One Irish Nutcracker is confirmed for Christmas 2026 so far: Cork City Ballet at Cork Opera House in early November. The rest of the season's line-up changes every year. No company brings The Nutcracker to Ireland annually, so last year's programme tells you nothing about this year's. This page lists every confirmed production and is updated as each new one is announced.
Confirmed for 2026
Cork City Ballet: The Nutcracker
Cork Opera House, 5 to 7 November 2026.
Cork opens the Irish Nutcracker season this year, and right now this is the only production you can book anywhere on the island. Cork City Ballet performs the full-length ballet to Tchaikovsky's score at Cork Opera House.
Dates, times and booking for Cork City Ballet's Nutcracker
Looking for Nutcracker Sweeties?
Ballet Ireland is not touring a Nutcracker in 2026. Their Christmas production this year is Romeo and Juliet, on national tour from 30 October to 19 December 2026. Nutcracker Sweeties, their Dublin department-store retelling, last toured in 2024. If it returns in a future season it will be listed here.
Is there a Nutcracker in Dublin in 2026?
Not yet. As of late July 2026, no Dublin production has been announced. The most recent was State Ballet of Georgia at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in November 2025, a visiting engagement rather than an annual fixture. We check the venues regularly and will list any Dublin production here as soon as booking opens.
Recent Nutcracker seasons in Ireland
The line-up genuinely reshuffles every year, which is why this page exists:
2025: State Ballet of Georgia, accompanied by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, performed at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin from 10 to 15 November, then at the Grand Opera House in Belfast from 18 to 22 November. Irish National Youth Ballet performed The Nutcracker in Dublin from 5 to 7 December.
2024: Ballet Ireland toured Nutcracker Sweeties to 11 venues nationwide, including the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin from 13 to 16 November. Irish National Youth Ballet's December run sold out.
None of these has announced 2026 dates. When any of them does, it moves to the confirmed list above.
The Nutcracker in cinemas
The Royal Ballet's Nutcracker screens in Irish cinemas most Decembers as a live broadcast from London, including at the Light House Cinema in Dublin in past seasons. Cinema listings for December 2026 are usually published in the autumn.
Running a Nutcracker in 2026?
If your school or company is staging The Nutcracker anywhere in Ireland this season, tell us and we will list it here and on the shows page.
While you're here: win a night under the lights
Two tickets to Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty, Dublin, 8 Nov. Joining the newsletter is the entry.
Enter the drawFrequently asked questions
Where can I see The Nutcracker in Ireland in 2026?
Cork City Ballet performs The Nutcracker at Cork Opera House from 5 to 7 November 2026. It is the only Irish production announced so far. This page is updated as more are confirmed.
Is The Nutcracker coming to Dublin in 2026?
No Dublin production has been announced yet as of July 2026. The most recent was State Ballet of Georgia at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in November 2025. Check back here: new announcements are added as soon as booking opens.
Is Ballet Ireland touring Nutcracker Sweeties in 2026?
No. Ballet Ireland's Christmas 2026 production is Romeo and Juliet, touring nationally from 30 October to 19 December. Nutcracker Sweeties last toured in 2024.
How long is The Nutcracker, and what age is it suitable for?
Most full-length productions run about two hours including an interval. Age guidance is set by each venue: recent Irish productions recommended ages 5 or 6 and up, and most theatres do not admit children under 3.