Beloved Holiday Tradition Returns Nov. 22 with Festive Performances, Character Experiences and Family Activities Benefiting School of Nashville Ballet Scholarships
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — OCT. 29, 2026 — The magic of the holiday season is just around the corner as Nashville Ballet announces that tickets are now on sale for its beloved Nutcracker Tea, returning Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
One of Middle Tennessee’s most cherished family holiday traditions, Nutcracker Tea invites families to step into the enchanting world of Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and the Nutcracker Prince for an unforgettable afternoon of dance, festive activities and holiday magic.
This year’s celebration, co-chaired by Ann Ralls Brown, Whitney Kalb and Alexandra Schneider, serves as the official kickoff to Paul Vasterling’s Emmy Award-winning Nashville’s Nutcracker, returning to Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Jackson Hall Nov. 27 through Dec. 27, 2026.
Designed especially for young audiences while delighting guests of every age, Nutcracker Tea transforms the Fisher Center into a magical holiday setting. Families will enjoy an interactive, abbreviated performance inspired by Nashville’s Nutcracker, bringing the beloved story to life through music, dance and memorable encounters with favorite characters.
Guests can also enjoy festive treats, create holiday crafts and participate in whimsical activities while meeting characters from the production. Adults can enjoy drinks and small bites, while families will have opportunities to capture keepsake memories through professional holiday-themed photography.
“Nutcracker Tea has become one of our most treasured holiday traditions because it brings families together to experience the joy, imagination and wonder of ballet in a truly personal way,” said Nick Mullikin, Artistic Director & CEO of Nashville Ballet. “Whether it’s a child’s first introduction to the magic of Nashville’s Nutcracker or a family’s annual holiday celebration, this event creates memories that last a lifetime while helping provide scholarships that make dance education accessible to students across our community.”
Beyond the holiday festivities, Nutcracker Tea supports an important mission. Proceeds benefit School of Nashville Ballet Scholarship Fund, which provides more than $250,000 annually in merit and need-based scholarships, helping ensure students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities have access to exceptional dance education.
Tickets are $150 for adults and $75 for children and are available now at NashvilleBallet.com/nutcracker-tea. Families are encouraged to purchase early for this popular holiday event.
Additionally, this year, Nutcracker Tea has partnered with Tilly Goose to offer a custom monogrammed fabric crown for young guests included with Patron Packages at the Snowflake level and above. Patron Packages also include VIP early access, priority parking and a curated gift bag, with each level offering its own special touches. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For additional information, contact Morgan Owen at events@nashvilleballet.com.
Tickets for Nashville’s Nutcracker are also on sale now as either single tickets or as part of the newly released Fairytale Package that combines this timeless holiday classic with the winter performance of Cinderella (Feb. 26-28). Families are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as many performances traditionally sell out.
For additional information or to purchase, visit NashvilleBallet.com or contact the Nashville Ballet box office at 615-297-2966, ext. 710.
Photo Credit: Sarah Hartsell Photography
ABOUT NASHVILLE BALLET:
Nashville Ballet, the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee, presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director and CEO Nick Mullikin.
Nashville Ballet creates, performs, teaches and promotes dance as an essential and inspiring element of the Nashville community. Season ticket holders’ support helps to sustain Nashville Ballet’s artistic and educational excellence, accessible arts education to children and adults throughout the Nashville area and beyond, contributing to the city’s vibrant arts and cultural landscape.
Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2, provide more than 55,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through virtual and in-person season performances and Community Engagement programming. Nashville Ballet curriculum-based community engagement and education programs bring dance education to over 16,000 students in over 25 schools across 21 council districts in Middle Tennessee.
School of Nashville Ballet serves students ages 2 through adult and provides exceptional dance training in a supportive and inspiring environment that encourages artistic, athletic and personal growth.
Nashville Ballet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and receives public funding from Metro Nashville Arts Commission and the Tennessee Arts Commission. Contributions from local, regional and national institutional funders, community partners and hundreds of generous individuals provide ongoing support for Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs.
Tune in to Nashville Ballet’s official podcast, Inside the Ballet, for behind-the-scenes insights, artist interviews and a closer look at the stories that inspire the stage, available on all streaming platforms.
To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit NashvilleBallet.com.
