Photo credit: Detroit Opera House
Detroit Opera House is bringing back a beloved holiday tradition. After seven years, The Nutcracker returns to its historic stage on November 28–29, 2026. Grand Rapids Ballet and the Detroit Opera Orchestra will join forces for three Thanksgiving weekend performances.
The production gives families and ballet enthusiasts another chance to enjoy this holiday classic. It also brings two Michigan arts institutions together for a special seasonal presentation.
As part of Detroit Opera House Presents’ “Hallelujah, It’s the Holidays!” series, the show combines classical ballet, live orchestral music and imaginative stage design.
Audiences can attend two performances on Saturday, November 28, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. A final performance follows Sunday, November 29, at 2:30 p.m.
Grand Rapids Ballet Brings a Holiday Classic to Detroit
This production marks a special collaboration between Grand Rapids Ballet and Detroit Opera House. Together, the companies will bring Clara’s magical adventure to life through dance and theatrical storytelling.
The story follows Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on an extraordinary journey. First, their adventure begins at a festive holiday party. However, a battle with mischievous mice soon changes everything.
Afterward, they travel to the enchanting Land of Sweets. There, the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes them with spectacular dances inspired by cultures around the world. The famous Waltz of the Flowers also adds to the production’s visual appeal.
Choreographer Val Caniparoli leads the artistic interpretation of this classic ballet. Meanwhile, the production features storybook-inspired sets by Grand Rapids native Chris Van Allsburg, known for The Polar Express, and Tony Award-winning designer Eugene Lee.
The Detroit Opera Orchestra will also perform Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live. As a result, audiences can enjoy the ballet’s memorable melodies alongside its dramatic scenes.
Detroit Opera Adds a Ballet Masterclass
The holiday experience extends beyond the stage. Grand Rapids Ballet will also offer a special learning opportunity for young dancers.
On Saturday, November 28, the company will host a masterclass from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The session takes place at the Margo V. Cohen Center for Dance in the Ford Center for Learning at Detroit Opera House.
Dancers ages eight and older can participate. The class welcomes beginners and advanced students alike.
Best of all, the class is free for anyone with a ticket to one of that weekend’s Nutcracker performances. However, participants without performance tickets must pay $15. Advance registration is required.
Detroit Opera also has other performers joining its holiday programming. For example, former Detroit Opera Resident Artist Brianna J. Robinson will perform at the 23rd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting on November 20.
Detroit Opera Expands Its Holiday Entertainment Series
Beyond The Nutcracker, Detroit Opera has planned a wider seasonal program. The lineup features ballet, film, live music and gospel performances.
On December 12, the Detroit Opera Orchestra will perform live during a screening of The Holiday. Then, on December 13, audiences can enjoy A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live at the Opera House. The production features live performers and music by Vince Guaraldi.
The series continues December 19 with A Night of Inspiration: A Gospel Holiday Celebration. Music director Ray Chew will lead an evening featuring The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell, Donald Lawrence, Shelby 5 and local gospel choirs.
Additionally, the concert will honor gospel historian Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard with the inaugural Detroit Agape Award. The award will recognize her legacy posthumously.
How to Get Tickets for The Nutcracker in Detroit
Tickets for The Nutcracker start at $56.65, including fees. Interested audiences can purchase them through the Detroit Opera House website.
Detroit residents can also access a special ticket offer during performance week. Simply present valid government-issued identification showing a Detroit address at the Detroit Opera House Box Office. Eligible residents can then purchase two tickets for $25 each.
After a seven-year absence, The Nutcracker brings a familiar holiday tradition back to Detroit. Moreover, the partnership between Grand Rapids Ballet and the Detroit Opera Orchestra gives audiences a fresh opportunity to experience this beloved story through live performance.
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