📅 When
November 21, 2026 – November 23, 2026
📍 Where
4323 Commons Drive West, Destin, FL 32541
About this event
Northwest Florida Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is the Emerald Coast's premier holiday tradition, and the Mattie Kelly Arts Center staging is its most spectacular form. Now in its 46th year, this full-length ballet brings together more than 140 cast members — professional dancers alongside local students — performing Tchaikovsky's beloved score live with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra in the pit.
Expect the full spectacle: the iconic Christmas tree that grows to the rafters, the battle with the Mouse King, the journey through the Land of Snow, and the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets. The MKAC's 1,650-seat theater delivers the kind of crisp acoustics and unobstructed sightlines that open-air venues simply cannot match, making this the definitive holiday night out for families and arts lovers alike.
Performances run Friday through Sunday the weekend before Thanksgiving. Multiple shows are offered each day — check nfballet.org for the exact schedule and to reserve seats early, as this production reliably sells out. Tickets are $48 for adults and $22 for children under 12.
Best for: Families with children, ballet enthusiasts, couples, and anyone looking for a classic holiday arts experience on the Emerald Coast
What to expect: A full-length professional production of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker with 140+ performers and live symphony orchestra in a 1,650-seat air-conditioned theater
Planning tip: Book tickets as soon as they go on sale — this show sells out every year. Multiple performances run Fri–Sun; matinees are popular with families. The MKAC is located on the north side of US-98 in Destin.
Cost: Adults $48 / Children under 12 $22; tickets available at nfballet.org
