The Nutcracker returns across Hungary in 2025–2026 with a packed calendar of ballets, concerts, screenings, and reimagined dance shows. This all-time favorite fairy tale keeps asking the same luminous question: Are we satisfied with appearances, or do we find happiness by believing everything has a soul and a destiny? A plain wooden doll, trapped by a curse. A brave girl who sees the heart within the painted wood and fights to break the spell. Children’s faith changes the world — and adults learn from them to feel, not just see.
Budapest’s Big Stages
The Budapest Congress Center (1061 Budapest, Andrássy Avenue 22.) hosts flagship performances on 2025.12.16, 12.18, 12.20, 12.23–12.28, 12.30, and 2026.01.02–01.04, 01.06–01.08, 01.10–01.11, with tickets from about $102 to $331. The Operetta Theatre on Nagymező Street 17. (1065 Budapest) offers runs on 12.18–12.21, 12.22–12.23, and 12.25–12.28, fixed at about $70. The Danubia Orchestra plays the full Nutcracker score at Liszt Ferenc Square 8. on 2025.12.17, followed by a holiday concert, Nutcracker and the Melodies of the Season, on 12.19 priced roughly $17–$19. A one-act fairy-tale ballet, “Bring the Fairy Tale to Life!” appears at Haller Street 27. (1096 Budapest) on 12.21. The Hegyvidék Cultural venues present a classic reimagined dance show (Csörsz Street 18.) on 12.20 priced roughly $22–$25, and a Christmas ballet (Jagelló Road 1–3.) on 12.23. The Buda Castle Quarter screens The Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker on 12.20 at Ybl Miklós Square 2–6., about $9.8. Another Royal Ballet broadcast from London shows on 12.25 at Rákóczi Road 21., about $13.6. Ékszer Ballet Dance Ensemble (Ékszer Balett Táncegyüttes) performs The Nutcracker at József Attila Square 4. (1131) on 12.19 for about $5.5.
Győr Takes the Stage
On 2025.12.15–12.16, “Our Nutcracker — 13 Dance Schools” shines at Czuczor Gergely Street 7. Győr returns on 12.21 at Aradi Vértanúk Road 16., and again on 2026.01.17 at Radnóti Miklós Road 46., with tickets around $29–$48.
Across Hungary
Szeged Contemporary Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Szegedi Kortárs Balett — Diótörő) plays in Szeged (Vaszy Viktor Square 1.) on 12.17–12.18 for about $8.9–$19, and their production also runs in Budapest’s 2nd district (Kis Rókus Street 16–20.) on 12.20–12.22. The Székesfehérvár Ballet Theatre brings The Nutcracker on 12.15–12.17 (Main Street 8. — Fő utca) around $7.7–$9.6. Kecskemét hosts The Nutcracker (Diótörő) on 12.20–12.21 (Deák Ferenc Square 1.). Budaörs serves a sweet twist, Chocolate Bar // Nutcracker (Csokibár // Diótörő), on 12.22 at Szabadság Road 26., about $5.5–$6.8.
January Encore
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker tours in January 2026: Szeged (Upper Tisza Bank 1–3. — Felső Tisza-part) on 01.03 at about $33–$64; Szombathely (Sugár Street 18.) on 01.08 for roughly $29–$47; Kaposvár (Arany János Street 97.) on 01.10 at about $27–$44; Eger (Hatvani Gate Square 4. — Hatvani kapu tér) on 01.13; Miskolc’s Generali Arena (Generali Aréna) on 01.14 around $29–$45; Veszprém (Külső-Kádártai Road 5.) on 01.15 about $31–$57; and Budapest’s MVM Dome area (Dózsa György Road 1., 1146) on 01.18 roughly $36–$66.
Plan Ahead
Further picks span December weeks (12.15–12.21, 12.20–12.21, 12.22–12.28, 12.29–12.31) and all through 2025 (01.01–12.31). Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
