KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The Nutcracker
ENJOY THE AUDIENCE ACTIVITIES
Meet Us at the Welcome Center
Begin your Nutcracker experience with a little extra sparkle. Stop by the Welcome Center for a warm holiday greeting, insider tips from our team, and a quick guide to all the pre-show fun happening throughout the theater.
Arrive early — we’ll help you find the magic waiting around every corner.
Clara’s Corner: Where Make- Believe Comes Alive!
Behind the Ballet! Sponsor
Step inside Clara’s Corner in the Kodosky Room — a whimsical space designed especially for our younger guests. Here, kids can play, create, and move their way into the magic of The Nutcracker before the curtain rises.
Inside Clara’s Corner, you’ll find:
- Meet & Greet With Clara – Say hello to Clara! Strike a pose and capture a magical moment with our star. She’ll be greeting guests throughout the run — ready to make every child’s eyes sparkle.
- Multiple Holiday Photo Stations – Another picture-perfect backdrop to snap a sweet holiday memory before the show even begins.
- Nutcracker Mad Libs Station – Add your own silly twist to this classic story — laughter encouraged!
- Arts & Crafts – Make a keepsake inspired by the world of The Nutcracker.
- Dancer’s Toolkit Station – Curious what it takes to be a ballerina or soldier on stage? Explore costumes, props, and fun behind-the-scenes secrets.
- Learn a Dance – Try a few Nutcracker-inspired moves with guidance from Ballet Austin’s teaching artists — perfect for tiny twirlers.
Bring your curiosity and your holiday sparkle — this is where tiny dancers and big imaginations take center stage.
Take a Peek Behind the Ballet!
Behind the Ballet! Sponsor
Step into Gallery 701 for an immersive, museum-style experience that gives you a closer look at the story, history, and artistry behind the ballet.
Experience Highlights:
- The Nutcracker Synopsis & History – Discover the timeless story of The Nutcracker and learn why this beloved ballet has captured hearts for generations.
- Storybook Station – Turn the pages of The Nutcracker and follow Clara on her journey!
- Coming Attractions Stations – Get a sneak peek at upcoming productions and explore what’s next on Ballet Austin’s stage — perfect for fans already planning their next magical night out.
- Holiday Photo Moment (with Giant Nutcracker) – Strike a festive pose with one of our towering Nutcrackers — a cheerful Instagram-ready stop you won’t want to miss.
Behind the Ballet changes with every production, so even if you’ve visited before, you’ll discover something new each time.
Snap Pics at the Selfie Stations
Lights, camera, curtain! Snap a pic at our themed selfie spots and tag @balletaustin for a chance to be featured. They’re scattered throughout the venue (Kodosky and Gallery 701 to name a few) and out on the terrace—find them all and strike a pose!
Cocktails, Mocktails, & More!
Sip, savor, and soak it all in! Treat yourself to handcrafted specialty cocktails inspired by the performance, paired with “small bites” that are perfect for sharing. Then take your drink out to the terrace, where the stunning downtown skyline sparkles before you and the crisp autumn breeze sets the perfect mood for an unforgettable experience.
Food items listed are not permitted inside the venue and must be consumed on the Terrace. Limited quantities available.
Learn More at Footlights
Footlights Sponsor
Want the inside scoop before the curtain rises? Join our knowledgeable staff for an engaging look at the story, themes, and creative process behind the performance. Starts 1 hour before showtime at theater entrances 23 & 24. It’s just 15 minutes—and a great way to deepen the experience.
Shop The Gift Barre
The perfect gift? It’s waiting at the Guild Gift Barre. From collectible Nutcrackers to t-shirts and festive ornaments—including this year’s Nutcracker photo book and special anniversary ornaments celebrating Artistic Director Stephen Mills—it’s your one-stop shop for holiday cheer and meaningful souvenirs. Plus, every purchase supports Ballet Austin’s scholarship programs—feel-good gifting at its finest!
GETTING TO THE LONG CENTER - ARRIVE EARLY
Parking
Arrive early and have time to relax, enjoy the pre-show activities, and see the best view of downtown Austin on the H-E-B Terrace!
