Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Dec 9 13
2026
Discover the timeless beauty of classical ballet with one of the season’s most cherished holiday traditions. Ballet BC is delighted to welcome Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet back to the Vancouver stage with their iconic production of Nutcracker. Founded in 1939, the RWB is one of North America’s most storied dance companies, celebrated for its rich legacy and its role in shaping generations of extraordinary Canadian artists through both its professional company and renowned school.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, this enchanting production follows Clara and a cast of unforgettable characters on a journey filled with magic, adventure, and the wonder of winter. From sparkling snow scenes to the warmth of festive celebration, Nutcracker invites audiences of all ages to be swept away by its charm, nostalgia, and enduring spirit. Let your imagination take flight and experience the joy of the holidays brought to life on stage.
Nutcracker
Nina Menon
Galina Yordanova
RWB Artistic Staff
Music
Pyotr Illich Tchaikovsky
Please be aware that balletbc.com is the only authorized ticket seller for RWB’s Nutcracker. Always double check the URL in your browser bar.
Synopsis
‘Tis the night before Christmas and everyone at young Clara’s house is getting ready for the big Christmas party—Clara herself looks in her bedroom mirror as she practices her ballet steps.
As the party begins and family arrives, the Christmas tree is brought in by Mr. Drosselmeier and his son Julien, who Clara takes a liking to. As a present, Mr. Drosselmeier gives Clara a hand-crafted Nutcracker, and she imagines it coming alive to dance with her.
The lively party soon dies down and Clara falls asleep clutching her Nutcracker, rudely awakened by the terrifying Mouse King, who tries to steal her new toy. When the clock strikes midnight, Mr. Drosselmeier is there and tells Clara that she has nothing to fear.
The room and Christmas tree grow and change. Clara is attacked by scurrying mice, and her toy Nutcracker comes alive as a Nutcracker Prince to chase them away! Toy soldiers battle fiercely against the mice and the Prince is gravely injured by the evil Mouse King.
Clara manages to defeat the Mouse King and professes her love for the Prince just as Mr. Drosselmeier brings him back to life, revealing it was his son Julien all along. Julien and Clara walk hand in hand into a magical pine forest, where snow begins to fall.
Back in the Sugar Plum Fairy’s kingdom, Clara’s dream world, she and Julien are warmly welcomed with dances from many different lands. The Prince dances with Clara, who floats in time to the music. Soon, all the inhabitants of the magical land gather to bid her farewell.
When Clara awakens, she is happy to be in her own bedroom with her Nutcracker, who stands proudly next to her.
