NASHVILLE BALLET ANNOUNCES DATE AND CHAIRS FOR BELOVED ANNUAL EVENT ~ NUTCRACKER TEA

Sponsorships Available for Nashville Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea to be Held Sunday, November 22, 2026 at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts

Secure Your Tickets Now for Nashville’s Favorite Holiday Tradition - Nashville’s Nutcracker - Returning to TPAC 

November 27 – December 27, 2026

The magic of the holiday season begins early as Nashville Ballet announces the return of its beloved Nutcracker Tea, one of Middle Tennessee's most cherished family holiday traditions, on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, from 3-5 p.m. at Belmont University's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.

This year's enchanting celebration, co-chaired by Mrs. Ann Ralls Brown, Mrs. Whitney Kalb and Mrs. Alexandra Schneider, serves as the official kickoff to Paul Vasterling's Emmy Award-winning Nashville's Nutcracker, returning to Tennessee Performing Arts Center's Jackson Hall Nov. 27 through Dec. 27, 2026.

Designed especially for young audiences, while delighting guests of every age, Nutcracker Tea transforms The Fisher Center of Performing Arts at Belmont University into the magical world of Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and the Nutcracker Prince. Families will enjoy an interactive, abbreviated performance inspired by Nashville's Nutcracker, bringing the timeless holiday story to life through music, dance and unforgettable character encounters.

Guests can enjoy festive treats, create holiday crafts and participate in whimsical activities while meeting beloved characters from the production. Adults can also enjoy drinks, small bites and families will have opportunities to capture keepsake photos with professional holiday-themed photography.

More than a festive afternoon, Nutcracker Tea plays an important role in supporting the next generation of dancers. Proceeds benefit School of Nashville Ballet Scholarship Fund, which provides more than $250,000 annually in merit- and need-based scholarships, ensuring students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities have access to exceptional dance education.

"Nutcracker Tea has become one of our most treasured holiday traditions because it brings families together to experience the joy, imagination and wonder of ballet in a truly personal way," said Nick Mullikin, Artistic Director & CEO of Nashville Ballet. "Whether it's a child's first introduction to the magic of Nashville's Nutcracker or a family's annual holiday celebration, this event creates memories that last a lifetime while helping provide scholarships that make dance education accessible to students across our community." 

Sponsorship opportunities are available now. For more information visit

https://www.nashvilleballet.com/nutcracker-tea or contact Morgan Owen at events@nashvilleballet.com.  NOTE: General admission tickets will be available in late October.  

Learn More About the 2026 Nutcracker Tea Chairs

Nashville's Favorite Holiday Tradition Returns to TPAC, Nov. 27 – Dec. 27

Families can also secure their seats now for Paul Vasterling's Nashville's Nutcracker at TPAC's Jackson Hall, returning Nov. 27 through Dec. 27, 2026.

As part of Nashville Ballet's Christmas in July celebration, single tickets start at just $48, giving families the opportunity to purchase the best available seats before the holiday season begins.

Featuring Nashville Ballet's professional company artists, NB2, students from School of Nashville Ballet and community performers, the Emmy Award-winning production combines Tchaikovsky's iconic score with a uniquely Nashville story that has become a treasured holiday tradition for thousands of Middle Tennessee families.

Single tickets for Nashville's Nutcracker are on sale now. Families are encouraged to purchase early as many performances traditionally sell out. For season ticket packages that include Nashville’s Nutcracker, visit NashvilleBallet.com or contact the ballet box office at 615-297-2966 ext. 710.

In addition to performances, Nashville Ballet invites young dancers ages 13 and older who are part of Nashville Ballet or a community partner program to audition for the Youth Cast of Nashville's Nutcracker on Aug. 23 and 30,offering the opportunity to perform alongside the professional company on the TPAC stage. Community members can also share the magic of the season by supporting the Holiday Magic initiative, which provides thousands of complimentary tickets each year to underserved children, families, veterans and seniors.  

For audition details, donation information and more, visitwww.nashvilleballet.com.