The Nutcracker returns across Budapest in 2025 and 2026, lighting up the Advent and Christmas season with family-friendly magic. The ballet’s dreamlike world — music swirling with dancing sweets and Clara’s starlit adventure — will be staged at multiple venues, with online tickets available now. Prices range from $5.50 to $329, and organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
Timeless classic with a twisty backstory
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s classic grew from E. T. A. Hoffmann’s fairy tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. It was first adapted by Alexandre Dumas Sr., then reshaped by Marius Petipa, the Imperial Theatres’ choreographer, forming the foundation of the original ballet. Tchaikovsky’s enthusiasm at first was lukewarm — he feared showy sets and costumes would overshadow the music — but the richness of the story drew him in, and he accepted the commission. Fascinatingly, this became the last work of his life. The world premiere took place on December 18, 1892, at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, following a March 7 concert that previewed the now-famous Nutcracker Suite.
Clara’s dream and the Mouse King
The story unfolds on Christmas Eve, when Uncle Drosselmeyer brings a nutcracker doll for the family’s daughter, Clara (Marika). In her dream, the doll becomes a prince and leads her on a magical journey. First stop: a battle with the Mouse King and his army, the gateway to the wonderland of dreams. The Hungarian debut came in 1927 with choreography by Ede Brada, though the version that truly spread was the Vainonen choreography staged in Budapest in 1950.
Dates and venues
– December 23, 2025: The Nutcracker – Christmas Ballet, 1123 Budapest, District XII – Hegyvidék, Jagelló Street 1–3.
– December 23–28, 2025: 1061 Budapest, District VI – Terézváros, Andrássy Avenue 22.
– December 25, 2025: 1088 Budapest, District VIII – Józsefváros, Rákóczi Road 21.
– January 2–4, 2026: 1061 Budapest, District VI – Terézváros, Andrássy Avenue 22.
– January 6–8, 2026: 1061 Budapest, District VI – Terézváros, Andrássy Avenue 22.
– January 10–11, 2026: 1061 Budapest, District VI – Terézváros, Andrássy Avenue 22.
Tickets start at $5.50 and go up to $329. Add it to your wish list, request alerts, or ask for information — and get swept into Budapest’s holiday tradition. Organizers may adjust schedules and programs.
