George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

It’s likely you already know the fanciful, fantastical Christmas Eve story and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable melodies—but it’s certain that no NYC holiday season is complete without seeing choreographer George Balanchine’s confection come to life. The glittering classic, performed annually by the New York City Ballet since 1954, has become one of the City’s signature family-friendly traditions. Expect to warm your spirits with visions of the Sugarplum Fairy dancing in your head.