It's that time of year again, but have you ever wondered what makes Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker so special? Beyond the state-of-the-art stagecraft and dazzling dancers, there are countless hours of work behind the scenes that go into creating an unforgettable experience year after year.

Here's a peek behind the curtain— a snapshot of what goes into making Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker the ultimate holiday tradition.

The magic starts before the theater doors open

Atlanta Ballet goes above and beyond to create a truly immersive Nutcracker experience. Before the doors open, we have worked to create a truly magical and all-encompassing experience. The theater is transformed with festive décor, enchanting music, and a sense of wonder that sets the stage for the magical performance ahead.

Dive into a world of holiday cheer. Start your adventure by warming up with hot cocoa or satisfying your cravings with the fan favorite caramel corn at the Sweet Treats table. As you browse the Atlanta Ballet Pop-Up Boutique for unique and hand sourced Nutcracker merchandise, don’t forget to strike a pose at the selfie station and get your groove on as DJ Quasi gets you in the holiday spirit.

Larger-than-life logistics for a larger-than-life production

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of designers and technicians collaborates tirelessly to bring the stunning sets, intricate costumes, and talented dancers to stage. Each year, a convoy of nine semi-trucks is needed to bring Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker to Cobb Energy Centre. They haul over eight tons of scenery and props, including the iconic 22-foot giant chair, which requires a dedicated assembly space off-site.

The costume shop dedicates over 2,000 hours to meticulously prepare more than 250 costumes for The Nutcracker ballet. This intensive work involves repairs, replacements, improvements, fittings, alterations, and photoshoots. A dedicated team of year-round staff and seasonal volunteers works tirelessly to make The Nutcracker a reality each year.

All things Nutcracker: A one-stop shop

Get your holiday shopping done or just discover something new at the Atlanta Ballet Pop-Up Boutique. What started as a small merchandise table two decades ago has grown into a full-scale boutique operation with over 15 volunteers per show. Our Boutique carries over 30 types of Nutcrackers, along with Atlanta Ballet branded apparel, ballet-themed gifts, and Nutcracker giftware—perfect holiday shopping for the bunhead in your life or maybe a little treat for yourself.

See something you love? The fun doesn’t stop at the Pop-Up. Shop the Atlanta Ballet Boutique year-round at the Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre and Buckhead studio.

An experience that goes beyond the stage

Not only is this a fantastic Nutcracker ballet for children to watch, it’s an exciting one for children to be a part of. After taking part in auditions, 212 students from the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education are performing in this year's Nutcracker. Their participation provides their families a wonderful opportunity to engage, connect, and build community with fellow ballet families. And for our young dancers, an opportunity to learn, grow, and form lifelong friendships.

Our ballet families are the heart of our community. With over 200 parent volunteers at this year's Nutcracker, the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education offers unparalleled opportunities for engagement, connection, and community building.

Ready to see what makes Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker so special in person this holiday season?