Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet plays the Tennessee Theatre on Tuesday, Dec. 22, with shows at noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are sold on Ticketmaster.

The touring Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet plays the Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay St., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, with shows at noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster from the company’s Knoxville page; it has not published prices.

Last checked 2026-10-27.

The production bills itself as the largest Nutcracker in North America: an international cast of dancers with acrobats, oversized puppets and elaborate costumes, set to Tchaikovsky’s score. Local children from the Angela Floyd School for Dance and Music dance alongside the professional company, the organizer says. The show also played the Tennessee Theatre in December 2024, the theater’s listings show.

Upcoming dates

  • Tue. Dec. 22, noon
  • Tue. Dec. 22, 4 p.m.
  • Tue. Dec. 22, 8 p.m.

The organizer lists dates through Dec. 22. Each time links to its own Ticketmaster sale on the Nutcracker! Knoxville page.

Where it is and parking

The Tennessee Theatre is at 604 S. Gay St. in downtown Knoxville. From Interstate 40 in either direction, the theater’s directions say to take the James White Parkway exit to Summit Hill Drive, turn right on Summit Hill Drive, then left onto Gay Street at the third traffic light.

The theater does not own or run any parking. It names these as the closest options:

  • Free after 6 p.m. on weekdays: the Locust Street, Market Square, Langley and Dwight Kessel garages. Downtown has more than 10 garages and surface lots on the same rule, the theater says, which covers the 8 p.m. show.
  • Paid: First Tennessee Plaza and Riverview Tower.

The noon and 4 p.m. shows fall in weekday business hours, so allow for paid parking and more traffic. More on downtown garages is in our Market Square guide and getting around Knoxville.

Tickets and cost

  • Where to buy: Ticketmaster, from the links on the organizer’s page. The Tennessee Theatre warns that tickets on third-party resale sites often cost far more and may not be genuine; it sells only through its website, its box office and Ticketmaster.
  • Box office: 224 Clinch Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, 865-684-1200.
  • Prices: not published on the organizer’s page.
  • Groups: 10 or more save 25% and pay no online ticket fees, call 800-320-1733. The discount does not apply to Platinum or Gold Circle seats and cannot be combined with other offers. Homeschool groups of 25 or more are invited to a question-and-answer session with a soloist after the show.

What to know

  • Every child needs a ticket. The theater requires a ticket for everyone regardless of age, including children who sit on a lap, according to its FAQs.
  • Arrive early. The theater suggests arriving at least half an hour before curtain.
  • All sales are final. The theater does not refund tickets because of weather.
  • No dress code. Wear what you like; the theater asks guests to keep hats and other bulky items from blocking the view behind them.
  • Concessions: the lobby stand sells snacks, sodas, beer, wine and mixed drinks at most shows.

For more of the season, including tree lightings and light displays, see our holiday lights and Christmas events guide.

Dates and venues as listed on the Knoxville Chamber calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Nutcracker at the Tennessee Theatre in 2026?

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet plays the Tennessee Theatre on Tuesday, Dec. 22, with three shows: noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Where do I buy Nutcracker tickets in Knoxville?

The touring company links each show to Ticketmaster. The Tennessee Theatre box office at 224 Clinch Ave. answers at 865-684-1200, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Do children need a ticket for the Nutcracker?

Yes. The Tennessee Theatre requires a ticket for everyone regardless of age, including a child who sits on an adult’s lap.

Where do I park for the Tennessee Theatre?

The theater has no lot of its own. It names the Locust Street, Market Square, Langley and Dwight Kessel garages as the closest, and says downtown garages and lots are free after 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Are there group discounts for the Nutcracker?

Yes. The company says groups of 10 or more save 25% and pay no online ticket fees. The discount does not apply to Platinum or Gold Circle seats.