
People around the world love going out to see a performance of The Nutcracker at Christmastime. Whether it's a yearly tradition for your family or something you've always wanted to experience, you don't have to go far from home to see a performance of this classic ballet.
From high-production traditional versions to newer interpretations, there are so many places around Ohio where you can see a live performance of The Nutcracker this Christmas. Let's look at a few of the most popular in greater detail below.
39 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Every year around Christmas, the Ohio Theater hosts the talented artists of Ohio's BalletMet for a series of performances of The Nutcracker. This year, shows will run from December 8 all the way up to Christmas Eve. This production is extremely well-crafted, boasting gorgeous sets and visual effects as well as world-class dancing from the BalletMet's company dancers and students. With more than two weeks' worth of performances in Columbus' premier theater, you're sure to be able to fit one into your busy holiday schedule.
39 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215
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Yes, you read that right: The Ohio Theater offers an additional performance of The Nutcracker. This time, it's a special performance called My First Nutcracker, taking place on December 22 at 11 a.m. This show is a slightly abridged version of the full BalletMet version designed to make the experience better for families with young children and people with disabilities like autism. The shorter 1-hour performance time, smaller crowds, dimmed house lights, and quieter music all help make this version much easier for kids to sit through. If your kids do get antsy, audience members are invited to get up and move around during the performance or even leave the theatre if they need to.
182 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44308
Looking for a laugh or two this Christmas? On December 2 at 7 p.m., the Akron Civic Theatre will be hosting a performance of The Nutty Nutcracker, a parody version of the classic show. This production is an adults-only campy comedy that still showcases plenty of excellent ballet dancing. It turns the elegant timelessness of the original on its head in a way that veteran Nutcracker fans are sure to appreciate, and if nothing else, it's great for a fun, lighthearted night out during a hectic holiday season.
198 Hill Street, Akron, OH 44325
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The University of Akron's Dance Institute is partnering with the Verb Ballet's company dancers for a repeat performance of last year's hit new show, The Akron Nutcracker. This adapted version of the original aims to tell the classic story within a recreation of the Akron of the 1930s, complete with iconic local landmarks like Polsky's Department Store and the Stan Hywet estate. This limited-run Northeast Ohio show is being performed Dec. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. each evening, so it's a great family activity to help you build up to the big day.
500 Lakeside Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44114
If you want to see a world-class production of The Nutcracker right here in Ohio, check out this year's performance of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet on Saturday, December 10 at the Cleveland Public Auditorium Music Hall. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this adaptation of the classic ballet, and its goals of spreading world peace and harmony are more important now than ever. Come see the artistry of some of Ukraine's top ballet dancers as they bring this dazzling show to life – it's an experience you'll never forget.
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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A yearly staple at the Cincinnati Music Hall, The Nutcracker is arguably the most popular show performed by the Cincinnati Ballet. It's a great excuse to watch some of Ohio's most talented dancers practice their craft. And because it's so popular, you can expect high production values that will make the experience even more worthwhile. This year's performances run from December 15 all the way up to Christmas Eve, so find a free day on your calendar and book your tickets!
650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telling a familiar story from a new perspective is a great way to make it feel fresh and current again. On December 9 and 10, the Aronoff Center for the Arts will be hosting Nutcracker Hot Chocolate, a modernized version of The Nutcracker that has been adapted to showcase African American performers and culture. Acclaimed dance icon Debbie Allen created the show in 2008 to help inspire young dancers of color to keep pursuing their dreams. It's won a bevy of awards since then and continues to be a favorite of families everywhere.
317 East 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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The Nutcracker may be traditionally staged as a ballet, but who says it has to be? The Hip Hop Nutcracker reimagines this classic show as a thrilling hip-hop dance exhibition that is sure to make you think about Tchaikovsky's music in a whole new way. This touring performance will be stopping in Cincinnati for a show at the Taft Theatre on December 1 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The tour features rapper Kurtis Blow as the show's MC, as well as a full troupe of talented artists dancing on a set that recreates modern-day New York City with gorgeous graffiti lighting effects.
Which of these exciting performances of The Nutcracker will you be seeing this holiday season?

If you're looking for a unique way to spend an evening this summer, dinner and the theater might be just the outing for you. Ohio is home to an impressive array of performing artists, including actors, comedians, and musicians. Take some time to get out there and see them at any of the exciting venues listed below.
