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The biggest holiday ticket in Morris County is back. New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker, with the New Jersey Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s score live in the pit, returns to the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) at 100 South Street in Morristown for 15 performances from Friday, December 11 through Sunday, December 27, 2026. Weekend matinees are the first seats to go every year, so this is the time to book.
The Nutcracker at MPAC: 2026 Show Dates and Times
All performances are at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960.
- Friday, December 11, 2026: 7:30 p.m. (opening night)
- Saturday, December 12, 2026: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Sunday, December 13, 2026: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Friday, December 18, 2026: 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 19, 2026: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Sunday, December 20, 2026: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Thursday, December 24, 2026 (Christmas Eve): 1 p.m. only
- Saturday, December 26, 2026: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Sunday, December 27, 2026: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
There is no performance on Christmas Day. The Christmas Eve matinee is the only weekday afternoon show, which makes it a popular family tradition for anyone off from work that day.
Tickets, Prices and Who It’s For
MPAC lists tickets from $45 to $101, and the theater uses all in pricing, so the price you see includes fees. MPAC says MayoArts.org is the only authorized ticket website, so skip resellers. You can also call the box office at 973-539-8008. Groups of 10 or more get a discount by calling (973) 539-0345, ext. 6517.
The ballet is recommended for ages 4 and up and runs about two hours with one intermission. For younger kids, the 1 p.m. matinees are the easiest fit around naps and dinner.
A Jazz Nutcracker at the Morris Museum
Want a different take? On Saturday, December 19, 2026 at 2 p.m., the 17 piece Water Gap Jazz Orchestra plays Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite plus its own Grinch Suite at the Bickford Theatre inside the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown. Vocalist Nancy Reed joins the band and Edward Ellington II, Duke Ellington’s grandson, narrates. Tickets are $38, or $33 for museum members, through the Morris Museum.
Make a Day of It in Morristown
The Nutcracker’s first two weekends line up with the Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green, a few blocks from MPAC, so a matinee plus a walk around the lit up Green is an easy holiday outing. For dinner before or after the show, our guide to the best restaurants in Morristown has plenty within walking distance, and our Christmas lights guide covers every tree lighting in the county.
We will add any other Nutcracker productions in Morris County to this page as studios and schools post their 2026 dates.
The Nutcracker in Morris County FAQ
When is The Nutcracker at MPAC in 2026?
New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker runs December 11 to 27, 2026 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, with 15 performances and no show on Christmas Day.
How much are Nutcracker tickets in Morristown?
MPAC lists tickets from $45 to $101 with fees included. Buy only through MayoArts.org or the MPAC box office.
Is The Nutcracker good for young kids?
MPAC recommends it for ages 4 and up. The show runs about two hours with one intermission.
Featured photo via Pexels.
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