited!
Join us at the Nutcracker Ballet
Thursday, December 18 at 7:00 PM
Friday, December 19 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 PM
Concert Hall at Century II
225 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS
Approximately 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission.
All ages welcome. Guests ages 2 and up require a ticket.
Tickets available through the Century II Events Portal and Ticketmaster.
about the production
A Holiday Tradition, Live on Stage
For 52 years, Ballet Wichita has brought The Nutcracker to Wichita audiences — and this season is no different. Kansas' only professional ballet company takes the Concert Hall at Century II with a full live symphony orchestra, a cast that spans the entire Wichita dance community, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score performed exactly the way it was meant to be heard.
More than 20 studios from Kansas and the Midwest come together each year for this production. Dancers of all backgrounds audition, and many find their first big stage experience here, surrounded by new friends, familiar faces, and one of the most beloved traditions in the holiday season. The result is a cast that genuinely reflects this community, because it is this community.
Ballet Wichita performs for more than 20,000 people each season. The Nutcracker alone brings over 6,000 elementary students to the Concert Hall through school-day matinees, many experiencing live theatre for the very first time. That's not a footnote. It's the point.
the story
About the Ballet
On Christmas Eve, Clara receives a nutcracker from her Aunt Drosselmeyer: a gift that sets the night in motion.
When the house grows quiet and Clara slips back downstairs, the world shifts. Mice pour from the shadows, toy soldiers march to life, and a battle breaks out between the Mouse King's army and the nutcracker's troops. Clara's quick thinking turns the tide, and the nutcracker is transformed into a Prince.
What follows is a journey through swirling snow and into the Kingdom of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier welcome Clara with dances from around the world. When the celebration ends, Clara and the Prince rise into the sky toward whatever magic comes next.
Whether it was all a dream or something more is hers — and yours — to decide.
know before you go
Plan Your Visit
Venue: Concert Hall at Century II, 225 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202
Parking: Parking is available in the Century II parking garage and surrounding lots. Plan to arrive at least 20-30 minutes before your performance.
Run time: Approximately 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission.
Tickets: All guests ages 2 and up require a ticket. Tickets are available through the Century II Events Portal and Ticketmaster. Contact Century II directly for refunds or exchanges.
Accessibility: Century II is an accessible venue. For accessibility accommodations, contact Century II directly.
