Curious about the ins and outs of seeing the Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker with little kids? I have the info!
A gorgeous Houston tradition, The Nutcracker at the Houston Ballet is so special! We did the full-length performance for the first time this year with a little in tow. A few tips and tricks for the show, which runs through December 27:
❄️ Arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere, use the restroom, grab a snack!
🩰 They do not allow eating in the theater, only water permitted. Really important to keep in mind if you’re considering snacks as a form of entertainment for little ones!
🎄 We did the full length show at age 5, but it really depends on your child’s level of interest and attention span!
📖 We read The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker to get familiar with the music and the storyline. We also have the Penguin Bedtime Classics version of The Nutcracker, which is a simplified version
🚗 If you arrive early enough, you may be able to snag street parking! If not, I like parking at the Lyric Market – it’s only a block over but getting in and out was really easy. The Lyric Market Garage cost $12
⛄️ The Ballet has no minimum age limit, unlike other theaters in town. The tickets are priced the same for all ages.
🎅 If you are concerned your little is too young, consider waiting for the spring ballet performance “My First Ballet” put on by the Houston Ballet Academy. It’s a shortened ballet meant for kids, and very affordable too – for 2024, it will be on April 6 & 7
🎁 Talk to the ushers on the way in about the nearest restrooms and about how to exit, just in case you need to make a quick exit!
🌲 No shame in exiting at intermission if that’s right for you
📍 Wortham Theater, 501 Texas Ave
Are you considering The Nutcracker this year?