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The Austin Symphony Orchestra accompanies Ballet Austin’s 64th annual production live. Performances are scheduled Dec. 4–23, with afternoon and evening start times.
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
Clara’s journey begins at a holiday party and leads to the Land of Sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince. In Ballet Austin’s 64th annual production, the Austin Symphony Orchestra provides live accompaniment at Dell Hall—a defining part of this year’s performance.
The published synopsis gives the ballet a straightforward story outline: Clara moves from a festive party to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince enter the tale. For viewers who do not already know the plot, those named encounters offer a useful point of reference.
The 2026 production is presented by Ballet Austin and features live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Its credited creative team also spans choreography, music, costumes, sets and lighting.
Further reading: The Nutcracker - Long Center ↗ · . | Ballet Austin ↗
Ballet Austin handles ticketing. Every patron, including infants and small children, needs a ticket. Children under 3 may receive a free lap-seat ticket at the venue box office 90 minutes before the performance; the child still needs that ticket. The event listing says ticket prices include fees, but the sources checked do not give an amount. The Long Center FAQ says required taxes are added when completing a purchase.
Ballet Austin’s terms say sales are final, with no refunds. A valid ticket can be exchanged up to 48 hours before a performance for another date or production in the current season. Exchanges are free for current Ballet Austin season ticket holders; other buyers pay $10 per order.
The Nutcracker - Long Center ↗ · . | Ballet Austin ↗ · Frequently Asked Questions - Long Center ↗ · Ticketing Terms & Conditions - Ballet Austin ↗
Dell Hall has wheelchair and mobility-assisted seating. Guests may stay in their wheelchair or transfer to a fixed theater seat with a swing-out armrest; contact the box office when ordering to request accessible seating. The Long Center’s accessible entrance is on the ground floor, left of the Grand Staircase, and elevators serve the venue’s levels. The building, restrooms and terrace are wheelchair accessible.
Curbside wheelchair assistance can be arranged through Guest Services, and courtesy wheelchairs are available by calling ahead. The Long Center asks for at least two weeks’ notice for assistance requests. The Palmer Events Center Garage has accessible parking on every level near the elevators; the mobility-impaired drop-off is in the Long Center’s Circular Drive.
Free infrared assisted-listening devices are available at most performances from a house manager. Guests leave a driver’s license or state-issued ID while using one. ASL interpretation and audio description are offered for select Long Center events, but are not confirmed for this performance; contact Guest Services at least two weeks ahead to request either.
Accessibility - Long Center ↗ · Directions and Parking - Long Center ↗
The event listing prohibits outside food and drinks, weapons including pocket knives, professional cameras with detachable lenses, video cameras, illegal or illicit items, tents, vending and solicitation. Ballet Austin prohibits unauthorized camera or recording-equipment use during performances, and the Long Center says photography and recording inside the theater are restricted. Pets are not permitted; properly identified service animals are excepted.
The Nutcracker - Long Center ↗ · Ticketing Terms & Conditions - Ballet Austin ↗ · Frequently Asked Questions - Long Center ↗
The performance is in Dell Hall at the Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704. The accessible entrance is on the ground floor, to the left of the Grand Staircase; elevators serve the venue’s levels. Use the Long Center’s map links to calculate directions from your starting point.
The Nutcracker - Long Center ↗ · Accessibility - Long Center ↗ · Directions and Parking - Long Center ↗
The Palmer Events Center Garage is at 900 Barton Springs Road. The Long Center lists parking at $12, cashless, unless special rates are posted; city-set garage fees can change. Accessible parking is available on every level near the elevators. The venue recommends the garage entrance on Barton Springs Road during construction, noting that it may mean a longer walk. RiverSouth Garage is another option named in the current directions notice.
At the time of the source check, the Long Center said Riverside Drive was fully closed. Its notice describes reaching Circular Drive and the PEC garage’s Riverside entrance by crossing South First Street on Riverside or turning onto Riverside from South First and crossing the median. It also says there is no right turn onto Riverside from southbound S Lamar Boulevard. Check the venue’s current directions or event email before traveling.
The Long Center lists valet for most public Dell Hall events and performances, with event-dependent pricing shown in the current notice as $25–$50; the valet booth accepts cash only. Taxis and rideshares can use the loading zone in Circular Drive.
The Long Center lists Vic Mathias / Auditorium Shores Station, South 1st/Riverside, South 1st / Barton Springs and Barton Springs Station as nearby transit stops. Its listed routes are 1, 3, 7, 10, 20, 30, 801 and 803.
For a walk from downtown, the venue’s suggested route follows Cesar Chavez to the First Street Bridge, crosses Town Lake and continues to the Long Center lawn. Free bicycle parking is beside the Long Center parking garage.
Yes. Every patron needs a ticket. A child under 3 may receive a free lap-seat ticket at the venue box office 90 minutes before the performance.
The Nutcracker - Long Center ↗ · Ticketing Terms & Conditions - Ballet Austin ↗
Valid tickets may be exchanged up to 48 hours before a performance for another date or production in the current season. The exchange is free for current season ticket holders; other buyers pay $10 per order. Sales are final, with no refunds.
Neither service is confirmed for this performance. The Long Center offers them at select events and asks guests to contact Guest Services at least two weeks ahead with a request.
701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-11-04 against the linked sources.