ARB Dancer Clara Pevel, photo by Megan Teat Photography
American Repertory Ballet (ARB) invites audiences to celebrate the season with The Nutcracker—a timeless story filled with magic, beauty, and holiday spirit. For over 60 years, this beloved production continues to captivate new audiences while holding a treasured place in the hearts of returning patrons. Performances will take place from Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 21, 2025 in Princeton, Red Bank, and New Brunswick.
Featuring exhilarating choreography set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score, American Repertory Ballet's The Nutcracker showcases the company's professional artists alongside over 100 talented students from Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet. Together they tell the beloved story of a young girl named Clara, who receives a mysterious Christmas gift and embarks on a wondrous adventure. Guided by her Nutcracker Prince, Clara faces an epic battle against mischievous mice, glides through a snow-filled forest, and arrives in the radiant Land of Sweets. There, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier welcome her with a series of dazzling dances before she awakens, uncertain whether her magical journey was real or just a dream.
"Nothing compares to this production's festive spirit, inspiring familiarity, warmth, beauty, and cheer," says Julie Diana Hench, Executive Director. "For over 60 years, generations of families have come to see our production and kick off the holiday season - creating wonderful memories together."
PBS Students featuring Nia Nicozisis, photo by Megan Teat Photography
Indeed, ARB's The Nutcracker is not only a tradition for audiences, but for members of the organization as well. "Being part of The Nutcracker each year is truly magical—not just as a dancer, but also in assisting with rehearsals and watching the production come to life," says Nanako Yamamoto, ARB Company Dancer & Assistant Rehearsal Director. "Watching the younger dancers grow each season—gaining confidence, finding joy in the process, and becoming part of something bigger than themselves—is incredibly special. Sharing the stage with them and helping to carry on this beloved tradition is something I deeply cherish."
Additional children's roles have been created this year to feature more of Princeton Ballet's School's youngest performers, such as "Lambs" in the Marzipan dance during Act II. These tiny students will share the stage with Company artists like Yamamoto; audiences are sure to delight in both the young dancers' joyful exuberance and the professionals' technical brilliance. Students performing in The Nutcracker hail from Burlington County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Somerset County, Richmond County, NY, and Bucks County, PA. 24 out of 107 students in the production will be performing The Nutcracker for the first time.
Also new this season are "Cookies & Cocoa" special events where attendees of all ages can join Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mouse King before the performance and enjoy fresh cookies, hot cocoa, and a dash of sparkling activities before the curtain rises. Attendees will be entered to win an exclusive backstage tour immediately following the performance. Winners will be announced by the Sugar Plum Fairy!
The performance schedule for American Repertory Ballet's The Nutcracker is as follows:
McCarter Theatre Center | Princeton, NJ | Friday, November 28, 2025 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm; Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 1:00pm* & 6:00pm; and Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 1:00pm. Tickets range from $49 to $79. *"Cookies & Cocoa Package" available for $30 add on to the Saturday, 1:00pm performance.
Two River Theater | Red Bank, NJ | Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:00pm* & 6:00pm; Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 1:00PM. Tickets range from $47 to $79. *"Cookies & Cocoa Package" available for $30 add on to the Saturday, 1:00pm performance.
State Theatre New Jersey | New Brunswick, NJ | Featuring musicians of the Nutcracker Orchestra conducted by Kenneth T. Bean, and singers from the Princeton GirlChoir. Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7:30pm; Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7:30pm; Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm; Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 1:00pm & 5:00pm. Tickets range from $52 to $87.
Runtime for The Nutcracker is 2 hours and 15 minutes including a 15 minute intermission.
Photo by Megan Teat Photography
In addition to traditional performances, ARB is also hosting an Immersive Nutcracker Party for the whole family on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 1:00pm to 3:30pm at The Peacock Inn (20 Bayard Lane) in Princeton, NJ. This delightful experience for all ages will include hors d'oeuvres and delicacies from the Land of Sweets, jolly holiday beverages, live period music, themed characters, a party scene dance lesson, a children's story time, photo opportunities with dancers, and much more! Guests are welcome to come in Victorian garb or in an outfit inspired by any of the characters in The Nutcracker. Costumes are optional, but dress should be festive. Individual tickets range from $75 to $200 and Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $5,000. Free valet parking is available. All proceeds from the event will support ARB, a non-profit organization providing excellent dance and dance education for over 70 years. For more information, contact Grant Jacoby, Director of Marketing, at [email protected], or by calling 609-921-7758 x 34
American Repertory Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is generously sponsored in part by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
With a distinctive reputation for innovation and individuality, American Repertory Ballet (ARB) is recognized as one of the state's premier performing arts organizations. Presenting classical repertory alongside new and existing contemporary work, ARB is a founding resident company of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center while also performing in major venues across New Jersey and beyond for an annual audience of more than 30,000.
Founded in 1954 as the Princeton Ballet Society, ARB has been designated a "Major Arts Institution'' by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and has been awarded a Citation of Excellence by the Council. The company is a core partner of The Arts Institute of Middlesex County and has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and other major foundations and leaders in the field as a prominent force in the field of dance. Princeton Ballet School, ARB's official school, attracts talent from around the world while providing opportunities for local students of all ages, such as through its award winning DANCE POWER program.
Princeton Ballet School (PBS) is the official school of American Repertory Ballet. PBS has gained an international reputation for its excellent dance training since its founding in 1954 by "New Jersey's First Lady of Dance,"[1] Audrée Estey. At its studio locations in Princeton and New Brunswick, PBS offers classes in ballet, contemporary dance, tap, character, and more. PBS provides opportunities for students ages 3 through adult, including its award-winning DANCE POWER program, and performance opportunities, such as the option to participate in American Repertory Ballet's celebrated annual production of The Nutcracker.
Source: [1] Dunning, J. (1975, January 25). A First Lady of the Dance. The New York Times.
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.
