Florida's holiday stage season starts on Nov 20 with the first Nutcracker and runs through Dec 27. These ten shows cover three kinds of holiday theater: Nutcracker ballets, stage versions of A Christmas Carol and symphony Holiday Pops concerts. Dates and times below come from each company's own page, and ticket prices are left out because they change, so check the box office for seats.
In this guide 10 sections
The Nutcracker at Orlando Ballet
Jorden Morris' production of Tchaikovsky's score at Steinmetz Hall in the Dr. Phillips Center, with sparkling snowfalls and larger than life sets. The runtime is 1 hour and 57 minutes with one 20 minute intermission.
Insider note — Family friendly showtimes are Dec 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23, 26 and 27 at 2 p.m. and Dec 24 at 1 p.m., with relaxed re-entry and pre-show crafts at select performances.
Miami City Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
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Twenty performances in the Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center, played with the Miami City Ballet Orchestra live. The Arsht Center highlights the Snowflakes and the Land of Sweets.
Insider note — The running time was listed as to be determined when we checked.
The Nutcracker at Northwest Florida Ballet
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The 47th annual production at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center, with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra led by David Ott playing Tchaikovsky's score live at each public performance.
Insider note — Shows are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov 20 and Saturday, Nov 21, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov 22.
The Nutcracker at Tallahassee Ballet
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Tallahassee Ballet celebrates 40 years of its Nutcracker at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall at Florida State University, with alumni returning to perform the party scene.
Insider note — Public shows are Dec 19 at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Dec 20 at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The 7:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. shows are marked live orchestra and abbreviated.
Nutcracker Key West
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A tropical take on the holiday classic at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, where sugarplum fairies trade tutus for sea fans and the mice and soldiers get a local twist. The organizers call it one of the largest productions to ever play on a Key West stage.
Insider note — Shows: Dec 3 and 4 at 7 p.m., Dec 5 at 1 p.m., Dec 6 at 1 and 7 p.m., and Dec 7 at 7 p.m.
A Christmas Carol at Gulfshore Playhouse
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A brand new adaptation by Kristen Coury, who also directs, following Scrooge through Christmases past, present and future with live music and dancing. Previews are Nov 17 to 19, opening night is Nov 20 and the final performance is Dec 24.
Insider note — Audience events include a pre-show discussion on Nov 22 and Dec 9 and an actor talkback on Dec 8 after the show.
A Christmas Carol at Orlando Shakes
Jim Helsinger's adaptation of Dickens in the Margeson Theater, billed as a magical and musical spectacle for the whole family. Performances are at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and the runtime is 1 hour and 50 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
Insider note — It is rated PG with heavy theatrical fog and smoke, and children under 5 are not admitted. Dec 17 at 7:30 p.m. is ASL interpreted and audio described.
A Christmas Carol at Titusville Playhouse
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A retelling of Dickens with Patrick Ryan Sullivan portraying more than 30 characters, including Scrooge, his spirits and the Cratchit family. The playhouse lists the show on Stage 2 at 316 S. Palm Avenue, an open air pavilion with cushioned seating.
Insider note — Because Stage 2 is an open air pavilion, dress for the weather.
Holiday Pops with The Florida Orchestra
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Conductor Chelsea Gallo leads the orchestra with baritone Alex Boyd and dancers Madison Pineda Bender and Nicholas Garlo. The program includes Sleigh Ride and a bassoon showcase called BasSOON it Will Be Christmas, played in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
Insider note — Dec 10 and 11 are at 7:30 p.m. at the Straz Center, Dec 12 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Mahaffey Theater, and Dec 13 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Holiday Pops with the Jacksonville Symphony
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The Symphony pairs vocalists Carole J. Bufford and Campbell Walker Fields with the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus and dancers from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, with Tim Hankewich conducting. The program has traditional carols, seasonal standards and special surprises.
Insider note — The page lists Dec 3, 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec 6 at 3 p.m., but its item details show Dec 5 at 3 p.m., so confirm that night's time.
Good to know
When is the first Nutcracker in Florida in 2026?
Northwest Florida Ballet opens first, with its 47th annual Nutcracker at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville on Nov 20, 21 and 22.
Which Florida Nutcracker has a live orchestra?
Miami City Ballet's Nutcracker is performed live by the Miami City Ballet Orchestra, Northwest Florida Ballet plays with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, and Tallahassee Ballet marks two of its shows as live orchestra.
Where can I see A Christmas Carol in Florida in 2026?
Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples runs a new adaptation Nov 20 to Dec 24, Orlando Shakes runs Nov 25 to Dec 24, and Titusville Playhouse runs Dec 11 to 20.
Is there a Nutcracker in Key West?
Yes. Nutcracker Key West plays the Tennessee Williams Theatre Dec 3 to 7, 2026, with a tropical, island themed take on the story.
When are the Holiday Pops concerts in Florida?
The Jacksonville Symphony plays Dec 3 to 6, and The Florida Orchestra plays Dec 10 to 13 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
Keep exploring
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