nutcracker tickets in Columbia, MO

Nutcracker Tickets

Columbia, MO

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

Jesse Hall Auditorium | University of Missouri

573.882.3781

Learn More

Group Tickets

December 10th | 7:00PM

Buy Now

America's Favorite Holiday Tradition!

2026 Season

Make this the Christmas they’ll never forget with NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet. Experience the largest Nutcracker production in North America — a breathtaking holiday spectacle featuring world-class international dancers, gravity-defying acrobatics, magnificent costumes, and towering puppets. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this grand production transforms the stage into an unforgettable celebration of the season — one your family will treasure for years to come. Get tickets now!

The Theater

The Jesse Hall Auditorium in Columbia

Welcome to the home of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet in Columbia: Jesse Hall Auditorium, named in honor of Richard H. Jesse, the University President until 1908. The west wing housed the library, and the east wing housed an auditorium for “entertainment and erudition.” The Auditorium, as it was called prior to 1922, served many purposes on the campus. It played host to everything from spirit rallies to lectures to debates to theatrical productions. Many well-known orators of the day lectured here, including William Jennings Bryan (Jan. 13, 1900) and Amelia Earhart (Oct. 17, 1936).

In the 1950s, shortly after condemning the balcony due to concerns about the wooden timbers, the fire marshal advised the university to come up with a better plan. The result is the Auditorium known today, which is not only the largest performance venue at the University of Missouri but also the largest in Columbia. The Auditorium attracts first-class performers including Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Charles, Emmylou Harris and Maya Angelou, just to name a few. The Auditorium hosts more than 200 events a year, many of which are presented by University academic, staff and student groups.

Partner Studio

Columbia Partner Ballet Studio: Dancearts of Columbia

Nutcracker wouldn’t be Nutcracker without the local Children’s cast! Dancing alongside the full professional international cast are local Columbia children from Dancearts of Columbia

Dancearts has provided professional quality dance instruction for ages two through adult in the heart of Downtown Columbia since 1979. The studio has a well-established and award-winning competitive dance team and a wide range of classes for all levels and ages. We offer dance instruction in pre-school, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, Body Toning, Stretch/Strengthening, and Cardio. There is something for everyone at Dancearts, including adult-only classes for any level of dance experience! Contact the studio for more information regarding classes, private lessons, choreography, or studio rentals!

Sign UP

Santa's Workshop is Open For Business!

Head to the Nutcracker Store for the Best Holiday Deals

Shop Now

“What a magnificent show! We’ve attended several different performances of the nutcracker in the past. This show puts all of them to shame! We plan on making this a regular holiday event for our family! Thank you for such a great holiday experience!!”

“Loved the nutcracker production. Costumes were beautiful and dancers as usual did not disappoint. Great family holiday experience”

“Commitment to the theme of Love and Peace”
CNN News

“Technically supreme dancing, dazzling... authentically opulent...”
Calgary Herald

“Technical prowess was…truly “great”...whimsical sets and giant animal stick puppets and colorful costumes… stellar Arabian Variation… breathtaking!”
Cleveland Plain Dealer, 2014

nutcracker tickets in Columbia, MO