English National Ballet Nutcracker 2026 at the London Coliseum

London's second great Nutcracker belongs to the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane, with its gilded proscenium and deep red auditorium. English National Ballet's Nutcracker 2026 runs there from December 17, 2026 to January 10, 2027. It is a newer production than the Royal Ballet's, premiered in 2024, and it has quickly become the Nutcracker for women who have seen the classic version many times and want the story told again with fresh eyes.

Everything below was checked on English National Ballet's official production page on October 28, 2026.

The Dates: December 17, 2026 to January 10, 2027

The run opens on Thursday, December 17, and closes on Sunday, January 10, 2027, at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane. Because it opens later than the Royal Ballet's run, it is the natural choice for the days between Christmas and New Year, and for an early-January evening when the city is quieter and the decorations are still up.

English National Ballet also schedules accessible performances. Per the official page, there is an audio-described performance on December 19 at 2:30 pm and a relaxed performance on January 7 at 1:30 pm.

The Production

This Nutcracker is choreographed by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith, with designs by Dick Bird, and the English National Ballet Philharmonic plays Tchaikovsky's score live. It keeps the shape everyone knows, the party, the battle, the journey through the snow and the Land of Sweets, but with its own staging rather than an echo of the versions that came before. If you have only ever seen the Royal Ballet's production, the difference is part of the pleasure.

How Tickets Work

• Book through English National Ballet or the Coliseum. The production page links straight to booking. Weekend matinees and the dates right after Christmas tend to sell first.
• A family-friendly performance. On Saturday, January 9, at 2 pm, under-16s pay only the booking fee, up to two per adult, according to the production page.
• Under-16 discount at the box office. The official page lists 25% off for under-16s when booking at the London Coliseum box office.
• Age guidance. The production is recommended for ages 5 and up.

English National Ballet's page does not set out a single price range for every date, so check seat prices for your chosen performance on the official site.

Running Time

English National Ballet gives a running time of about two hours, including one interval. That makes a 7:30 pm curtain an evening that still leaves time for a late supper in Covent Garden, a short walk away.

What to Wear to the London Coliseum

There is no formal dress code. The Coliseum is a working West End theatre, and you will see everything from jeans to cocktail dresses. December evenings, though, bring out the velvet, and the auditorium, all gold and deep red, rewards a little effort.

Our edit

• Evening: a velvet midi or a silk slip dress under a tailored coat, with one statement piece of jewelry.
• Matinee: fine knitwear and a wool skirt or wide trousers, with a coat that works for the walk to tea afterward.
• Practical note: the Coliseum has a lot of stairs if you sit in the upper circles. Choose shoes accordingly.

Our full guide to what to wear to the Nutcracker covers every version, from family matinee to gala night.

Before and After the Performance

St Martin's Lane puts you between Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, which makes the Coliseum one of the easiest theatres in London for a full evening. Plan an early dinner nearby, arrive with time to find your seat in a large house, and keep the interval for a glass of champagne rather than a queue. After a matinee, the walk through Covent Garden's lights to afternoon tea is part of the ritual. If you are in town for several nights, pair the ballet with a black-tie dinner later in the week; the season's options are in our calendar.

ENB or The Royal Ballet?

You do not have to choose, and many Londoners don't. The Royal Ballet Nutcracker opens earlier, on December 3, at the Royal Opera House, with Peter Wright's 1984 production and a price range listed from £10 to £238. English National Ballet's opens on December 17 and runs to January 10. Choose the Royal Ballet for heritage and Covent Garden ceremony; choose English National Ballet for a newer production, a later date or a family outing in January.

Make It a London Season

A Nutcracker is the gentlest way into London's December. For the balls, dinners and black-tie evenings around it, read our black-tie events in London guide and our Christmas in London 2026 edit. Our London guides collect everything for the city.

FAQ

When is the English National Ballet Nutcracker 2026?

From December 17, 2026 to January 10, 2027, at the London Coliseum.

How long is the Nutcracker at the London Coliseum?

About two hours, including one interval, according to English National Ballet.

Is there a dress code for the Nutcracker at the London Coliseum?

No. Wear what you are comfortable in; many guests dress up for evening performances in December.

Is the ENB Nutcracker suitable for children?

Yes. English National Ballet recommends it for ages 5 and up and offers a family-friendly performance on January 9 at 2 pm.

Source: Nutcracker, English National Ballet, checked October 28, 2026. Dates, casting and offers can change; always confirm with English National Ballet before booking.

The Black-Tie Year · London lists the season's balls, galas and performances month by month, with the official link for each, and you can browse every Femme Jet Set guide.

Cover photo: Colin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.