Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann first published the tale of the Nutcracker and the Mouse King in 1816 in his collection "Children's Tales." Since then, it has enjoyed enduring readership and even become a symbol of the winter holidays.
The story begins on Christmas Eve, when Marie and her brother Fritz receive a strange and rather unattractive Nutcracker toy, capable of cracking nuts, as a gift from their godfather, Drosselmeyer. It is later revealed that the toy is actually an enchanted prince, and to break the curse, he must defeat the Mouse King.
The fairy tale came to Russia in the 1830s. In 1892, composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky created a famous ballet production based on this work, which became a worldwide success. Today, "The Nutcracker" is arguably one of the most popular Christmas stories in the world and a frequent guest on the theater stage.
The mos.ru collection features eight performances of The Nutcracker at Moscow theaters. You can schedule a viewing for the winter holidays or any day before the New Year to create a truly festive mood for yourself and your family. Tickets are available online. Mosbilet.
The Nutcracker at the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Musical Theatre
Dates: December 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Address: Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street, Building 17
Age limit: 6
The Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Musical Theatre will present Yuri Possokhov's production of The Nutcracker. Before beginning his production, he meticulously studied Hoffmann's original text, ensuring that the production is more than just a beautiful winter fairy tale: it also offers insights into growing up and the fears that accompany it.
The plot will unfold against the backdrop of sets created by artist Polina Bakhtina.
You can buy a ticket in the service Mosbilet.
The Nutcracker vs. the Mouse King at the Southwest Theatre
Dates: December 25th to 31st, January 2nd to 6th
Address: Vernadsky Avenue, Building 125
Age limit: 6
This is one of the most unusual versions of the famous fairy tale—a dramatic production with plenty of music, but not a single motif from Pyotr Tchaikovsky's ballet. Much of Hoffmann's classic tale remains: the nut Krakatuk, the wayward Princess Pirlipat, and the treacherous Queen Myshilda.
The stage design is vibrant: it's a true fairy tale, complete with a magical ball, fierce battles, magic, and, of course, plenty of humor. In this "Nutcracker," everything ends well for all parties involved: even the Mouse King won't be so scary after all, and a true New Year's miracle awaits him, too.
You can buy a ticket in the service Mosbilet.
The Nutcracker at the Moscow New Drama Theatre
Dates: December 23, 25, 26, 31
Address: Prokhodchikov Street, Building 2
Age limit: 6
In the version presented by the Moscow New Drama Theater, Marie and her brother Fritz help the Nutcracker defeat the Mouse King. But before that, the heroes embark on a dangerous adventure, which brings them even closer. The stage adaptation was created by Alexey Spirin and Elena Ermakova, and directed by Vyacheslav Dolgachev.
You can purchase a ticket at the service Mosbilet.
The Nutcracker at the Gzhel Dance Theater
Dates: December 13–29, 2025, January 4–6, 2026
Address: Svobody Street, Building 10
Age limit: 6
In the production by the Moscow State Academic Dance Theater "Gzhel," the main antagonist is the treacherous mouse queen, who has turned the innocent prince into a nutcracker. It's up to his new friend, Marie, to break the evil spell. Guests can expect plenty of music and choreographic elements. The choreographer is Ekaterina Mironova. The set and costume designer is Anatoly Nezhny.
For tickets, contact the service center Mosbilet.
The Nutcracker at the Moscow Children's Musical and Drama Theater "Generation"
Dates: December 19–31, 2025; January 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 2026
Address: 1st Novokuzminskaya Street, Building 1
Age limit: 6
The Nutcracker musical is more than just a familiar fairy tale; it's a completely new take on the story of the eternal struggle between good and evil, the power of love, and the light that can dispel any darkness. This captivating story comes to life with the music of renowned Russian composer Alexander Zhurbin.
On Christmas Eve, the wizard Drosselmeyer gives his godchildren amazing gifts. None of the children suspect that this night will turn into a captivating adventure, transporting them to a fantastical world where toys come to life and incredible events unfold…
An ideal family performance that will put you in the Christmas spirit and help you find faith in true miracles.
Tickets can be purchased at the service Mosbilet.
The Nutcracker at the Mosconcert Hall
Dates: December 14, 30, 31, 2025, January 2–7, 2026
Address: Kalanchevskaya Street, Building 33
Age limit: 0
The La Classique Ballet Theatre, directed by Elik Melikov, will also present its version of this tale of friendship, trust, and hope. The story of The Nutcracker is one of the world's finest ballets, sure to delight audiences of all ages. The libretto was written by Yuri Grigorovich, based on Hoffmann's tale and Marius Petipa's screenplay.
Before the show, all children will be invited to the foyer of the Mosconcert Hall, where they will see a short performance with Father Frost and the Snow Maiden.
Tickets can be purchased using the service Mosbilet.
"The Nutcracker" Non-Ballet: The Game Begins at Mosconcert Hall
Dates: December 27–31, 2025, January 2–8, 2026
Address: Kalanchevskaya Street, Building 33
Age limit: 6
Mosconcert Hall will present another production of The Nutcracker. However, it's not quite a production: in this new holiday show, the plot of Hoffmann's tale will become part of a virtual quest with vibrant costumes and unusual sets—all set to the ever-present music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
The action takes place on Christmas Eve 2035. The main character enters a digital space through her computer monitor and discovers that the world is not quite as she thought.
Tickets are available at the service Mosbilet.
The Nutcracker at the Moscow Youth Theater under the direction of Vyacheslav Spesivtsev
Dates: December 30, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Address: Rustaveli Street, Building 19
Age limit: 6
The Vyacheslav Spesivtsev Theatre has created a truly captivating set for "The Nutcracker"—a giant seven-meter-tall Christmas tree. The soldiers, mice, and other characters will be played by children from the theatre's junior and middle studios. Even the youngest audience members will be able to participate in the action, as the production includes interactive elements. Their parents will certainly enjoy the acrobatic and fencing performances, as well as the live music. Directed by Vasily Spesivtsev.
You can purchase tickets using the service Mosbilet.
"The Magic Nut: The Nutcracker's Story" at the Moscow Puppet Theater
Dates: December 5, 21, 23
Address: Spartakovskaya Street, Building 26/30
Age limit: 6
The Moscow Puppet Theater invites you to a performance of The Nutcracker, based on the play by children's writer and playwright Lev Yakovlev. Miracles occur in the house of Dr. Stahlbaum on Christmas Eve: the girl Marie and her godfather Drosselmeyer are transported to a world of magic, mystery, and enigmatic shadow theater. Directed by Natalia Lebedeva, the cast includes Irina Ovsyannikova, Ekaterina Bodrova, Alexander Shadrin, Anton Chalysh, and others.
You can buy a ticket in the service Mosbilet.
More performances – in thematic selection Mosbilet.
Using the service Mosbilet You can buy tickets to any event at city cultural institutions without markup or commission, for yourself or as a gift. The service's capabilities are constantly expanding. Users with a full or standard mos.ru account don't need to enter personal information when purchasing a ticket. Furthermore, you don't need to bring a document to attend an event; simply show the ticket inspector your digital ticket's QR code. The service also offers personalized event curation.
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