South Carolina Ballet invites families to enjoy an afternoon of festive refreshments, beautifully costumed dancers, and cherished Christmas traditions at its 2026 Nutcracker Tea Parties.
For families searching for memorable Christmas activities in Columbia, South Carolina, a visit to the ballet can become much more than an afternoon at the theatre.
This December, South Carolina Ballet will host its popular Nutcracker Tea Parties at the Koger Center for the Arts, offering children, parents, and grandparents the opportunity to meet dancers from William Starrett’s Nutcracker before select performances.
Held on December 12, 13, and 19, 2026, these special gatherings bring the atmosphere of the ballet’s Kingdom of Sweets into an intimate, festive setting.
An Afternoon in the Kingdom of Sweets
Inspired by the elegant festivities of The Nutcracker, South Carolina Ballet’s afternoon teas invite families to enjoy a traditional seated celebration before the performance.
Guests are served a selection of sandwiches, cakes, and hors d’oeuvres, accompanied by hot tea and sweet tea for younger visitors.
Among the highlights is the opportunity to meet South Carolina Ballet dancers dressed in their Nutcracker costumes.
Children can pose for photographs, collect autographs in their Dancebills, and meet some of the performers who bring the ballet’s memorable characters to life.
For young audience members, meeting a professional dancer before watching them perform on stage offers a particularly memorable introduction to the world of classical ballet.
The occasion also provides an opportunity for multiple generations to share an afternoon together, making it a popular choice for grandparents, parents, and children celebrating the Christmas season in Columbia.
Make a Day of Nutcracker at the Koger Center
The Nutcracker Tea Parties are scheduled before three of South Carolina Ballet’s afternoon performances at the Koger Center.
Families can begin their visit with refreshments and photographs before making their way into the auditorium for William Starrett’s full-length production.
The ballet follows Clara from a Christmas celebration into an extraordinary world of dancing snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Kingdom of Sweets.
Presented by South Carolina Ballet’s professional dancers, the 2026 Columbia performances also feature live orchestral accompaniment by the South Carolina Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Scott Weiss.
For families attending both the tea and the ballet, the combination offers an especially complete Christmas experience.
2026 Nutcracker Tea Dates, Times, and Tickets
South Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea Parties will take place at the Koger Center for the Arts on the following dates:
- Saturday, December 12, 2026: 1:00–2:30 PM
- Sunday, December 13, 2026: 1:00–2:30 PM
- Saturday, December 19, 2026: 1:00–2:30 PM
Location: Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Tea admission: $40 per person.
Seating is limited, and advance reservations are recommended. Tables accommodate eight guests, and smaller parties may be seated with other attendees.
Please note: Nutcracker Tea tickets and ballet performance tickets are sold separately. Admission to the tea does not include admission to the performance.
Families planning to attend both events should reserve their tea and ballet tickets for the same date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children meet the Nutcracker dancers?
Yes. South Carolina Ballet dancers attend the Nutcracker Tea Parties in costume, meeting guests for photographs and Dancebill autographs.
Does the Nutcracker Tea include tickets to the ballet?
No. Tea admission and ballet performance admission are separate purchases. The tea takes place before the 3:00 PM matinee on each scheduled date.
Where are the Nutcracker Tea Parties held?
The events take place at the Koger Center for the Arts in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, the home stage of South Carolina Ballet.
Celebrate Christmas with South Carolina Ballet
For children discovering ballet for the first time or families continuing a longstanding Christmas tradition, South Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea offers an opportunity to experience the occasion beyond the stage.
It is an afternoon of festive hospitality, beautiful costumes, and personal encounters with the artists behind one of South Carolina’s most popular Christmas productions.
Discover Nutcracker Tea reservations and performance tickets