1260 Euclid Ave. Inside Crown Plaza at Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH 44115
At The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show, you get to play the part of a detective in a gripping theatrical murder plot. As you eat your four-course dinner and enjoy access to a cash bar, you will watch the murder scene unfold before your eyes. Each event features plainclothes actors sprinkled throughout the audience, giving the proceedings a more unpredictable and dramatic flair. It's an interactive experience where anyone in the room could be a part of the mystery. At the end of the night, the person who figures out the identity of the murderer first will win a small prize for their efforts.
4365 OH-39, Millersburg, OH 44654
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Hoping to bring your kids on your night out? The Amish Country Theater is one of the few fully family-friendly theater establishments in Ohio. This local theater features a full complement of nightly variety shows that evoke the popular vaudeville shows of the early 20th century. Special guests appear periodically to shake up the venue's usual farm-themed routines. The performances are diverse, surprising, and always entertaining, giving you something new to look forward to each time you visit.
5475 Lake Rd., Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041
The Noble Art Entertainment dinner theater experience is always a fun option for a night out in Northeast Ohio. Some of their shows, such as murder mystery dinners, are interactive. Others are more traditional theater experiences. Each is performed during a three- to six-course dinner with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available. Vegan dishes may also be provided with advance notice and a small surcharge. Check out the list of upcoming shows and show menus on their website to see which types of events are available this summer.
765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, OH 45066
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La Comedia is a popular live dinner theatre in the Cincinnati area. When you attend, you'll be invited to eat your fill from a massive buffet filled with delicious options like fried chicken and fish, homemade cornbread, sauerkraut, and potato soufflé. This company is best known for its musical performances, but you can catch all kinds of shows here at different points in their rotation. This summer, they will be performing Beauty and the Beast starting on June 2nd, followed by The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee starting July 28th.
4990 Glenway Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45238
Cincinnati Landmark Productions has been operating under different names for nearly 36 years. In that time, they have become one of Ohio's premier entertainment destinations. Some of the shows they have lined up for the summer months of 2022 include Newsies, Jerry's Girls, and Carousel. CLP also hosts the Cincinnati Young People's Theater at their Covedale building. This summer, this group will be putting on an all-teen performance of the beloved high school musical Grease.
2172 E. Seymour Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45237
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Experience a whole new meaning of "meals on wheels" on the Cincinnati Dinner Train. Buying a ticket on this vintage train entitles you to a four-course dinner served while rolling through the most scenic spots around the outskirts of Cincinnati. The train itself is themed around the 1940s and includes several carefully restored cars to accommodate guests. The highlight of these is the Albee Car, an impressive space featuring a full musical stage. This spot is home to the Queen City Sisters, a retro musical group singing songs from the period to complete the mood. By the time you step off the train at the end of the night, you'll feel as if you've gone back in time.
Inside Hilton, 401 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
The Columbus version of The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show offers the same thrilling experience as the company's Cleveland location. Remember that there is a lot of frightening imagery involved at these dinners, including simulated gunshots and sudden blackouts—all guests must be over 15 to attend. Adults can look forward to a thrilling night of puzzle-solving, intrigue, deception, and eventual triumph. Even if you are not the person to eventually catch the killer, you're sure to leave feeling pleased to have had the chance to exercise your detective skills.
2101 Noe Bixby Rd., Columbus, OH 43232
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Over the course of just two hours, The Murder Mystery Company offers a three-course dinner and a Clue-style murder mystery performance. This company themes each of their performances to enhance the experience and provide something different for repeat guests. Some recent themes include Midnight at the Masquerade, Death of a Gangster, and Totally 80s, Totally Murder. Guests are encouraged to dress up to match the theme of the night. Adult guests can also purchase alcohol at any point during the show.
1625 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220
At Columbus' A Murder Mystery Dinner, you'll experience more than just a show. Guests at this dinner theater are taken through an engaging murder mystery through step-by-step interactive dramatizations of events. In between these dramatizations, guests are invited to solve escape room-style puzzles together as a team. This format is a great way to see how well your companions work together as well as how well each of you works with other people. Some of these events are adult-only, while others accommodate teenage guests as well. Check out your options in advance if you plan to bring younger people to the show.
There's nothing like a night on the town to get you feeling on top of the world. Which of these entertainment experiences will you be attending this summer?