Toledo Ballet: The Nutcracker at Stranahan Theater

There's something special about the holidays - the tree, the lights, the scrumptious meals, the unwrapping of gifts, the uplifting music and the spirit of togetherness. Whether it is actually Christmas time or not, this unique sort of magic does its thing in any month of the year and there is simply no better way to get into the spirit of the festive season than experiencing the breathtaking ballet that first captivated the world over a century ago!

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Nut Cracker!

Based on Alexandre Dumas' well-known short story 'The Tale of a Nutcracker', legendary Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's charming 1892-ballet 'The Nutcracker' has been entertaining followers around the world for many years and became one of the world's top-rated, most famous and most celebrated classical ballets of all time.

Featuring some of the world's most timeless tunes in classical libary, 'The Nutcracker' explores the story of young Clara who is gifted a curious wooden Nutcracker doll from her eccentric godfather on Christmas Eve. When the clock strikes midnight, the living room transforms into a wonderland where the toys come to life, with whom she embarks on an exciting adventure.

Apart from this imaginative story, the ballet features legendary dancing - from jaw-dropping lifts and mindblowing leaps to epic spins and phenomenal, graceful dancing, from amazing choreography and intriguing puppetry to stunning hand-crafted costumes and scenery and of course, Tchaikovsky's extraordinary score to underline the on-stage events.

Toledo Ballet this winter

To date 'The Nutcracker' has had well over tens of thousands of performances around the globe - and the masses can't all be wrong! This is without a doubt the one theatrical experience in 2026 that you need to treat yourself and your family to! You can take our word for it - we've seen 'The Nutcracker' countless times and every single time has been carved in our memories! Toledo Ballet is celebrating over 85 years of bringing this beloved production to life, making it one of the longest-running annual Nutcracker traditions in the region.

Clara, the Nutcracker and their friends - and rat-enemies - are bringing the magic to North America's most adored live entertainment venue Stranahan Theater and the best theatrical experience of your life is on the cards for you and yours! Toledo Ballet's company dancers will enchant you in principal roles including the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier.: every experience is enhanced by the Stranahan Theater's superb sound and lighting, crystal-clear surround sound, a massive capacity of 2,424 seats, comfortable seating on various levels including orchestra and mezzanine and fantastic facilities for your ultimate comfort. Free parking is available in the surrounding lot and the entertainment venue is easily accessible from I-475 and the Ohio Turnpike.

Make your Friday night more well known!

Why not make the evening even more impressive? Have a look at our 'Plan Your Trip' section on the website for a hand-picked list of the best places in Toledo for dinner and entertainment!

So come on - treat yourself and yours to a special theatrical experience this winter with 'The Nutcracker'! Multiple performances run December 11-13, 2026, with the Friday, December 11 show starting at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM).