Age Recommendation: 5+ Special notes: Children under 5 will not be admitted.. Children under the age of 16 must be seated with an adult/someone over 18. The adult cannot be sitting separately. The cloakroom fee is £2 per item, whether it’s a bag or a coat. We can accommodate small bags, coats, and other small items. We class a small bag as standard rucksack size or smaller or a standard handbag. Our cloakroom opens 75 minutes before the performance. It remains open for 30 minutes following the show Latecomers - if you are late, you will be able to view the performance on a TV monitor whilst our staff wait for an appropriate point in the performance to allow you to enter the auditorium and take your seat. Our staff will try to do this as early as they can within the performance but this isn’t always possible and in some cases you may be asked to wait until the interval.
This holiday season, treat yourself to an unforgettable trip to the classic Christmas ballet. Following four sell-out runs, Nutcracker returns to London in December 2026 with the English National Ballet’s mesmerising production. Boasting a cast of over 100 talented dancers and musicians, bring the magic of the holidays to life in the heart of the West End. With breathtaking choreography, intricate stage designs, and a live performance of Tchaikovsky's beloved score, prepare to be fully immersed in the enchanting world of Nutcracker at the London Coliseum.
Since its debut in 1892, The Nutcracker has become one of the most beloved and enduring ballets in the world. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, this festive classic follows young Clara on Christmas Eve in Edwardian London. After receiving a magical Nutcracker doll, she is swept into a dreamlike adventure. As midnight strikes, Clara and her Nutcracker companion face the sinister Mouse King and soar above the city in a hot air balloon to the sparkling Land of Snow, where wonder and mystery await.
With its captivating story and rich visual storytelling, the Nutcracker ballet is a seasonal tradition for audiences of all ages. The English National Ballet’s dazzling production returns to the Nutcracker West End stage in December 2025, bringing with it iconic moments set to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, including the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers.”
This acclaimed production is choreographed by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith, with set and costume design by the visionary Dick Bird. A cast of over 100 world-class dancers and musicians brings each moment to life with precision and emotion.
A visual and musical masterpiece, the show features intricate Edwardian-inspired costumes, awe-inspiring sets, and a full orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s timeless music live each night. Having enjoyed three previous sold-out seasons, this version of Nutcracker has become a must-see in London’s holiday calendar.
Whether you're introducing children to the magic of live performance or returning for your annual festive fix, the Nutcracker is a heartwarming tradition. Don’t miss your chance to experience this spectacular ballet in the heart of London.