Sugar plum fairies dance alongside RCMP officers as Canada’s beloved Nutcracker takes the NAC stage! The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s uniquely Canadian production of The Nutcracker closes its Ottawa run on December 7, 2025, offering the final chance to experience this magical holiday tradition at Southam Hall.
The Nutcracker has been enchanting audiences for generations, but Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings a distinctly Canadian flavour to Tchaikovsky’s classic. With the NAC Orchestra providing live accompaniment, this production features hockey games on frozen ponds, RCMP officers battling the Mouse King on Parliament Hill, and countless other Canadian touches that delight audiences young and old.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs The Nutcracker at NAC Southam Hall December 3-7, 2025. This Canadian-themed production features live NAC Orchestra accompaniment, with uniquely Canadian elements including RCMP, hockey, and Parliament Hill scenes.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | December 7, 2025 (Final Performance) |
| 📍 Location | NAC Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street |
| 🎟️ Tickets | From $50+ (check NAC website) |
| ⏰ Show Time | 7:00 PM |
A Uniquely Canadian Nutcracker
Canadian Elements
This production transforms the classic ballet into a Canadian celebration:
- Hockey game on a frozen pond replaces traditional party scenes
- RCMP officers battle the evil Mouse King
- Parliament Hill serves as a dramatic backdrop
- Hudson’s Bay Company references throughout
- Canadian wilderness in the Kingdom of Sweets
- Local cultural touches that resonate with Canadian audiences
World-Class Production
The artistic team behind this production:
- Choreography by esteemed RWB alumni Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon
- Music by Tchaikovsky performed live by the NAC Orchestra
- Costumes designed by Paul Daigle
- Set design crafted by Brian Perchaluk
- Running time approximately 2 hours (52 min Act I, intermission, 50 min Act II)
Illustrative image only.
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Canada’s Premier Ballet Company
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet holds a distinguished place in Canadian culture:
- Founded in 1939 - Canada’s oldest ballet company
- Royal designation granted in 1953 by Queen Elizabeth II
- International touring brings Canadian ballet worldwide
- Training ground for world-class dancers
- Community engagement across Canada
The Nutcracker Tradition
RWB’s Nutcracker has become a Canadian institution:
- Performed annually across the country
- Beloved by multiple generations of families
- Updated and refined over the years
- Maintains classical excellence with Canadian identity
- Creates cherished holiday memories
The NAC Orchestra
Live Musical Excellence
The National Arts Centre Orchestra enhances the production:
- Full orchestral performance of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score
- Canada’s national orchestra brings world-class musicianship
- Live accompaniment creates magical synergy with dancers
- Southam Hall acoustics provide optimal sound
The Score
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker score features beloved pieces:
- Overture and March
- Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
- Waltz of the Snowflakes
- Russian Dance (Trepak)
- Chinese Dance
- Arabian Dance
- Waltz of the Flowers
Performance Information
December 7 Show Details
Final Ottawa Performance:
- Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Venue: NAC Southam Hall
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours with intermission
Venue Information
National Arts Centre
- Address: 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
- Parking: Underground NAC parking available
- Transit: Steps from Rideau Station (O-Train)
- Accessibility: Accessible seating available
Illustrative image only.
Planning Your Visit
Ticket Information
Secure your seats for this popular production:
- Purchase: NAC Box Office or nac-cna.ca
- Prices: Vary by section and availability
- Premium seats: Best views of choreography
- Book early: Holiday performances sell quickly
What to Expect
Prepare for your Nutcracker experience:
- Arrive early to find parking and seating
- Dress code ranges from casual to dressy
- Intermission offers refreshments
- Photography not permitted during performance
- Children typically enjoy this family-friendly ballet
For First-Time Ballet Attendees
The Nutcracker is perfect for newcomers:
- Story is easy to follow
- Music is familiar and beloved
- Canadian elements add accessibility
- Running time is manageable
- Visually spectacular throughout
Why The Nutcracker?
Holiday Tradition
The Nutcracker has become synonymous with Christmas:
- Performed worldwide during holiday season
- Creates multi-generational memories
- Introduces children to classical arts
- Provides magical escapism
- Embodies the spirit of the season
Cultural Significance
Beyond entertainment, The Nutcracker matters:
- Supports professional ballet companies
- Showcases live orchestral music
- Preserves classical art forms
- Provides accessible cultural experience
- Inspires future artists
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is The Nutcracker appropriate for children? A: Yes! The Nutcracker is one of the most family-friendly ballets. Children typically enjoy the colorful costumes, magical story, and exciting dance sequences. The RWB’s Canadian elements add extra appeal for young audiences.
Q: How long is the performance? A: Approximately 2 hours total: Act I (52 minutes), intermission (20 minutes), and Act II (50 minutes).
Q: What makes this production Canadian? A: The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s version includes hockey scenes, RCMP officers battling the Mouse King on Parliament Hill, Hudson’s Bay Company references, and various Canadian cultural touches throughout.
Q: Should I dress formally? A: There’s no strict dress code. Audience attire ranges from smart casual to formal. Many people enjoy dressing up for the occasion, especially for evening performances.
Q: Are there any more performances after December 7? A: December 7 is the final Ottawa performance of the 2025 NAC run. Check the RWB website for other tour dates if you miss this engagement.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker at the National Arts Centre represents the best of Canadian holiday traditions. This uniquely Canadian production, featuring Parliament Hill, RCMP officers, and hockey references, transforms Tchaikovsky’s classic into something distinctly our own while maintaining the magic that has enchanted audiences for generations.
December 7, 2025 marks the final opportunity to catch this year’s NAC engagement. With the world-class NAC Orchestra providing live accompaniment and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s exceptional dancers bringing the story to life, this Nutcracker delivers an unforgettable holiday experience.
Visit nac-cna.ca to secure your tickets for the final performance.
Source: National Arts Centre, Royal Winnipeg Ballet - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
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