The Nutcracker
15 - 23 December 2023
This event takes place off site at The Neilson, Pier 2/3
Kids & Families
Ages 2 - 8 | Join Clara and her Nutcracker on a magical journey in this stunning adaptation featuring live classical music and ballet. Created in collaboration with David McAllister.
Please note this event is not held at Sydney Opera House.
Date | Time |
Friday 15 December | 10am*, 11.30am* |
Saturday 16 December | 10am, 11.30am, 2pm |
Sunday 17 December | 10am, 11.30am, 2pm |
Tuesday 19 December | 10am, 11.30am, 2pm* |
Wednesday 20 December | 10am, 11.30am |
Thursday 21 December | 10am, 11.30am, 2pm |
Friday 22 December | 10am, 11.30am, 2pm |
Saturday 23 December | 10am*, 11.30am* |
*New performances added, on sale 9am, Friday 13 October
Ticket | Price |
---|---|
Standard | $35 |
Groups 8+ | $28 |
Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.
Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.
The authorised agencies for this event are Sydney Opera House and Australian Chamber Orchestra. For more information about Authorised Agencies, see the frequently asked questions below.
Run time
This event runs for 40 minutes.
Plus, enjoy free creative play activities in the foyer before and after the performance!
Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Age
Recommended for: children aged 3 - 10 and their families. (Children under 2-years are free on a parents lap).
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.
Join Clara in an enchanted dreamland
Join Clara in an enchanted dreamland as she befriends the Nutcracker and goes on a magical Christmas Eve journey in this exciting new ACO Families production.
In a collaboration with David McAllister (former Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet), this clever adaptation of the much-loved ballet will bring together music, dance, and theatre in an immersive experience for young audiences.
The ACO’s The Nutcracker is the perfect introduction to live classical music and ballet, guaranteed to captivate and delight the whole family this festive season.
Presented by Australian Chamber Orchestra
You may also like
Andy Griffiths LIVE
6 Sep 2025
Hold on tight for a white-knuckle ride into the wild imagination of one of Australia’s favourite storytellers, Andy Griffiths, with a guest appearance from illustrator Bill Hope. Join the bestselling creator of the Treehouse series for a laugh-out-loud event to launch his new book: You & Me and the Peanut Butter Beast. Dive into the world of Andy's latest adventure, in this special Sydney exclusive where he’ll tell you all about his new book and revisit some highlights from his old ones, with special guest Bill Hope. Laughs guaranteed—dress-ups encouraged!

Moss Piglet
27 & 28 Sep 2025
Playful and thrilling, Moss Piglet is an epic new work for families about how even the tiniest of things can be the strongest. Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through the microscopic world of the tardigrade… perhaps you’ve heard of them? There are also performances of Moss Piglet for Schools.

The Adventures of Peacock, Chicken and the Pony They Rode Upon
29 & 30 Aug 2025
Join three unlikely friends on a cosmic journey filled with music, puppets, and laughter in this family-friendly adventure celebrating identity, friendship, and the joy of being different. A family-friendly, all-ages theatre experience blending puppetry, original music and multimedia to tell a whimsical intergalactic adventure. This imaginative show follows a peacock, a chicken, and a pony as they journey through the vast, whimsical roads of Nowhereville in search of identity, purpose and friendship.