The Long Center and our Box Office open 90-minutes before showtime.
PALMER EVENTS CENTER GARAGE is the Long Center’s primary parking structure, located east of the Long Center.
- NORTH entrance off of Riverside Drive
- SOUTH entrance off of Barton Springs Road
- $10 per vehicle
RIVERSOUTH GARAGE PARKING is located at 425 W Riverside Dr. located across the street of the Long Center.
- Entrance is located on W Riverside Drive between Barton Springs Road and S 1st Street.
- Allow ~5 minutes to walk from RiverSouth Garage to the Long Center
- $10 per vehicle + tax
- RiverSouth Garage Parking is a private parking facility managed and operated by Park Chirp
- You can reserve parking for RiverSouth Garage using Peak Parking and ParkChirp
801 PARKING GARAGE is located at 801 Barton Springs Road, south of the Long Center
- Entrance off of Barton Springs Road
- Allow ~10 minutes to walk from the 801 Parking Garage to the Long Center
- $10 per vehicle + tax
- 801 Parking Garage is a private parking facility
- Guests can pre-pay for parking through Peak Parking
ONE TEXAS CENTER GARAGE PARKING is located at 505 Barton Springs Road.
- Enter the Garage directly from Haywood Avenue
- Allow ~10 minutes to walk from One Texas Center to the Long Center
- One Texas Center Garage is a public parking facility managed and operated by the City of Austin
- Prices vary
Please note parking rates are subject to change based on special events
Paid valet parking is available with drop-off and pick-up locations next to the Long Center’s box office and main entrances. Please note parking rates are subject to change based on special events.
- Drop off by driving east on Riverside Drive, and enter the first drive on your right as your approach the Long Center.
- $20 per vehicle, cash only, for valet to place car in garage*.
- $40 per vehicle, cash only for parking on circle drive*.
*subject to availability
The Palmer Events Center garage has 24 accessible/handicapped parking spaces located closest to the elevators on each level.
- Patrons may also enter the valet line through the first entrance to the Long Center off of Riverside Drive and pull up to the curb to drop off guests with mobility challenges at the main entrance.
- Elevator access is available through the Ground Level lobby door next to the box office.
- Staff will be available to direct you should you need assistance.
REMEMBER YOUR TICKETS
Access Your Digital Tickets On Your Mobile Device
Using your mobile device, click the ACCESS MY DIGITAL TICKET WALLET button above and log in using the same email address you used to make your purchase. You can then choose to have an access code be sent to your email, OR you can enter the password used at purchase.
CLICK HERE for an easy instructional guide on accessing your digital wallet.
- Your QR codes will activate 48 hours prior to your performance start time and will refresh every 30 seconds.
- Please DO NOT BRING SCREENSHOTS OR PRINTOUTS, as these will not be accepted at the door.
- You will also be able to share your tickets starting 48 hours prior to your performance by clicking the share button in your wallet.
QUICK TIP: Select the “Stay Logged In” button to stay logged in for 30 days.
For information on how to share your tickets and other common questions, visit our Digital FAQ’s page.
If you are picking up tickets at Will Call, please arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime and bring a valid ID. The Long Center’s box office is located on the Ground Level, adjacent to the grand staircase.
Tickets that were not purchased directly from Ballet Austin but through third-party websites or ticket brokers may not be valid and may have been purchased for more than face value.
- If you did not purchase your tickets from the Ballet Austin box office or online at our official website, balletaustin.org, be sure to check your tickets before you leave for the Long Center and contact the seller if you notice any problems.
- Ballet Austin does not have a record of purchases made through ticket brokers or resellers and may not be able to assist you if the tickets you purchased are missing scannable bar codes, seat numbers or other important information that proves their validity.
- Be safe and always purchase your tickets directly from Ballet Austin!
The Nutcracker Sponsors
2025/26 Season Sponsors
Season Underwriter
Season Underwriter
2025/26 Hospitality Partners
2025/26 PR and Digital Agency Sponsor
2025/26 Official Program Sponsor
Government Funding Sponsors / Additional Funding
Ballet Austin is supported in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts