It’s that time of year: Dancing sugarplums take the stage and you can bet there’s a Nutcracker in your neighborhood!

Upper West Side

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
The main event featuring the New York City Ballet is an annual must-see for some and a once-in-a-lifetime treat for others, but this enchanted performance always lives up to the hype.
Friday, November 23-Sunday, December 30, times vary. See website for performance times.
David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza at 63rd Street
Tickets: $29-$250

The Knickerbocker Suite
Set amid famous Manhattan landmarks–dancers float and flit through Bloomies and Macy's for some last-minute shopping–this fun updated performance at the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center features the Manhattan Youth Ballet.
Wednesday, December 12 - Friday, December 14, 7pm; Saturday, December 15 at 3 and 7pm; Sunday, December 16 at 3pm
Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, 248 West 60th Street
Tickets: $25

Upper East Side

The Yorkville Nutcracker
Dances Patrelle presents this version of the wintertime classic set in New York City in 1895, featuring stars of the New York City Ballet. You’ll recognize NYC favorite spots like Gracie Mansion and Wollman Rink in Central Park.
Thursday, December 6 and Friday, December 7 at 7pm; Saturday, December 8 at 2 and 7pm; Sunday, December 9 at noon and 5pm
The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, East 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues
Tickets: $45-$85

Midtown East

New York Theatre Ballet
This shorter version of the classic holiday performance offers a chance for fidgety little ones to experience their first Nutcracker ballet up close in the intimate Florence Gould Hall.
Friday, December 7 at 4:30pm; Saturdays, December 8 and 15, and Sundays, December 9 and 16 at 11am, 1 and 3:30pm; Saturday, December 22 at 11am and 1pm
Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street
Tickets: $25-$35

Fort Greene

American Ballet Theatre
This new production of The Nutcracker has been getting stellar reviews for its choreography, live orchestra and costumes.
December 7 - 16, performances twice daily; see site for times
BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Fort Greene
Tickets: $15–$125

City-wide

Ballet for Young Audiences Nutcracker
Ballet for Young Audiences brings its kid-friendly narrated version of The Nutcracker to Manhattan's 92nd Street Y and other locations throughout the city to promote dance and to cultivate a growing audience by presenting the experience of a dance performance at an affordable price.
Thursday, December 6 - Saturday, December 22
Various locations; see website for complete schedule.