From a Barbie-inspired pink production to an international ballet ensemble, three major stagings of the Christmas classic are set to bring the holiday magic to Philippine theaters.
The holiday season is bringing one of ballet’s most beloved Christmas traditions back to Philippine stages, with three major productions of The Nutcracker scheduled for December 2026.
Audiences can look forward to different interpretations of the classic ballet, from a special collaboration with Barbie to performances by local dance companies and an international ensemble from Saint Petersburg.
Here are the upcoming The Nutcracker productions to catch this Christmas season:
Photo Courtesy: Ballet Philippines
1. Ballet Philippines’ ‘The Nutcracker’ with Barbie
Ballet Philippines is giving the Christmas classic a pink makeover through its collaboration with Barbie, bringing a fresh visual twist to the beloved production.
Under the artistic direction of Mikhail Martynyuk, the staging will feature new choreography and an imaginative take on the familiar holiday story.
The production will run from December 11 to 13, 2026, at The Theatre at Solaire.
Show schedule:
December 11 – 8:00 PM (Gala)
December 12 – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
December 13 – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Tickets are available through the Ballet Philippines website.
Photo Courtesy: The Nutcracker PH
2. Ballet Manila and Steps Dance Studio’s ‘The Nutcracker’
THE NUTCRACKER to Make Samsung Performing Arts Theater Debut in Manila
Ballet Manila and Steps Dance Studio are joining forces for a staging of The Nutcracker at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati from December 11 to 13, 2026.
The production will be staged at the theater for the first time, with Jeffrey Espejo leading the restaging. Dancers from both companies will bring the classic ballet to life, complemented by set and costume designs by Gino Gonzales.
The collaboration offers audiences another opportunity to experience the timeless Christmas story through the performances of Filipino ballet artists.
Tickets are available through TicketWorld.
Photo Courtesy: Aurum Entertainment
3. Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Megatix - The Nutcracker Ballet in Jakarta
For those looking for an international ballet production, the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre is bringing The Nutcracker to the Philippines as part of its ASEAN Tour 2026.
The production will feature approximately 40 dancers, grand full-size sets, and guest soloists Oksana Bondareva and Ivan Sitnikov of the Mariinsky Theatre.
The performances are scheduled for December 18 and 19, 2026, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City.
Show schedule:
December 18 – 8:00 PM
December 19 – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Tickets are available through Megatix and Klook.
From local ballet collaborations to an international touring production, these performances offer different ways to enjoy The Nutcracker and welcome the Christmas season.
Whether you are a longtime ballet enthusiast or planning to watch your first live ballet, these December stagings are worth adding to your holiday calendar.