New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the longest-running original professional Nutcracker in the state. It premiered in 1971 with Edward Villella as the Cavalier and has been performed some 800 times. In Morristown, it’s accompanied by the full New Jersey Symphony, which makes a huge difference to the experience.
Quick Facts
| Morristown (with NJ Symphony) | Mayo Performing Arts Center: Dec 11 (7:30 p.m.); Dec 12–13 & 19–20 (1 & 6 p.m.); Dec 18 (7:30 p.m.); Dec 24 (1 p.m.); Dec 26–27 (1 & 6 p.m.) |
|---|---|
| Englewood | Bergen Performing Arts Center: Sat–Sun Dec 5–6, 2026, 1 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. |
| Tickets | mayoarts.org / 973-539-8008 for Morristown; bergenpac.org for Englewood |
| Venue address | Mayo PAC, 100 South St, Morristown, NJ |
| Getting there | NJ Transit Morristown Line to Morristown, about a 5-minute walk |
Which Performance to Choose
For the full experience, choose a Morristown performance with the live New Jersey Symphony. The Christmas Eve matinee and post-Christmas shows are popular with families home for the holidays. The Englewood performances come earlier in the season and are convenient for Bergen County and Manhattan audiences crossing the George Washington Bridge.
Make a Day in Morristown
Morristown Green is decorated for the season, and the town has a lively restaurant scene within walking distance of the theater. See our Christmas in New Jersey guide for more.
About New Jersey Ballet
New Jersey Ballet was founded in 1958 and is one of the state’s leading professional dance companies. Its Nutcracker, first staged in 1971, combines company dancers with young students from across the region and has been seen by generations of New Jersey families.
About Mayo Performing Arts Center
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is a restored 1937 theater in downtown Morristown, close to the Morristown Green and its holiday festival.
Make It a Morristown Day
- Visit the Christmas Festival on the Green on a weekend.
- Have lunch or dinner in downtown Morristown.
- Explore Morristown National Historical Park, Washington’s winter headquarters.
Compare Every Nutcracker
See every Nutcracker in the New York area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker 2026?
December 11–27, 2026 at Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown (with the New Jersey Symphony), plus December 5–6 at Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood.
Is the New Jersey Ballet Nutcracker performed with a live orchestra?
Yes, the Morristown performances feature the New Jersey Symphony.
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