Indianapolis Ballet and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Unite for a Grand New Production of The Nutcracker

Indianapolis Ballet is set to make holiday magic like never before with a landmark collaboration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for this year’s production of The Nutcracker. Presented at Clowes Memorial Hall beginning December 19, 2025, this new partnership brings together two of the city’s most celebrated arts institutions for a performance that promises to elevate one of Indianapolis’s most beloved holiday traditions.

For the first time, Tchaikovsky’s iconic score will be performed live by the world-class musicians of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, adding a breathtaking new dimension to the ballet’s timeless story. Under the baton of the Symphony’s talented conductors, audiences will experience every note and nuance of the music as it intertwines with the exquisite choreography and visual splendor of the Indianapolis Ballet.

A highlight of the city’s festive calendar, The Nutcracker whisks audiences into a world of holiday enchantment — from young Clara’s whimsical dream to the shimmering Land of Sweets and the glittering dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This year’s live orchestral accompaniment promises to heighten the emotion, wonder, and artistry of every moment.

“Bringing these two leading arts institutions together is a dream come true,” said Don Steffy, Executive Director of Indianapolis Ballet. “Tchaikovsky’s music is the heartbeat of The Nutcracker, and hearing it performed live by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will elevate the experience for both our dancers and our audiences. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the season.”

This collaboration not only marks a milestone in Indianapolis’s performing arts scene but also reflects a shared dedication to artistic excellence and community engagement. With the Symphony’s musicians bringing Tchaikovsky’s lush score to life as the Ballet’s dancers embody the story on stage, audiences can look forward to a fully immersive experience that captures the spirit of the holidays in a powerful new way.

Performances of The Nutcracker will run December 18–23, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University. A special Sensory Friendly performance will take place on December 18, performed without the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to provide an inclusive experience for all.

Tickets start at $30 and are available now at indyballet.org/nutcracker or by visiting the Clowes Memorial Hall box office.

Photos by Sonja Clark, Moonbug Photography