When does The Nutcracker take place in Duisburg?

The performance starts on Friday, January 29, 2027, at 19:30.

Where will The Nutcracker be performed?

The event takes place at the Mercatorhalle Duisburg in the CityPalais at König-Heinrich-Platz in 47051 Duisburg.

How long does the performance last?

The performance duration is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes including intermission.

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets are available according to the current presale from 42.50 euros. The regular prices vary depending on the category.

Is the Mercatorhalle accessible for people with disabilities?

Information and booking options for wheelchair spaces and seats for companions are available through the ticket service.

Experience The Nutcracker live: Tchaikovsky's winter fairy tale enchants Duisburg

Name: The Nutcracker: Ballet and Orchestra
Start: 2027-01-29T19:30:00+01:00
End: 2027-01-29T21:40:00+01:00
Location: Mercatorhalle Duisburg

The Nutcracker transforms Duisburg into a winter fairy tale

When the lights dim on January 29, 2027, at the Mercatorhalle Duisburg, a journey begins between festive sound splendor, dance precision, and fairy-tale fantasy. The Nutcracker – Ballet with Orchestra blends Tchaikovsky's timeless music with the great tradition of classical ballet.

Clara's dream between snow and stars

At the center is Clara, who receives a nutcracker in the form of a small soldier on Christmas Eve. In the nocturnal dream world, the toy comes to life: An army of mischievous mice appears, the nutcracker transforms into a prince, and Clara enters a realm where snowflakes dance and flowers seem to glow.

The story is based on E. T. A. Hoffmann and is one of the most popular fairy tale subjects in international stage art. Since its premiere in December 1892 at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, the two-part ballet has been one of the most performed works in the classical repertoire.

Tchaikovsky's music as a sparkling stage space

The orchestral score opens a sound space full of contrasts: delicate lullaby colors meet dramatic crescendos, dancer character pieces greet the radiant elegance of the flower waltz. At the Mercatorhalle, the music, together with the choreography, unfolds its special allure and allows the theater atmosphere to shimmer between festive warmth and fairy-tale tension.

Classical choreography, great ensemble art

The touring production for the 2026–2027 season will be presented as an original production by Franceconcert and interpreted by the Paris Ballet Theater. The staging draws upon the famous choreography tradition of Lev Ivanov. Precise group scenes, virtuosic solos, and fairy-tale tableaus lead through a dramaturgy that immediately reaches children and fascinates adults with its choreographic sophistication.

The set design relies on strong images: the festive Christmas evening, the battle of the mice, glittering snow worlds, and the colorful journey through the kingdom of sweets. Costumes, lighting ambiance, and acoustics combine to create a sensual stage experience that carries the magic of the Christmas season into January.

A ballet evening for the whole family

With a performance duration of around two hours and ten minutes including intermission, the evening offers space for deep feelings, musical highlights, and the concentrated beauty of classical acting and dance art. The audience reaction thrives on the interplay between fairy-tale intimacy and spectacular ensemble effects.

Conclusion: The Nutcracker promises a festive stage experience in Duisburg with Tchaikovsky's world-famous music, classical choreography, and poetic images. Those who want to experience the magic of ballet live should secure tickets for the Mercatorhalle now.