The Nutcracker ballet is a holiday tradition for many families in New York City and around the world. With music by Tchaikovsky and imaginative choreography, this classic ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara who is gifted a nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve and embarks on a magical adventure. Seeing the Nutcracker performed by the renowned New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center is an unforgettable experience. But how much do tickets for the Nutcracker ballet in NYC actually cost?
Ticket Prices at Lincoln Center
The New York City Ballet performs the Nutcracker every year at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. There are two casts for each performance, featuring different principal dancers in the lead roles. Tickets are available for both the George Balanchine choreography from 1954 and the reimagined Nutcracker by choreographer Alexei Ratmansky debuted in 2018.
Ticket prices at Lincoln Center vary based on the date, time, and seat location you choose. Here are the general ticket price ranges:
- Weekday matinee shows (Monday-Thursday): $50-$190 per ticket
- Weeknight shows (Monday-Thursday): $75-$265 per ticket
- Friday & Saturday evening shows: $95-$295 per ticket
- Weekend matinees (Saturday & Sunday): $65-$250 per ticket
As you can see, tickets range from affordable orchestra and mezzanine seats at matinee shows to prime front orchestra seats at weekend evenings. Premium seats can cost over $300 per ticket.
Sample Lincoln Center Ticket Prices
To give you a better idea, here are sample prices for different seat locations at select Nutcracker performances by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center during the 2023 season:
| Date & Time | Seat Location | Price per Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, December 12, 2pm (matinee) | Rear Orchestra | $75 |
| Thursday, December 14, 7pm (weeknight) | Front Mezzanine | $150 |
| Saturday, December 16, 8pm (weekend) | Front Orchestra | $295 |
| Sunday, December 17, 1pm (matinee) | Rear Balcony | $85 |
As you can see, matinee tickets tend to be less expensive than evening performances, while front orchestra seats on weekends are the highest in demand and pricing.
Discounts on Nutcracker Tickets
While Nutcracker tickets at Lincoln Center can be pricey, especially for premium seats, there are some ways to get discounts:
- Student and senior discounts – Students and seniors 65+ can get up to 20% off select tickets with valid ID.
- Child tickets – Children under 12 get 50% off full-price tickets for select performances.
- Weekday matinees – Opting for matinee shows earlier in the week generally offers savings over weekend evenings.
- Standing room – Same-day standing room tickets are available for $45 two hours before most shows.
- Lottery – A limited number of $45 seats are sold via in-person lottery two hours before shows.
- Early booking – Booking early in the pre-sale period typically offers better availability of discounted seats.
- Group sales – Discounts may be available for groups of 15 or more booking together.
Checking the New York City Ballet website regularly for special offers and promotions can also help you score discounted Nutcracker tickets. Just be aware that the most popular shows and prime seating locations sell out quickly.
Buying from Resellers and Ticket Sites
In addition to buying Nutcracker tickets directly through the Lincoln Center box office, you can also purchase them through authorized ticket resale marketplaces and resellers.
Here are some of the most reputable sites for finding discounted Nutcracker tickets for Lincoln Center shows:
- TodayTix – Mobile app and website offering short-term deals on NYC theater tickets.
- Goldstar – Discounted Broadway, theater, and event tickets via special daily offers.
- VividSeats – Ticket reseller with a 100% buyer guarantee on event tickets.
- SeatGeek – Search engine that compares ticket prices across resale sites.
- StubHub – Major ticket marketplace owned by eBay allowing resale of event tickets.
The selection and prices on these sites vary day-to-day depending on availability. Comparison shopping across a few sites can help you find the best deals on the Nutcracker tickets you want.
Risks of Ticket Resellers
While using a reputable ticket reseller can sometimes save you money, there are also risks to be aware of when buying tickets secondhand:
- Tickets may be overpriced compared to face value costs.
- Extra fees are often added at checkout, increasing the price.
- Scam sites may sell fake or non-existent tickets.
- Tickets purchased could be canceled or become non-transferrable.
- Resellers do not guarantee entry if tickets are invalid.
Always read the fine print and purchase from trusted vendors to avoid problems. The primary ticket source – the Lincoln Center box office – is your safest option.
When to Buy Nutcracker Tickets
Timing your Nutcracker ticket purchase can also help maximize savings:
- Pre-sales: Buying early during pre-sale periods for American Express cardholders offer the widest selection and potential discounts.
- 1-2 months before: This is a good window for price bargains as demand builds.
- 1-2 weeks before: Last minute deals emerge but options are more limited.
- Day before or same-day: Big savings are possible but sold-out shows are also a risk.
Popular performance dates and premium seats often sell out 2-3 months in advance. Weekday matinees and partial view seats tend to sell out closer to show dates. Timing your Nutcracker ticket purchase requires strategizing around price savings versus availability trade-offs.
Other Places to See the Nutcracker
While the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center offers the most famous Nutcracker performances, there are other places in NYC to enjoy this holiday tradition on a budget:
Brooklyn Ballet
This smaller Brooklyn-based company puts on annual Nutcracker performances at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. Tickets cost $25-$85, significantly less than Lincoln Center.
Eglevsky Ballet
This Long Island ballet company stages Nutcracker shows at the Performing Arts Center in Suffolk County. Tickets are very affordable at $22-$62 per seat.
Chamber Dance Project
This contemporary ballet troupe performs unique Nutcracker interpretations at venues like the Joyce Theater for $45-$65 tickets.
Local Schools and Studios
For a budget-friendly introduction to Nutcracker performances, check out amateur productions by local dance schools and studios. Tickets often run under $40.
So while the famous New York City Ballet Nutcracker at Lincoln Center sells out quickly, you have plenty of ways to enjoy this holiday tradition around NYC on a budget.
Conclusion
Seeing the beloved Nutcracker ballet is a magical wintertime experience for audiences of all ages. Performed annually by the renowned New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, tickets range from $50 orchestra seats at weekday matinees to $300+ for prime weekend evening seats. Discounts are available through student/senior rush tickets, lotteries, and early booking. Buying from trusted ticket resellers can also save money, but risks scams and extra fees. For lower-priced options, try other NYC area productions from Brooklyn Ballet, Eglevsky Ballet, Chamber Dance Project or local dance schools. With flexibility and smart planning, you can find affordable tickets to enjoy the splendor of the Nutcracker ballet in New York City this holiday season.