Most productions of The Nutcracker have no formal dress code, but the audience dresses up. For an evening show, wear a cocktail dress or a dressy midi in velvet, jacquard, tulle, or a jewel tone. For a matinee, a festive day dress with flats or low heels is right, and kids can wear their holiday best.
Shop our Nutcracker dresses and dresses for the ballet and theater.
Is there a dress code for The Nutcracker ballet?
Usually not. Ballet companies rarely enforce one, and you will see everything from jeans to gowns. Most people treat it as a holiday occasion, so "dressy casual" or "cocktail" is the safe target. If you are attending an opening night, a gala performance, or a benefit, check your ticket or the theater's site, since those nights often ask for cocktail or formal attire.
What should I wear to The Nutcracker by performance type?
| Performance | What most people wear | Dress ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend matinee | Dressy casual, holiday sweaters, family outfits | A knee-length or midi dress with sleeves, tights, flats |
| Weeknight or weekend evening | Cocktail attire | A velvet, jacquard, or sparkly midi with heels or dressy flats |
| Opening night or gala | Cocktail to formal | A gown or a structured midi, statement jewelry |
| Box seats or a historic opera house | Dressier than the rest of the hall | A gown or your most formal midi |
What colors and fabrics should I wear to The Nutcracker?
- Colors: black, navy, red, deep green, gold, and silver all fit a December evening. Navy and silver echo the snow scene. Gold and pink feel like the Sugar Plum Fairy.
- Fabrics: velvet, jacquard, lace, and tulle look festive and hold their shape through a long sit.
- Length: a midi is the easiest choice. It looks dressy, covers your knees in theater seats, and is easy to manage on stairs.
Is the theater cold during The Nutcracker?
Theaters are often kept cool, and you may wait outside or in a drafty lobby before the doors open. Plan for both:
- Choose sleeves, or bring a wrap or cardigan you can keep on your lap.
- Wear tights. They add warmth without changing the look of a midi.
- Check your coat if the theater has coat check. A bulky coat on your lap is uncomfortable for two hours. Coat check lines are long after the show, so either arrive early or keep a slim wrap and skip it.
What should kids wear to The Nutcracker?
Many families make it a holiday tradition, so kids are often in velvet, tulle, or plaid. Keep it comfortable: soft waistbands, tights without itchy seams, and shoes they can walk in from the parking garage. Bring a layer for intermission, and pick a matinee for younger children.
Which JessaKae dresses work for The Nutcracker?
Winslow Dress in Navy
- Luxurious deep navy jacquard
- Strapless with a structured bodice and corset back
- Full, voluminous skirt
- Pockets
Sizes 00 to 34. A strong pick for an evening show or gala night. Add a wrap for the theater, and keep your phone and ticket in the pockets.
Mary Dress in Red
- Rich velvet fabric
- Square neckline lined with pearls
- Fixed straps with adjustable bows and a fitted waistline
- Pockets; if between sizes, size down if smaller chested
Sizes XXS to 6X. Red velvet looks festive for a matinee or evening show. It has straps rather than sleeves, so bring a wrap for a cool theater.
Kelly Dress in Black
- Luxurious black jacquard midi
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper
- Pockets; size up in the black color
Sizes 00 to 34. A classic little black dress for a weeknight or evening performance. Pair it with a velvet or faux fur wrap.
Mariposa Dress in Black
- Embroidered butterfly appliqués
- Tulle-lined gown with a structured, boned bodice
- Sweetheart neckline with ruffle straps
- Corset back and zipper closure
Sizes 00 to 34. Dramatic enough for opening night or box seats, where the audience dresses up the most.
Scarlett Dress in Burgundy
- Deep crimson velvet
- Wide boat neckline
- Drop waist with a gathered bubble skirt
- Back zipper; fits true to size
Sizes XXS to 6X. Our pick for a matinee: the velvet and rich red look festive in the afternoon without feeling like a gown. Add tights and flats, and bring a cardigan or wrap for a cool theater.
For more evening options, see Gowns & Formal Dresses and our Holiday Dresses.
FAQ
Can I wear jeans to The Nutcracker?
Yes, at most theaters you will not be turned away. Most of the audience dresses up, though, so a dress or dressy separates will feel more in place.
Should I wear a gown to The Nutcracker?
Only for an opening night, gala, or benefit performance, or if you want to. For a regular evening show, a cocktail-length or midi dress is plenty.
What should I wear to a Nutcracker matinee?
A festive day dress, like a velvet dress in red or burgundy, with tights and flats or low heels. Matinee crowds dress a little more casually than evening crowds, so skip the gown.
What shoes should I wear to The Nutcracker?
Wear shoes you can walk and climb stairs in, since balcony seating and parking garages add up. Block heels, dressy flats, or ankle boots all work.
How long is The Nutcracker?
Many productions run around two hours, including an intermission. Check your theater for the exact running time, and dress for sitting that long.