Two big Nutcrackers this Christmas: the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden from 3 December and English National Ballet at the Coliseum from 17 December.
The Nutcracker in London 2026: Royal Ballet and ENB dates
London has two big productions of The Nutcracker this Christmas, a mile apart. Both sell out over the holidays, so book early.
The Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House
3 December 2026 to 13 January 2027 in Covent Garden. This is Peter Wright’s production, the classic version with Tchaikovsky’s music. It runs for about two hours and twenty minutes with an interval.
English National Ballet, London Coliseum
17 December 2026 to 10 January 2027 at the Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane. ENB’s version is choreographed by its artistic director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award winner Arielle Smith. It lasts about two hours, including the interval, which makes it a good first ballet for children.
A smaller option
Let’s All Dance Ballet Company brings a shorter Nutcracker to the Leicester Square Theatre from 19 to 23 December.
More Christmas shows
If you would rather shout “he’s behind you”, see our guide to London pantomimes this Christmas.
Sources
- Royal Ballet and Opera: The Nutcracker
- UK Theatre Web: The Nutcracker
- Visit London: ENB Nutcracker
- Official London Theatre: Nutcracker
- What The Redhead Said: Christmas theatre 2026
- Ents24: Nutcracker at Leicester Square Theatre
Last checked: 16 October 2026. Dates and prices can change, so check with each venue before you go. Photo: APK / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
