A COLUMBIA HOLIDAY TRADITION ✦ DECEMBER 12–20, 2026
SOUTH CAROLINA BALLETNutcrackerGet tickets ↗
South Carolina Ballet dancers performing Nutcracker at the Koger Center

WILLIAM STARRETT’S

Nutcracker

Let the holidays take center stage.

Koger Center for the Arts · Columbia, SC

Get tickets ↗Step into the magic ↓

DECEMBER 12–20, 2026 ✦ LIVE ORCHESTRA

SCROLL TO DISCOVER ↓
Six unforgettable performances✦A live orchestra at every show✦Your holiday tradition starts here

A WORLD OF WONDER, CLOSE TO HOME

An extraordinary
holiday escape.

From the first notes of Tchaikovsky’s score to the final flurry of snow, step into a holiday story that brings generations together.

Join Clara on a journey from a Christmas party to the Land of Sweets. South Carolina Ballet brings William Starrett’s Nutcracker to life at Columbia’s Koger Center with beautiful costumes, theatrical scenery, and a live orchestra.

A glimpse of the wonder ↗

DECEMBER 2026 · COLUMBIA, SC

Your ticket
to wonder.

One magical story. Six chances to see it.
All times Eastern. Book through the Koger Center.

Dec12

Saturday

Live orchestraMatinee
$45–$70plus applicable feesBuy tickets ↗
Dec12

Saturday

Live orchestraEvening performance
$45–$70plus applicable feesBuy tickets ↗
Dec13

Sunday

Live orchestraMatinee
$45–$70plus applicable feesBuy tickets ↗
Dec19

Saturday

Live orchestraMatinee
$45–$70plus applicable feesBuy tickets ↗
Dec19

Saturday

Live orchestraEvening performance
$45–$70plus applicable feesBuy tickets ↗
Dec20

Sunday

Live orchestraMatinee
$45–$70plus applicable feesBuy tickets ↗

Ticket availability and final prices are confirmed by the box office. Planning a group visit? ↗

BEFORE THE CURTAIN. BEYOND THE STAGE.

Enhance your day.

Turn a performance into a whole holiday memory.

South Carolina Ballet Nutcracker Tea celebrationTHE KINGDOM OF SWEETS

A LITTLE TEA. A LOT OF MAGIC.

Nutcracker Tea Parties

Share sweet treats, meet costumed dancers, and make time for photographs before the matinee. A festive gathering for children, parents, and grandparents.

December 12, 13 & 19, 2026 · 1:00–2:30 PM

Reserve your tea experience ↗Tea and performance tickets are purchased separately.
A scene from South Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker productionA NEW PERSPECTIVE

CURIOUS ABOUT THE MAGIC?

Backstage Tours

Step closer to the magic. Ask South Carolina Ballet about backstage tour availability, dates, and reservations for your visit.

Availability and booking details by inquiry

Ask about backstage tours ↗Contact the company to confirm your experience.

FROM OUR STAGE TO YOUR SCREEN

Enter the world of
Nutcracker.

Explore the company gallery ↗

Production photography courtesy of South Carolina Ballet.

STORIES FOR THE SEASON

Beyond
the curtain.

A little inspiration before the curtain rises.

YOUR EVENING IN COLUMBIA

Meet us at
the Koger Center.

In the heart of Columbia, on the University of South Carolina campus. Make room for a meal, a stroll, and a little holiday wonder.

Plan your visit ↗

KOGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

1051 Greene Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Get directions ↗
Parking & arrival ↗Accessibility & seating ↗Box office · 803-251-2222 ↗

A FEW HELPFUL DETAILS

Before you go.

When is Nutcracker in Columbia?

The 2026 performances are December 12 and 19 at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and December 13 and 20 at 3:00 PM. See the performance list for ticket links.

Will there be a live orchestra?

Yes. The South Carolina Ballet Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky’s score live at all six 2026 Koger Center performances.

Does a tea ticket include the performance?

No. Reserve your Nutcracker Tea and ballet performance separately. Check both booking pages for availability before planning your visit.

How can I arrange a backstage tour?

Contact South Carolina Ballet using the backstage tour inquiry link above to confirm availability, times, and reservations.

THE BEST GIFTS ARE MEMORIES.

Make room for magic.

Choose your performance ↗