Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Leeds Grand Theatre

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Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker

18 December 2025-4 January 2026

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Leeds Grand Theatre
Image courtesy of Leeds Inspired.
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Experience the sweetest of treats this Christmas when Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to Leeds Grand Theatre – a sparkling seasonal favourite that continues to captivate generations.

Join young Clara as she’s whisked from a lively Christmas Eve party into an enchanting winter wonderland, where toy soldiers come to life, snowflakes dance in perfect unison, and the mysterious Nutcracker Prince leads her on a magical adventure. Along the way, she encounters the dazzling Sugar Plum Fairy, the mischievous Mouse King and a host of unforgettable characters – a perfect blend of magic, spectacle and childhood wonder.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, performed live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, this much-loved production combines sweeping orchestration with exquisite choreography, sumptuous costumes and enchanting stage design. It’s a feast for the senses – and the perfect introduction to ballet for young theatre-goers.

For more than 50 years, Northern Ballet has been one of the UK’s most distinctive and innovative companies, known for telling classic stories with cinematic flair and emotional depth. Based in Leeds, the company tours nationally and internationally, earning acclaim for its accessible approach and its ability to make ballet feel immediate and alive for audiences of all ages.

So whether this is your first trip to the ballet or a cherished festive tradition, The Nutcracker is a reminder of why live performance feels so magical at this time of year — a world of snow, sparkle and spellbinding storytelling, right in the heart of Leeds.

Where to go near Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Leeds Grand Theatre

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