Indianapolis Ballet: Nutcracker Sweets

Indianapolis Ballet: Nutcracker Sweets at Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts

A taste of Clara's enchanted world makes a wonderful introduction to ballet and Tchaikovsky. Indianapolis Ballet: Nutcracker Sweets brings the beloved Nutcracker story to the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts in Indianapolis on December 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM. It is a one-hour adaptation, built to be easy to say yes to. If you have kids who are curious but untested, or you have never seen a ballet yourself, a full-length production can feel like a big leap. Nutcracker Sweets is a gentler first step. The presenter specifically has young audiences and first-time balletgoers in mind, so the hour is made for newcomers, not for experts. Nobody needs a ballet education to sit down and enjoy a story told through movement.

And what a story to meet it with. Nutcracker Sweets is part of Indianapolis Ballet's Family Series, which makes it a natural midday outing in the week after Christmas. Picture the lights dimming, the children leaning forward, and the whole row watching the same moment unfold. Those are the shared memories that last long after the holiday decorations come down. It is also a smart way to see how dance, costume and visual storytelling work together without committing to a longer evening.

If you want a holiday tradition that fits real family schedules, this is it. Reserve your seats for Nutcracker Sweets at the Schrott Center and give your family an hour of ballet they will be glad they made time for.