The Nutcracker

Ballet in Two Acts

The Nutcracker will be presented at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall on 10 and 11 January 2026, featuring leading soloists from the Bolshoi Theatre and the corps de ballet of the International Classical Ballet.


For the first time in Thessaloniki, the complete version of the legendary ballet will be staged, in the renowned choreography of Vasily Vainonen, accompanied by spectacular sets, authentic costumes and special effects.

The story centres on the Christmas Eve gift given to young Maria by her godfather, Drosselmeyer: a mechanical soldier that also serves as a nutcracker. When the festivities end and the guests depart, Maria returns to the quiet living room to put her Nutcracker to sleep. As the clock strikes midnight, she falls asleep and is transported into a magical, fairy-tale world. The Christmas tree grows miraculously, all the toys — including the Nutcracker — come to life, and a fierce battle breaks out with giant mice invading the room. In the end, the Nutcracker emerges victorious and is transformed into a handsome Prince.

In the second act, Maria and the Nutcracker Prince embark on a magical journey. They encounter the Snow Queen and travel to the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. Although Maria does not wish to be separated from her Nutcracker, on Christmas Day she awakens beside her family to find that all she holds in her hands is the Nutcracker doll — the very gift her godfather gave her.