Dance Alive's Nutcracker with the Ocala Symphony plays the Phillips Center Dec. 18-20, 2026, from $47, plus a free Class with Clara and holiday theater.

Last checked Oct. 24, 2026. Facts come from UF Performing Arts, Dance Alive National Ballet and each theater’s own site, linked below. This page is updated each year at the same address.

Yes, The Nutcracker is on in Gainesville this year. Dance Alive National Ballet performs it with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Road, from Friday, Dec. 18, to Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026. Reserved seats are $47 to $67, according to UF Performing Arts, which sells the tickets.

Know before you go

  • When: four shows, Dec. 18-20; times below
  • Where: Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, on the UF campus
  • Tickets: $47 to $67; seniors and students $47; buy from UF Performing Arts
  • Box office: 352-392-2787 or toll-free 800-905-2787
  • Parking: free, in the UF Cultural Plaza garage and lots

Nutcracker showtimes

Day Time
Friday, Dec. 18 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20 2 p.m.

UF Performing Arts calls the show family friendly and notes that dates, times and venues can change. Dance Alive also lists school performances on Thursday, Dec. 17, which are not open for public ticket sales.

Class with Clara. Dance Alive lists a free onstage ballet class for all ages, Class with Clara, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Phillips Center. Check Dance Alive’s site for sign-up details before you go.

Tickets and children

  • Prices: reserved seating $47 to $67; seniors and students $47.
  • Every child needs a ticket, whatever their age, and must be able to sit quietly through the show, according to the UF Performing Arts FAQ. Child-in-lap tickets for children 2 and under cost $10 for many performances.
  • Late arrivals wait until ushers can seat them, and the box office does not refund missed performances. Lobby doors open two hours before the show and theater doors 30 minutes before.
  • Buy from the venue. Resale sites list the same shows at higher prices; UF Performing Arts is the official seller.

Parking and getting there

The Phillips Center sits on Hull Road in the UF Cultural Plaza, next to the Harn Museum of Art. Parking is in the Cultural Plaza garage and surface lots. It is free on weekends, free on weekdays after 3:30 p.m., and free for all Phillips Center events, according to the UF Performing Arts contact page, which also has a parking map. The venue advises arriving at least 30 minutes early.

Road work on the way is on our road construction and closures page, and buses and parking around town are on our getting around and parking page.

Other holiday shows

  • “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O, Dec. 4-20. Acrosstown 2026-27 season.
  • The Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place, has staged “A Christmas Carol” in past Decembers, but had not posted a 2026 holiday show on its own site when we checked on Oct. 24. We will add it when it does.

More concerts and plays through early December are on our arts and exhibitions this month page.

What this means for you

  • Pick your show early and buy from UF Performing Arts, the official seller.
  • Taking a toddler? Every child needs a ticket; lap tickets for 2 and under are $10 for many shows.
  • Make a day of it: the downtown holiday parade is Saturday, Dec. 5, and the city’s lights are on our holiday parade and tree lighting and holiday lights and Christmas events pages.

Frequently asked questions

When is The Nutcracker in Gainesville in 2026?

Dance Alive National Ballet performs The Nutcracker with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the Phillips Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20.

How much are Nutcracker tickets at the Phillips Center?

Reserved seats are $47 to $67, and seniors and students pay $47, according to UF Performing Arts. Every child needs a ticket; child-in-lap tickets for ages 2 and under are $10 for many performances.

Where do you park for the Phillips Center?

In the garage and surface lots at the University of Florida Cultural Plaza. Parking is free on weekends and for Phillips Center events, UF Performing Arts says.

Is there a free Nutcracker activity for kids?

Dance Alive lists Class with Clara, a free onstage ballet class, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Phillips Center.

Is the Hippodrome doing A Christmas Carol in 2026?

The Hippodrome Theatre had not posted its 2026 holiday show on its own site when we checked on Oct. 24. We will add it when it does.