The Brooklyn Nutcracker 2026: Brooklyn Ballet’s Hip-Hop Holiday Classic

Brooklyn Ballet’s The Brooklyn Nutcracker retells the classic through the borough’s own cultures. The story moves from Victorian Flatbush to the present day, with scenes at places like Brooklyn Botanic Garden and a Flatbush Avenue subway platform, and blends classical ballet with hip-hop, flexing and dance traditions from around the world.

Quick Facts

Why Go

If you’ve seen the traditional version, this is a fresh, joyful alternative that feels completely New York. It’s great for kids who love music and movement, and it showcases dancers you won’t see anywhere else.

Nearby

Downtown Brooklyn is minutes from DUMBO’s waterfront and the DUMBO tree. See our Christmas in Brooklyn guide for more.

About Brooklyn Ballet

Brooklyn Ballet was founded in 2002 to present classical ballet alongside the dance styles of Brooklyn’s many communities. Its signature production, The Brooklyn Nutcracker, features dancers trained in ballet, hip-hop, flexing (a Brooklyn street dance style) and international forms, set to Tchaikovsky’s score with new musical arrangements.

Who It’s For

• Families looking for a fresh, energetic Nutcracker.
• Kids who love hip-hop and street dance.
• Anyone who has seen the classic and wants something new.

Getting There

The Theater at City Tech is in Downtown Brooklyn, at Jay Street–MetroTech (A, C, F and R trains). DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights are a short walk away for dinner or a waterfront stroll.

Compare Every Nutcracker

See every Nutcracker in the New York area.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is The Brooklyn Nutcracker 2026?

December 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2026 at The Theater at City Tech in Downtown Brooklyn.

How long is The Brooklyn Nutcracker?

About two hours including a 15-minute intermission.